Investor visa routes in United Arab Emirates
Thinking about United Arab Emirates as a place to work? Below are the 4 United Arab Emirates visa routes that most commonly fit investors, with what each one needs and a link to the official government source. Always confirm the current rules on the primary source before acting.
Also searched as: high-net-worth individual, HNW, wealth migrant, passive-income migrant.
What this means for investors
Of the 4 United Arab Emirates routes that commonly fit investors, 0 need a sponsoring employer and 4 do not, and 1 can lead to permanent residence. Investors are not usually a licensed profession, so your main gates are securing a qualifying job offer where a route needs a sponsor, and meeting any salary or points threshold, rather than re-credentialing.
The most-used skilled route into United Arab Emirates overall is the UAE Green Visa, which also fits many investors — it is included below.
Typical figures — UAE Green Visa
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
5 days – 2 weeks
Green Visa self-sponsored residence typically 5–15 days end-to-end where documentation is complete.
Verified 1 June 2026 · UAE Government Portal — Green Visa →
Routes that fit investors
UAE Golden Visa
10-year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talent across professional categories.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · 10 years, renewable.
UAE Green Visa
5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · 5 years, renewable.
UAE Investor / Partner residence visa
Residence for business owners and partners holding qualifying shares in UAE companies.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · 2 or 3 years, renewable.
UAE freelance permit with residence
Self-sponsored freelance residence via MOHRE or free-zone freelance permits.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · 2–5 years depending on scheme.
Figures by route
Verified salary floor and processing window per matched route, each primary-sourced. Indicative, not legal advice.
| Route | Salary floor | Processing | Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Golden Visa | AED 360,000/yr | 2 weeks – 4 weeks | Yes |
| UAE Green Visa | — | 5 days – 2 weeks | No |
| UAE Investor / Partner residence visa | — | 10 days – 4 weeks | No |
| UAE freelance permit with residence | — | 5 days – 2 weeks | No |
Recent policy changes affecting this route
What changed most recently on this route — each linked to its primary government source.
- 1 September 2024In force 1 September 2024
UAE expands Green Visa eligibility for freelancers and skilled workers
ICP widened Green Visa eligibility criteria for freelancers, self-employed workers, and skilled employees, extending the 5-year self-sponsored residence option to a broader profile of applicants.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) →
Frequently asked questions
Which visa routes suit investors moving to United Arab Emirates?+
United Arab Emirates has 4 routes that commonly fit investors: UAE Golden Visa, UAE Green Visa, UAE Investor / Partner residence visa, UAE freelance permit with residence. The best fit depends on whether you already have an employer sponsor, your salary, and your qualifications — open any route below for its full eligibility criteria and primary government source.
Do investors need a job offer to move to United Arab Emirates?+
Not always. 4 of the 4 matched United Arab Emirates routes can be pursued without an employer sponsoring you (such as the UAE Golden Visa), while 0 need a sponsoring employer or a confirmed job offer. If you do not yet have an offer, start with the no-sponsor routes.
Can investors settle permanently in United Arab Emirates?+
Yes. 1 of the 4 matched routes leads toward settlement or permanent residence, while the others are temporary or transitional. Permanent-residence timelines vary by route, so check the settlement detail on each visa page.
How long does the UAE Green Visa take to process?+
The typical published decision window is 5 days – 2 weeks (UAE Government Portal — Green Visa, verified 1 June 2026).