Introduction:
As one of the most popular destinations for investors and entrepreneurs, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers two types of visas for those looking to set up a business in the country. These visas are the investor visa and the partner visa. Despite having similar purposes, both visas have different eligibility criteria and requirements. It’s important to understand the difference between them before applying for either one.
Investor Visa:
An investor visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to invest in a new or existing business in the UAE. The visa is issued for a period of three years and can be renewed subject to meeting certain conditions. To be eligible for an investor visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
-The applicant must invest a minimum of AED 10 million in a UAE-based business
-The investment must be in the form of a deposit in a UAE bank, investment in a UAE-based company or purchase of property
-The investment must be retained for a minimum of three years
-The applicant must have a good reputation and no criminal record
Partner Visa:
A partner visa is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business in partnership with a UAE national. The visa is issued for a period of three years and can be renewed subject to meeting certain conditions. To be eligible for a partner visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
-The applicant must have a UAE national partner who holds at least 51% of the shares in the business
-The applicant must hold a minimum of 49% of the shares in the business
-The applicant must have a good reputation and no criminal record
Key Differences:
While both visas have the same purpose, there are some key differences between them:
-The investment amount required for an investor visa is much higher than that required for a partner visa
-An investor visa does not require a UAE national partner, while a partner visa does
-An investor visa allows the investor to retain full control over the business, while a partner visa requires sharing ownership and control with a UAE national partner
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both the investor visa and partner visa offer great opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to set up a business in the UAE. However, they have different eligibility criteria and requirements. If you have a large amount of capital to invest and want to retain full control over your business, the investor visa may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you want to start a business in partnership with a UAE national, the partner visa may be the better option. Whatever your choice, it’s important to do your research and understand the requirements before applying for either visa.
