WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED FOR AN INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI?
You found the right guide mainland company setup dubai. This article lists every document Dubai authorities require for an investor visa, explains why each one matters, and tells you exactly where to get it. No fluff, no guesswork—just the documents you need, in the order you’ll need them.
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STEP 1: CORE PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
Passport
Your passport must have at least six months validity from the date you enter Dubai. If it expires sooner, renew it before you start the visa process. Scan the photo page and every page with UAE entry stamps—some free zones ask for the full book.
Passport-sized photos
Bring six recent color photos on a white background. Size: 43 mm x 55 mm. No glasses, no headwear unless for religious reasons. Get them taken at a studio that knows UAE visa specs—many shops in Dubai offer “visa photo” packages for 50 AED.
Attested marriage certificate (if applicable)
If you’re bringing a spouse, your marriage certificate must be attested by:
1. The foreign ministry of the country where the marriage took place.
2. The UAE embassy in that country.
3. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.
This takes 10-15 working days. Start early.
Attested birth certificates for children
Same attestation chain as the marriage certificate. Each child needs a separate attested birth certificate. If the certificate is not in English or Arabic, add a sworn translation by a UAE-approved translator.
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STEP 2: INVESTMENT PROOF DOCUMENTS
Trade license or memorandum of association
If you’re setting up a new company, you’ll receive a trade license from the free zone or mainland authority. If you’re buying an existing business, you need the memorandum of association showing you as the new owner with at least 51% equity. Both documents must be originals or notarized copies.
Bank statement or proof of funds
Dubai wants to see you have enough capital to run the business. Minimum requirements vary:
– Mainland: 1 million AED in a UAE bank account.
– Free zones: 50,000 AED to 500,000 AED depending on the zone.
The statement must be recent (within 30 days), stamped by the bank, and show your name as the account holder.
Lease agreement or Ejari certificate
You need a physical office or flexi-desk. The lease must be registered through Ejari, Dubai’s rental contract system. Free zones often bundle a flexi-desk with the trade license—ask your free zone authority for the Ejari-ready lease.
No-objection certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if applicable)
If you’re already in the UAE on another visa (employment, dependent, etc.), your current sponsor must issue a NOC on company letterhead. The NOC must state they have no objection to you starting your own business. Some free zones waive this requirement—check with your chosen zone.
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STEP 3: HEALTH AND SECURITY CLEARANCE
UAE medical test
Book an appointment at any Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Ministry of Health (MOH) approved clinic. The test includes:
– Blood test for HIV and syphilis.
– Chest X-ray for tuberculosis.
Results take 24-48 hours. You’ll receive a printed report—keep the original.
Good conduct certificate
Also called a police clearance certificate. You need one from:
– Your home country (if you lived there in the last five years).
– Any other country where you lived for more than six months in the last five years.
– The UAE if you’ve been here before.
The certificate must be attested by the foreign ministry of the issuing country and the UAE embassy. In Dubai, apply at any police station or online via the Dubai Police app.
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STEP 4: FREE ZONE OR MAINLAND SPECIFICS
Free zone investor visa documents
Each free zone has its own checklist. Common extras:
– Free zone application form (signed and stamped).
– Business plan (some zones require a 10-page plan, others a one-pager).
– Board resolution if you’re setting up a branch of an existing company.
– Power of attorney if someone is applying on your behalf.
Mainland investor visa documents
Mainland requires a few extras:
– Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
– Tenancy contract attested by the Dubai Land Department.
– Local sponsor agreement (if you’re not a 100% foreign-owned professional license).
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STEP 5: TRANSLATION AND ATTESTATION
Sworn translations
Any document not in English or Arabic must be translated by a UAE-approved translator. The translator’s stamp and signature must be on every page. Common documents that need translation: birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates.
Attestation chain
All foreign documents must follow this chain:
1. Notarization in the country of origin.
2. Authentication by the foreign ministry of that country.
3. Legalization by the UAE embassy in that country.
4. Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.
This process takes 2-4 weeks. Use a local attestation service in Dubai to speed it up—many offer “express” options for 500-800 AED per document.
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STEP 6: VISA APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Online portal or in-person
Most free zones let you upload documents via their online portal. Mainland applications usually require an in-person visit to the DED or a typing center. Bring originals and copies—some centers scan them on the spot.
Typing center checklist
If you’re applying in person, bring:
– All original documents.
– Two sets of color copies.
– Passport photos.
– Payment receipt for visa fees (varies by free zone, typically 10,000-20,000 AED for a three-year visa).
Biometrics appointment
After submission, you’ll get a text with a biometrics appointment at an Amer center. Bring your passport and the appointment slip. The process takes 15 minutes—fingerprints and a digital photo.
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STEP 7: VISA STAMPING AND EMIRATES ID
Visa stamping
Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the investor visa. This takes 5-10 working days. Some free zones offer “express stamping” for an extra fee.
Emirates ID application
Book an appointment at any Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) center. Bring:
– Original passport.
– Visa copy.
– Passport photos.
– Typing center receipt.
The ID is printed on the spot—you’ll receive a temporary paper ID until the plastic card arrives by courier in 7-10 days.
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STEP 8: POST-VISA REQUIREMENTS
Bank account opening
With your visa and Emirates ID, open a corporate bank account. Banks require