Dubai is a great place for business as it provides a business friendly environment and attractive tax policies. Living and working in Dubai is a dream of every businessman but it is not an easy process as it has stringent requirements that must be fulfilled.
If you want to live and work in Dubai, a partner visa in Dubai is the most convenient option. Are you wondering how to get one and what the requirements are? Don’t worry! This article will explain everything you need to know to obtain a partner visa in Dubai.
What is a Partner Visa?
A partner visa is a legal permit that allows you to partner in a Dubai-based business and also facilitates your participation in business activities by allowing you to reside in the UAE.
This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, as they may lack the deep knowledge and experience required to run a business successfully. Partnering with others can be helpful, as it will provide valuable support and also reduce the financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements of Partner Visa Dubai
Like all other visas, the Dubai partner visa has specific requirements that applicants must fulfill.
Partnership Agreement
You should have a partnership agreement that proves your share and involvement in the company. It is an essential requirement as it describes the terms and conditions set by the company for shareholders. Ensure that the agreement is valid and attested by all the parties.
Required Investment
According to the guidelines set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), the minimum amount required for a Dubai partner visa is 1 million AED. However, this amount is not fixed as it depends on two factors.
- Type of business
- Emirate
Each Emirate has different rules and regulations, and some business types require a higher amount of investment.
Local Sponsorship
The next requirement for foreign applicants is to hire a local Emirati sponsor or partner who holds 51% of the company. The local sponsor does not only represent the company but is also involved in other Business Activities and processes, such as visa processing.
Choosing a local sponsor is challenging. Ensure that you hire a reliable, trustworthy, and experienced local sponsor so your business can run smoothly.
Trade License
It is compulsory that the company in which applicants invest is registered with the relevant authorities of Dubai and holds a Trading License. The trade license is a permit that the Department of Economic Development issues to operate business activities legally.
Financial Stability
According to the laws of the UAE, it is crucial that the applicant provide proof of financial stability to run the business. For this, an applicant can provide bank statements, financial records, and reports. This requirement reduces the risks of financial failure and helps the applicant gain the trust of the other partners.
Passport
The applicant’s passport is required during the application process for a partner visa in Dubai and should have a validity of at least 6 months.
Photographs
For partner visa Dubai, applicants need to submit recent passport-sized photographs.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
If you already live in UAE, you also need a No Objection Certificate from the current sponsor.
Medical Certificate
UAE health authorities also conduct a fitness test of the applicants. Applicants must be fit and healthy.
No Criminal Record
Applicants should have no criminal record in their hometown and UAE.
Memorandum Documents
A memorandum of association of the selected company, which defines the company’s purpose and the type of work, is also required.
Application Process of Partner Visa Dubai: A Complete Guide
To get a partner visa, applicants can follow these steps to apply.
Create a Partnership Agreement
The first step of the application process is to create a partnership agreement with any UAE-based company. After the investment, the applicant should have a partnership agreement that describes the:
- Responsibilities
- The policy of profit-sharing
- Ownership percentage of each partner
Acquire Trade License
The next step is acquiring the trade license if the company is registered with relevant authorities. Ensure that your name is mentioned on the memorandum of association.
Get an Immigration Establishment Card
It is necessary to get an immigration card from the GDRFA so you can hire or sponsor foreign workers in the company. Without an establishment card, it is impossible to sponsor visas for staff. Holding an immigration card is also helpful in avoiding legal issues and penalties from the related authorities.
Entry Permit
According to the rules and regulations of the UAE partner visa authority, an entry permit is essential if you are not a resident of the UAE. The applicant can get an entry permit through an online portal, as without an entry permit, it is not possible to enter the UAE.
Medical Test
The next step is to undergo fitness tests to obtain a medical certificate from the UAE health authorities.
Emirate ID
To get access to services provided by the UAE government, an Emirate ID is necessary. For identity and citizenship, the applicant can go to the Federal Authority ICA center.
Stamping
The next step is to get your documents stamped by the GDRFA. The documents that need to be stamped are Emirate ID, medical certificate, passport, and visa.
Collect Passport
After processing and approval, the final step is to collect your passport along with a partner visa.
Necessary Documents for Partner Visa in Dubai
The following documents are required to obtain a partner visa in Dubai:
- Application form
- Passport of the Applicant
- Trading license of the company
- Financial record
- Emirate ID of the company shareholders
- Medical certificate
- Passport sized photographs
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Benefits of Partner Visa
A partner visa opens the door to multiple benefits that can improve the applicant’s experience in the UAE. Some key benefits are
3 Years Residence Visa
The benefit that attracts the attention of most Entrepreneurs and Investors is the three-year residence visa in Dubai. For these three years, you can live and work legally in the UAE, eliminating the need for frequent renewals.
Sponsor Family Members
Another great advantage of a partner visa is that it allows you to sponsor your family members in UAE. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents. It will provide you peace of mind and improve your overall experience.
Travel to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Countries
With a partner visa, you can easily build connections and explore the business market as it facilitates partner visa holders to travel to GCC countries.
Possibility of Golden Visa
Having a partner visa increases the possibility of acquiring a UAE Golden Visa, which can be game-changing for you and your business. Golden visa provides access to all the services provided by the UAE government to its residents, including health care, education, and much more.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope it has provided you with a complete understanding of the Partner visa in Dubai and its procedure. Everyone dreams of living and working in Dubai’s business-friendly environment, and to achieve that dream, the most convenient way is through a partner visa.
By following the above guidelines and procedures, you can easily get your visa. The cherry on top is that it provides numerous benefits not only for visa holders but also for their family members.
