What is the difference between an investor visa and an employment visa?
An investor visa (Partner Visa) is sponsored by your UAE company and issued to shareholders or partners. You are sponsoring yourself through your company — there is no employment relationship, no MOHRE labour contract, and no salary requirement. It is typically valid for 2–3 years.
An employment visa is issued to an employee of a UAE company. It requires a MOHRE-attested labour contract, a salary, and the employer bears obligations for medical insurance and end-of-service benefits. It is also typically valid for 2–3 years.
How many visas can my UAE company sponsor?
For mainland companies, visa quota is tied to office size. Rough guide:
- Flexi-desk / virtual office: 1–3 visas depending on the DED emirate
- 300–400 sqm office: up to 6–8 visas
- Larger offices: scales proportionally
For freezone companies, quota is tied to your package — basic packages typically include 1–6 visas; larger packages can include more.
Visa quota can be increased by upgrading your office arrangement or package.
What happens to my UAE visa if I dissolve my company?
An investor visa is sponsored by your company. If the company is dissolved, your visa technically becomes invalid. You will need to either:
- Establish a new UAE entity and transfer the visa sponsorship
- Obtain a Golden Visa (which is self-sponsored and company-independent)
- Transfer to another employer's sponsorship
- Depart the UAE before the visa grace period expires (typically 30 days)
This is one of the main reasons Amara recommends clients consider Golden Visa eligibility early — it removes this dependency.
What is the grace period after a UAE visa expires?
There is a 30-day grace period after a UAE residency visa expires. You may remain in the UAE and process a renewal during this period without penalty. Overstaying beyond the grace period incurs a daily fine of AED 100 from day 31. These fines must be paid before a new visa can be processed.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE visa?
Yes, subject to salary conditions. To sponsor a parent, the primary visa holder must typically earn a minimum of AED 10,000 per month (AED 20,000 for sponsoring both parents). The parent must also hold valid health insurance and meet the UAE's medical fitness requirements.
Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents on more flexible terms.
Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to maintain my residency?
UAE residency visas require the holder to return to the UAE at least once every 6 months (180 days) to avoid automatic cancellation. Golden Visa holders have a longer absence allowance.
If you intend to spend extended periods outside the UAE, a Golden Visa is generally advisable — it provides a 10-year residency without the 6-month re-entry requirement.
Can I work for another company while on an investor visa?
No — an investor visa does not include the right to be employed by a different UAE entity. If you want to take employment with a UAE company other than your own, you would need to either: obtain a work permit/NOC from the relevant authority, or transfer to that company's employment visa sponsorship.
What documents need attestation for family visas?
Marriage certificates and birth certificates used for UAE visa applications must be attested — a process of official verification that involves:
- Notarisation in the home country
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent) authentication in the home country
- UAE embassy legalisation in the home country
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) attestation in the UAE
Attestation takes 2–4 weeks depending on the origin country. Amara coordinates attestation as part of the relocation service.