If you want to live or move to the UAE and you are making use of a business license to establish residency, then as a stakeholder/owner you will require an investor-type visa. The good news is that you don’t need to buy property or have a ‘large’ bank account to qualify. If you own a business in the UAE, you are an investor…
If you employ people within your business, that is when the employee visa will apply. Keep in mind that an employee visa also grants residency. Take a look at the table below which clearly lays out some key differences.
| Feature | Investor Visa | Employee Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Owner/Partner of the Free Zone Company | Employed by a Free Zone Company |
| Eligibility | Must be listed as shareholder or manager | Must be employed by the company |
| Cost (Visa Fee Only) *as at May 2025 and is subject to changes | AED 2,200 (2-year validity) | AED 3,700 (2-year validity) |
| Medical + Emirates ID | ✅ Same for both | ✅ Same for both |
| Sponsorship Rights | ✅ Can sponsor family | ✅ Can sponsor family |
| Business Ownership | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Control Over Visa | ✅ Full control (self-managed) | ❌ Controlled by the employer (the company) * No Job = No Residency |
| Job Flexibility | ✅ Can work independently under own license | ❌ Bound to one employer/company |
| Banking & Residency Benefits | ✅ Preferred for opening business & personal bank accounts | May face more scrutiny, have to prove monthly salary |
| Renewal Process | ✅ EASY & Straightforward as long as the company is active and renewed | ✅ Same, but dependent on employment terms |
| Flexibility to Add Partners | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not applicable |
✅ Summary of Key Differences
Cost:
- Investor Visa is cheaper AED 2,200 vs. AED 3,700 (*Prices as at May 2025, and subject to change without notice – This is a direct government cost)
- Both require the same government admin fees (E-Channel, Medical, ID) For more details, please complete our Contact US form
Control:
- Investor Visa gives full control over your own visa, business, and renewal
- Employee Visa ties you to your employer — you can’t freelance or change jobs freely.
- Investor Visa is easier to apply for, and open bank accounts, wheras employee visa’s are subject to more scrutiny.
Best For:
Employee Visa: Best for staff members working in a company you own or manage
Investor Visa: Ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and anyone who wants to run their own business. Your Spouse can also be a stakeholder in the company and also qualifies for an investor visa.