With its world-class infrastructure, high quality of life and year-round sunshine, Dubai’s appeal is obvious. But if you’re looking to stay for longer than a two-week holiday, you will need a visa. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of visa options available for internationals, each of which serves a distinct purpose. In this article, we will shine a light on one of the lesser-discussed yet no-less-valuable routes to obtaining residency in Dubai: the Partner Visa. We will explore:
A Partner Visa, also known as a Partner Investor Visa, allows an individual to sponsor themselves as a business partner or investor in an existing UAE-based company with more than one owner, partner or shareholder. It differs from a traditional investor visa, which is only applicable for investors with sole proprietorship company (in other words, one owner with no partners or shareholders). Typically, a Partner Visa is issued for five or ten years. It is one of the most flexible visas on offer for international investors, allowing them to manage a business while residing legally in the UAE.
Not everyone will qualify for a Partner Visa in Dubai and applicants will need to meet specific criteria including:
Already considering getting a partner visa but not sure where to begin? Our friendly team of advisors at Charterhouse Lombard has helped countless individuals obtain a Partner Visa over the years and would be more than happy to explain the process and provide guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.
In the meantime, we have broken down the process into several steps to give you an idea of what to expect along the way.
Obtaining a Partner Visa in the UAE can take up to a few months. To ensure you can legally stay in the country, ensure you have a valid six-month multiple entry visa. The visa allows for multiple entries within six months, with each stay limited to 30 days. It can take anywhere between 10–20 days to process this, so it is worth ensuring you have all of the right documents in order to avoid delays.
You will need to ensure that you have the correct documents to complete your application for a Partner Visa, otherwise you may face unnecessary hold-ups – or worse, outright rejection. You will need to present:
This list is not exhaustive and requirements may change at any time. For the latest requirements, contact Charterhouse Lombard or visit the Dubai government website.
Complete the application form, along with your supporting documents. Depending on the jurisdiction, accuracy of your submission and the specific procedures involved, the approval process could take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.
A Partner Visa offers countless benefits to investors and entrepreneurs alike.
At Charterhouse Lombard, we are committed to helping investors and entrepreneurs thrive in the UAE. With over 18 years of experience, we have the on-the-ground expertise, knowledge and insights to ensure you are prepared for every eventuality and ready to take on the complexities of establishing yourself in the UAE.
We offer a range of services, including the formation, registration and administration of UAE offshore companies, onshore company services and residency advice. Whether you need assistance obtaining a Partner Visa or strategic advice on navigating local regulations, you can be confident that we will help you unlock the full potential of this dynamic, thriving business hub.
Ready to apply for a Partner Visa or hoping to find out more? Get in touch with our team of experts today to find out exactly how we can help.
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