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For UK nationals, applying for a UAE visa has become easier and more hassle-free with the arrival of the UAE Investor Visa program in 2025. This couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Finance Act tightens tax reporting rules and uncertainty around capital gains grows. These measures [among others] have resulted in brits looking to take their next investment structures overseas.
The government of the UAE, on its part, is doing what it can to ensure the process of people landing on its shores is without hiccup. In the year 2024 alone, close to 6,900 British millionaires were estimated to have moved to the UAE. This number is expected to further rise in the 2025, which is indicative of a pro-business environment coupled with simplified bureaucratic formalities.
This guide will show you how the 2025 Investor Visa program is different from conventional visas, and under what circumstances you should apply for one. You will also get tips on how to apply, documents and investment paths required, and most importantly; how Stratrich Consulting can help you through the entire process of successfully setting up a business in UAE – from start to finish.
The UAE Investor Visa is a long-term residence permit granted to foreign nationals making qualifying investments in Dubai or the broader UAE. It allows UK citizens to legally reside, work, and invest without the need for an employer or local sponsor.
Visas generally last between 2 and 10 years and can be renewed, provided the investment criteria are met maintained. The best part is that there is no minimum stay requirement, letting you manage your time freely between the UK and UAE.
Benefits of the UAE Investor Visa for UK Citizens
Brits are choosing Dubai not only to escape tax burdens but also for the vibrant lifestyle the city has to offer. Here’s what makes this visa particularly attractive:
Financial and Tax Advantages
Lifestyle and Family Benefits
Business and Strategic opportunities
As a UK investor, your visa eligibility depends solely on the amount of investment you decide to make. Choose an investment value that fits your purpose:
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Minimum Investment | Visa Duration | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Year Property Visa | Entrepreneurs or real estate investors | £1,52,272 (completed property) | 2 years, renewable | Entry-level residency, family sponsorship |
| 5-Year Property Visa | Long-term real estate investors | £4,06,059 (equity or mortgage) | 5 years, renewable | Access to Golden Visa route, long-term stability |
| Golden Visa | High-net-worth individuals (property, capital) | £ 4,06,059+ (property, deposit, or business) | 10 years | Full family sponsorship, business freedom |
| Retirement Visa | Investors aged 55+ planning a long-term stay | £ 2,03,029 property or AED 1M deposit or AED 240K annual income | 5 years, renewable | Relaxed income criteria for long-term retirees |
| Business Investor Visa | Company founders or partners | £1,01,514 – £4,06,059 (business setup or capital) | 2–3 years or 10 years | Residency via ownership, tax-free business operations |
For UK citizens, accurate and up-to-date documentation is crucial for timely visa approvals. Here’s what you’ll need:
Note: Investment documents must be recent (within three months) and may require attestation.
Once your documents are ready and you have completed the company registration procedure, you are now ready to apply for the investor visa. Do keep in mind that the type of visa you are applying for has to coincide with your investment value. If you have a doubt about the type of visa that is applicable in your particular case, feel free to contact a Stratrich expert.
Proceed by submitting your visa application either online or offline. The application process differs between Mainland and Free Zone
For Mainland (Non-Dubai Emirates): Apply through Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart services platform:
For Dubai Mainland: Submit via General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA):
For Free Zone: Apply directly through your chosen Free Zone portal or customer service centre.
Each Free Zone entails a separate visa process, each with its own application procedures.
After your arrival in the UAE, you must undergo medical fitness tests (Blood screening, chest X-ray, general health check) that should be done at government-approved health centres.
This will cost between £59 and £99, and the processing time will take 24 to 28 hours for results.
Note: These medical reports are valid for 3 months from the test date.
After completing the medical examination, you need to finish the biometric registration. The process involves providing fingerprints, a photograph, and an iris scan at Emirates ID centres.
After completing the medical and biometric requirements, your visa will be stamped in your passport, and an Emirates ID [your official UAE ID], will be issued.
The timeline for a visa stamp takes between 2-3 working days from the day you submit your passport.
Emirates ID Issuance:
Collect your Emirates ID from the designated Emirates ID center. You will be notified via SMS once your visa is ready to be picked up. The validity of the ID corresponds to the validity period of your visa. This marks the final step in your investor visa process.
Both Mainland and Free Zone applications usually take 2-4 weeks from start to finish, provided all documents are in order. Working with a consultant ensures each stage is handled correctly, avoiding delays and painful rejections.
Beyond the primary investment requirements, several administrative fees apply to all Dubai visas for UK citizens applications. Understanding the complete cost structure helps with accurate budgeting. In addition to the primary investment requirement, several administrative and processing fees apply to applications.
Administrative Fees:
Total Estimated Processing Time:
Note: Business or property-related costs are separate and vary by case.
While Dubai is tax-free, certain HMRC rules still apply for UK residents. To avoid dual taxation, you’ll need to:
Stratrich’s tax planning team helps structure your finances to avoid surprises and ensure full compliance under the UK-UAE Double Tax Treaty.
While the process of getting an investor visa might seem straightforward – it can get tricky, especially for first time applicants. Having an expert by your side can really make a difference. That’s why Stratrich Consulting is here to help. We offer end-to-end support designed specifically for British investors looking to hit the ground running.
Here’s how we help:
Since you’ve already decided to pursue a Dubai investor visa, your next goal should be about doing it right. With the right investment strategy, proper documentation, and expert guidance, securing long-term UAE residency should be without its hitches. Stratrich Consulting is here to make the process seamless from your first consultation to final visa approval and beyond.
Ready to move forward? Let our UAE experts build a personalised action plan tailored to your goals. Contact us today to secure your investor visa and unlock all that Dubai has to offer.
