9 steps to obtain a foreign direct investment company license in the UAE

The value of foreign direct investment incoming to the UAE during the past year amounted to 76 billion dirhams, equivalent to 20.667 billion US dollars, compared to 73.04 billion dirhams, equivalent to 19.884 billion US dollars in 2020.

9 steps to obtain a foreign direct investment company license in the UAE 

1- Determine the nature of the activity in the positive list and the legal form of the company. 

2- Determine the capital so that it is not less than the minimum specified in the positive list.

3- Submitting a request for a foreign direct investment license after obtaining the initial approval.

4- Obtaining the approvals of the organizing authorities for the activity.

5- Bring proof of submission of the application to join the Emiratisation Partners Club.

6- Obtaining approval and receiving the license after paying the fees.

7- Opening an account with the bank in the name of the company (under incorporation) and depositing no less than 20 percent of the capital.

8- Registration of the license with the Ministry of Economy in the UAE.

The UAE has announced the conditions for obtaining an investor visa, which known as the Partner Visa, is ideal for foreigners looking to start their investments and businesses in Dubai.

• An investor or partner visa is granted to investors who own shares worth more than 72,000 dirhams, or to those who own their own project for more than the same amount.

• Investors wishing to obtain an investor visa are required to submit the following documents.

• Documents required to apply for a Dubai investor visa:

• A copy of the passport 

• A personal photo with a white background 

• A copy of the identity card

• Business license

• Addendum to the names of the partners

• Company account statement from the bank for the last 3 months (if more than a year has passed since the license was issued)

Dubai investor visa cost

Entry permit: AED 1,035 for individuals inside the UAE, and AED 365 for those outside the country.

• Status adjustment: AED 570 (do not request from persons outside the UAE)

• Visa stamp: 515 AED

• Additional fees apply for medical examinations

It is noteworthy that the Abu Dhabi Investment Office is the government center supporting investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The office offers investment opportunities to local and foreign investors, in line with the economic priorities of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.