Updated Banking Requirements for UAE Partner & Investor Visas

If your UAE residence visa is tied to your role as a Partner or Investor, recent updates to the UAE Partner and Investor visa banking requirements are important to know. Various immigration offices (Amer, Happiness Centers etc.) across the UAE now increasingly request proof of banking activity – not just company documents – when processing both new visa applications and renewals.

Note: These requirements reflect the latest practice observed across several free zones and immigration desks. While not yet consolidated in a single federal regulation, they are being applied  increasingly consistently in day-to-day visa processing.

1. UAE Partner and Investor Visa Banking Requirements – New Applications

Applying for your first Partner or Investor visa now may involve additional financial verification, especially if the application for your residence visa is submitted months after the incorporation of a company. Immigration authorities are now placing more emphasis on proof that the company’s declared capital is actually available and that the founder’s funds are legal and accessible.

As mentioned above, there has been no official announcement of the new rules yet. Furthermore, employees in immigration authorities and offices appear to have some discretion in their decisions.

Based on current experience, the following documents may be requested, or the following picture emerges:

• Last 3 months of bank statements (personal or corporate)
• A current account balance at or above the declared share capital — minimum AED 48,000 (some immigration offices may require more)
• Consistent transaction history showing genuine financial activity
• Personal accounts may be accepted only if the company is newly incorporated, however, some employees at immigration offices do not ask about it.
• Joint accounts are not accepted
• Overseas accounts may be considered at the discretion of immigration officers

These steps verify that new companies are adequately funded and not merely registered on paper. 

2. UAE Partner and Investor Visa Banking Requirements – Renewals

Renewals are no longer a simple formality. Officers now assess financial documentation to confirm that the company linked to the visa is operational and banking locally.

As a general rule, the following applies:

• Six months of UAE-based corporate bank statements must be presented
• A minimum balance of about AED 50,000 (thresholds vary by Immigration Office)
• Regular transactions indicating ongoing business activity
• Corporate accounts are mandatory in most cases; personal accounts are accepted only in limited, well-justified situations

This reflects a broader compliance trend: authorities are connecting visa eligibility with tangible business presence and active UAE banking. In practice, these changes make the UAE Partner and Investor visa banking requirements more transparent and compliance-driven.

3. Who Is Affected

The banking-statement requirements now apply to both new applicants and existing visa holders. They affect anyone whose UAE residence visa is linked to company ownership rather than employment. That includes:

• Individuals applying for a Partner or Investor visa for the first time, whether in a free zone or on the mainland
• Holders of existing Partner or Investor visas preparing for renewal, especially those without a well-established UAE banking trail
• Company shareholders with partner or investor license

In essence, if your visa is connected to business ownership in the UAE — at the setup or renewal stage — these requirements now form part of your immigration file.

Important note: Although the new procedures originate from the immigration authorities, some free zones already apply these measures on their own initiative when a visa application is submitted.

4. What To Do Now

Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing, expect a more evidence-based review — immigration desks now routinely verify financial readiness before approving applications.

• Corporate account active? Maintain regular transactions and keep at least the minimum balance required by your free zone.
• Only a personal UAE account? This option applies only to new applications, typically when the company has just been incorporated and no corporate account exists yet. You may still proceed, but expect closer scrutiny. Prepare a short explanation and supporting proof linking the account to your company.
• No UAE banking at all? Your application or renewal may face rejection. It’s safer to establish an account and a financial record before proceeding.
• Documentation alignment: Ensure your licence, MOA, and bank records are consistent — names, shareholdings, and ownership should match exactly.

Taking these steps early signals financial transparency and positions your application for faster, smoother approval.

5. Preparing for Approval — Practical Steps

To make your application or renewal smoother, start assembling and verifying key records in advance. Here’s a short, practical plan:

1. Banking evidence: Collect recent statements — 3 months for new applications or 6 months for renewals — from your UAE corporate account, or from your personal account if newly incorporated. Ensure statements show clear activity and the correct account holder name.
2. Company documents: Confirm your trade licence, establishment or immigration card, and MOA/partner list are valid and aligned.
3. Personal documents: Prepare passport, visa page, Emirates ID renewal, health-insurance proof, and medical-fitness certificate.
4. Cross-check: Verify that names and shareholdings match across your company and banking records.
5. Explanatory file (optional): If using a personal account, add a brief note linking it to your UAE company ownership.

Doing this 4–6 weeks before your intended application or renewal helps avoid last-minute issues and unnecessary stress.

6. Key Takeaway

The UAE Partner and Investor visa banking requirements now revolve around financial visibility and compliance for both new applications and renewals. Authorities expect companies to be funded, active, and banking locally. A solid banking trail with sufficient balance and clear transactions has become essential to maintaining or securing residency. Whether you’re setting up a business or renewing your status, preparing early and keeping your documentation consistent is now the key to a smooth process.

To learn more about the process and how it applies to your company type, visit our UAE Residence Visa & Immigration page.

If your application or renewal is coming up soon, reach out to our team to review your situation and prepare a compliant submission.

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