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.
- Processing time
- 2–6 weeks.
- Government fees
- Variable by emirate and authority.
- Typical duration
- 2 or 3 years, renewable.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Iranian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Arab Emirates. The UAE Investor / Partner residence visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
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
Comparable routes in other destinations
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?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. 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?+
Iranian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Arab Emirates. The UAE Investor / Partner residence visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
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.