Learn about the conditions for investor residency in the UAE, as the United Arab Emirates is one of the most prominent investment destinations in the world, attracting investors of various nationalities thanks to its favorable business environment and promising investment opportunities. Obtaining an investor residency in the UAE is a crucial step to ensure that these available opportunities are taken advantage of, as this residency allows investors to establish their businesses and remain in the country legally and comfortably. The conditions for investor residency in the UAE include a set of legal and procedural requirements that aim to regulate investment operations and ensure their sustainability, which contributes to strengthening the local economy and supporting sustainable development in the country.

 

Conditions for investor residence in the Emirates

The conditions for investor residency in the UAE depend on the type of investment in Dubai and the entity through which the residency is obtained. Here are the most important general conditions that investors must meet to obtain investor residency:

1. Real Estate Investment: The investor must purchase a property in the UAE. The property must also be fully owned by the investor and not mortgaged.
2. Investment in companies: The investor must be a partner or owner of a commercial project registered in the UAE. The required investment value is determined according to the type of business activity and location.
3. Golden Visas: The UAE offers a long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) to investors who meet certain conditions, such as investing a certain amount in economic or real estate projects.
4. Compliance with laws: Investors must comply with all local laws and regulations, including submitting necessary documents such as a valid passport, health insurance, and business plans in the case of companies.
5. Duration of stay: The duration of stay depends on the type of investment, as the residence can be temporary with the possibility of renewal or long-term in the case of golden visas.

These conditions vary depending on the free zone or emirate in which the investment is made, so it is advisable to contact the relevant government agencies or seek the help of specialized companies such as “Atqan” to obtain accurate advice and smooth procedures.

Steps to establish an investor in the Emirates

To obtain an investor residency in the UAE, several steps must be followed, including legal and administrative procedures. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choosing the type of investment: Real estate investment in Dubai, as choosing a property that is eligible for investment in the Emirates . Also, commercial investment in terms of establishing a company or participating in an existing company, while ensuring that the minimum capital required is met according to the type of business activity.
2. Establishing the company or purchasing the property: Registering the company with the Department of Economic Development in the relevant emirate, and obtaining a commercial license. Completing the process of purchasing the property and registering it in the name of the investor in the Department of Lands and Properties.
3. Obtaining a visa: Submitting an application for an investor visa through the eChannels platform or through the competent authorities in the free zone in which the investment is being made. The required documents are also submitted, such as a valid passport, business plan (in the case of companies), and proof of ownership of the property (in the case of real estate investment).
4. Medical examination and health insurance: Conducting the required medical examination as part of the residency application process. Obtaining health insurance approved by the health authorities in the Emirates.
5. Receiving the residence card: After approval of the application, an investor residence card is issued, which allows the investor to reside in the Emirates for a specific period with the possibility of renewal.
6. Renewal and Ongoing Procedures: Investors must follow up on the validity of their residency and renew it in a timely manner.
Follow up on legal and commercial obligations to ensure the legal continuity of the investment.
The steps and procedures may vary slightly depending on the type of investment and the emirate or free zone in which the investment is made, so it is preferable to cooperate with specialized companies such as “Atqan” to ensure that the correct steps are followed efficiently and effectively.

Factors in the cost of investor residence in the UAE

The cost of an investor’s residence in the UAE is affected by several factors, which vary according to the type of investment in Dubai , the location of the investment, and the required procedures. The following are the most prominent factors that affect the cost of an investor’s residence in the UAE:

1. Real Estate Investment: The cost of purchasing the property represents the largest part of the cost, and may include registration fees and property taxes.
2. Business Investment: Costs include company registration, business licenses, and purchasing shares or contributing capital.
3. Investor Visa Fee: Includes fees for issuing a residence visa, which depends on the length of stay (annual, 5 years, 10 years).
4. Medical examination fees: The costs of conducting the medical examination required to obtain a residence visa.
5. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, and its cost varies depending on the type of coverage and the hospital or insurance company.
6. Business License: Includes fees associated with obtaining a business license in a particular emirate, which can vary based on the type of activity and size of the company.
7. Consulting fees: include the costs of hiring legal consulting firms or specialized services such as “Atqan” to assist the investor in the application and procedures.
8. Registration and documentation fees: Costs of registering the property or company with the relevant authorities, and fees for document documentation required.
   Residence renewal fees include fees associated with renewing the investor visa upon its expiration.
   These factors vary according to the emirate or free zone in which the investment is made, so it is always preferable to review the details with the relevant authorities or seek the help of specialized consultants to ensure that you know all the expected costs and plan your budget correctly.

Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners

Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners requires following a set of steps and procedures to ensure compliance with local laws and achieve success in the market. Here are the steps for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners:

1. Choose a trade name that complies with Dubai laws, and the name must be unique and not used by other companies.
2. Determine what business activities you want to engage in, as this will affect the type of license you will need.
3. Preparing documents: Valid passport for investors and shareholders. Personal photos for key employees. Company articles of association that clarify the company structure and type of activities.
4. Choosing a suitable location for the company’s office in Dubai, as this may require renting a physical office or taking advantage of virtual office services in some free zones.
5.  Submitting the registration application and obtaining the commercial license from the Free Zone Administration.
6. Register the company with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and obtain a commercial license.
7. Open a business bank account in one of the local banks in Dubai, and submit the required documents.
8. Obtaining residence visas for investors and employees, which requires submitting an application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
9. Register with the local tax office if the company’s activity is subject to value added tax (VAT) or other taxes.
10. Comply with all local laws and regulations relating to companies, including the submission of periodic financial and accounting reports.

Itqan Company services in establishing an investor residence in the Emirates to establish a company there

Atqan Company provides a comprehensive range of services to help investors establish their companies in the UAE, which contributes to speeding up the process and facilitating procedures. Below is an overview of Atqan’s services in establishing an investor in the UAE:

• Legal Consultations: Providing comprehensive legal consultations on investment laws, incorporation requirements, and appropriate types of companies.
• Business Consulting: Providing advice on business selection, business planning, and market strategies.
• Document preparation: Assist in preparing and compiling all documents necessary for company registration, such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and licenses.
• Government Registration: Providing support in registering the company with the relevant government agencies, including the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zones.
• Business Licensing: Providing assistance in obtaining the necessary commercial and industrial licenses based on the type of business and location.
• Facilitating the account opening process: Assistance in opening a business bank account, dealing with local banks, and submitting the required documents.
• Visas and Consulting: Providing advice and assistance in obtaining residence visas for investors and employees, including medical procedures and health insurance.
• Office Location Selection: Providing advice on office selection and leasing, including virtual offices and shared services in free zones.
• Logistics Support Services: Providing integrated logistics services such as facilities and infrastructure management.
• Compliance with Laws: Ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations, including financial and tax reporting.
• Tax Consulting: Providing advice on local tax requirements and VAT registration if required.
• Post-Incorporation Support: Providing ongoing support services after the company is established, including assistance with updating licenses, renewing visas, and managing legal affairs.
  Atqan is an ideal partner for investors seeking to establish companies in the UAE, thanks to its comprehensive services that contribute to facilitating all aspects of the incorporation process.

In conclusion, the UAE is an attractive destination for foreign investors, thanks to its favorable economic environment and investment-friendly laws. Understanding the requirements for investor residency in the UAE is an essential step towards achieving success in this dynamic market. It is essential for investors to be aware of the requirements for real estate or commercial investment, visa requirements, and associated costs, in addition to adhering to local laws. By following the right procedures and using specialized experts such as Atqan, investors can efficiently achieve their investment goals and take full advantage of the opportunities that the UAE offers. Adhering to the applicable terms and procedures will contribute to ensuring a smooth and fruitful investment experience in one of the most prominent global investment destinations.

Frequently asked questions about investor residency requirements in the UAE