Iranian applicants · United Arab Emirates
UAE Investor / Partner residence visa for Iranian citizens
Residence for business owners and partners holding qualifying shares in UAE companies.
This page covers the UAE Investor / Partner residence visa specifically for Iranian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Iran. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 10 days – 4 weeks
- Government fees
- Variable by emirate and authority.
- Typical duration
- 2 or 3 years, renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a United Arab Emirates consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Iranian nationals are set by ICP and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The UAE Investor / Partner residence visa is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for Iranian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
10 days – 4 weeks
Investor / partner entry visas issue in 2–4 weeks where the commercial licence and share structure are in place.
Verified 1 June 2026 · UAE Government Portal — Investor residence →
Visa overview
Owners and partners in UAE-licensed companies can obtain residence linked to their ownership stake. Free zones, mainland, and offshore structures each have different thresholds and procedures. For qualifying holdings, Golden Visa categories may also be available.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Ownership of a UAE-licensed company or free-zone entity.
- ✓Capital/equity threshold varies by authority.
Common blockers
- !Equity below authority threshold.
Typical evidence
- ·Trade licence and share-certificate.
- ·Passport and medical.
Application pathway
Incorporate or buy into UAE company
Mainland, free zone, or offshore.
Apply for investor residence
Via ICP or free-zone authority.
Medical and Emirates ID
Standard issuance.
Other United Arab Emirates routes covered for Iranian applicants
Not sure United Arab Emirates is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer investor routes that Iranian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Iranian citizens eligible for the UAE Investor / Partner residence visa?+
Eligibility for the UAE Investor / Partner residence visa is set by ICP and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Iranian applicants typically file the UAE Investor / Partner residence visa?+
a United Arab Emirates consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by ICP — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Iranian applicants need a tourist visa for United Arab Emirates as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Iranian nationals are set by ICP and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The UAE Investor / Partner residence visa is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How long does the UAE Investor / Partner residence visa take to process from Iran?+
The typical published decision window is 10 days – 4 weeks. Iranian applicants usually file via a United Arab Emirates consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: UAE Government Portal — Investor residence, verified 1 June 2026.
What is the difference between investor residence and Golden Visa?+
Standard investor residence is 2–3 years tied to your company and reviewed on licence renewal. The Golden Visa investor category is 10-year residence with additional dependants and more flexible structural rules.