Business Setup in Dubai: How to Secure the UAE Green Partner Visa

Dubai is more than a city; it’s a global business ecosystem. Its strategic location, tax-friendly environment, and rapid economic growth have made it a prime destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

If you’re planning business setup in the UAE, the Green Residence Visa could be your ticket to long-term success. Introduced as part of the UAE’s ongoing immigration reform, the Green Visa system represents a progressive shift from the older sponsorship-based residency model.

This post will guide you through everything you need to know about securing a Green Partner Visa in Dubai: what it is, who qualifies, how to apply, and the benefits it offers.

OVERVIEW OF THE GREEN RESIDENCE VISA FOR COMPANY FORMATION IN DUBAI

- What is the Green Residence Visa for Partners?

Previously, business partners and investors could apply for a traditional 2- or 3-year partner visa. However, with recent immigration reforms, that system has been replaced by the Green Residence Visa, a 5-year, self-sponsored residency permit designed for individuals investing in or co-owning a UAE-registered business.

This visa allows foreign nationals to live, work, and manage a company in the UAE without the need for a local Emirati sponsor. It is ideal for those who hold equity in a business, whether it’s in the mainland or a free zone, and want to stay in the UAE long term while enjoying greater autonomy.

- Who is Eligible for the Green Partner Visa?

To qualify for this visa, the applicant must meet specific criteria related to ownership, documentation, and business involvement:

  • Business Ownership: You must be a legal shareholder or partner in a UAE-licensed company.
  • Legal Structure: Your company must fall under recognized legal frameworks such as an LLC, PJSC, or Free Zone entity.
  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
  • Medical Clearance: You’ll need to pass a medical fitness test.
  • Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
  • Proof of Investment: Financial documentation such as bank statements or share certificates must show the required capital contribution.
  • Authority Approval: Depending on your business activity, approval from a relevant UAE regulatory body may be necessary.

- Required Documents for Application

Here’s a list of documents you’ll typically need to submit when applying for the Green Residence Partner Visa:

  • Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Trade license copy
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA) or partnership agreement
  • Entry permit (if applying from outside the UAE)
  • Immigration Establishment Card (for mainland companies)
  • Medical fitness certificate from a government-approved center
  • Valid UAE health insurance
  • Emirates ID application
  • Proof of UAE residence (e.g. tenancy contract)
  • Financial proof of capital investment (AED 1 million minimum)

- Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Green Partner Visa involves a series of well-defined steps. Here’s what to expect:

1. Incorporate or Join a Business

You must either register a new company or acquire a stake in an existing business. Your name should appear as a shareholder on official company documents, such as the trade license and MOA.

2. Apply for an Entry Permit

If you’re outside the UAE, begin by applying for an entry permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This permit is typically valid for 60 days, during which you can enter the country and complete further procedures.

3. Status Adjustment (If Inside the UAE)

Already in the UAE on a visit or tourist visa? You’ll need to apply for a change of status to begin your residence application.

4. Medical Fitness Test

Visit an authorized medical center to complete a required health screening. This is a mandatory step before you can proceed.

5. Emirates ID & Biometric Submission

Apply for an Emirates ID and complete your biometric data registration at a certified service center.

6. Secure Health Insurance & Housing

You’ll need valid health insurance and proof of residence in the UAE (e.g., tenancy contract) to finalize your visa application.

7. Visa Stamping

Once all documentation is approved, submit your passport to have your 5-year Green Residence Visa stamped.

Processing time ranges from 2 to 15 business days depending on your application method and documentation accuracy.

- Key Benefits of the Green Partner Visa

Here’s what makes the Green Visa a compelling choice for entrepreneurs and investors.

  • Long-Term Residency: 5-year renewable visa without a local sponsor.
  • Family Sponsorship: Bring your spouse, children, and even parents under your residency.
  • Business Flexibility: Run your own company, open bank accounts, rent property, and access government services.
  • Tax Advantage: No personal income tax on earnings.
  • Travel Ease: Enjoy multi-entry status and simplified travel across the GCC.
  • Grace Period: 180-day grace period after expiry or cancellation — more generous than other visas.
  • Eligibility for Golden Visa: Scale your business, and you may qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.

- Transitioning to the UAE Golden Visa

If your business thrives and meets the UAE’s high-value investment criteria, you can apply for the prestigious Golden Visa, a 10-year residency permit. For example, if your business accumulates AED 2 million in assets or capital, and your financial records show sustained growth and compliance, you’re eligible to upgrade.

This is ideal for seasoned entrepreneurs who want long-term security and deeper integration in the UAE’s economic framework.

Final Thoughts

The Green Residence Partner Visa is a forward-thinking option for entrepreneurs who want more than just a visa; it offers a platform for growth, stability, and success.

For investors looking forward to business setup services in the UAE, this visa is like a tool that enables you to enter and inspect growing opportunities in Dubai’s innovation-driven economy.

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