Key Highlights:

• Investor visa holders in Dubai can only work in companies where they have an ownership stake, not for unrelated companies without a work permit.
• Accepting external employment requires obtaining a work permit from MOHRE and possibly transferring to an employment visa.
• The 2025 UAE visa reforms have expanded Green and Golden Visa options, offering greater flexibility for investors and professionals.
• Recent policies allow free zone companies to operate in mainland Dubai with proper licensing, increasing business opportunities.

An investor visa in Dubai represents a pathway to residency through business investment, providing entrepreneurs and investors with the opportunity to establish their presence in the UAE’s thriving economy. 

Understanding the work rights associated with this visa category is crucial, as many investors often wonder whether they can seek employment opportunities with other companies while maintaining their investor status.

The investor visa is designed for individuals who make significant financial commitments to the UAE economy, typically through business ownership, property investment, or capital participation in local enterprises.

Continue reading this article to learn more. 

Investor Visa vs. Employment Visa: Key Differences

1. Primary Purpose and Structure

The investor visa serves individuals who invest capital in UAE businesses or real estate, while employment visas are for those sponsored by UAE-based employers for specific job roles. The fundamental distinction lies in the sponsorship model—investors are generally self-sponsored through their business investments, whereas employees depend on employer sponsorship.

2. Rights and Limitations

Investor visa holders enjoy certain freedoms, including the ability to live and work in the UAE based on their investment activities. However, these rights are specifically tied to their investment ventures. Employment visa holders, conversely, are restricted to working for their sponsoring employer and must maintain that employment relationship to preserve their visa status.

Can You Work for Any Company in Dubai with an Investor Visa?

1. Current Legal Framework

Under 2025 UAE regulations, investor visa holders cannot directly work for any company without proper authorization. The investor visa is specifically designed for individuals to manage and operate businesses in which they hold investment stakes. Working for an unrelated company would require additional permits and approvals.

2. Requirements for External Employment

If an investor visa holder wishes to work for another company, they must obtain a work permit or labor card from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This process involves:

• Securing employer sponsorship from the hiring company
• Obtaining necessary approvals from MOHRE
• Meeting educational and experience requirements for the specific role
• Ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws

Some companies may prefer or require employees to transfer to an employment visa under their sponsorship, particularly for full-time positions.

Process and Legal Requirements for Working While on an Investor Visa

Step-by-Step Application Process

When seeking employment while maintaining investor visa status, follow these steps:

1. Employer Verification

• Ensure the prospective employer has a valid trade license
• Confirm the company’s compliance with UAE labor regulations
• Verify the job role aligns with the company’s business activities

2. Documentation Preparation

• Valid passport and Emirates ID
• Educational certificates (attested by UAE authorities)
• Medical fitness certificate from approved UAE medical center
• Employment contract or job offer letter

3. MOHRE Application

• Submit work permit application through authorized channels
• Pay required fees and processing charges
• Await approval before commencing employment

Regulatory Changes in 2024-2025

Recent UAE policy updates have streamlined certain processes for investors. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs now exempts investors from obtaining traditional labor cards for their own businesses. However, this exemption specifically applies to work within their investment companies, not external employment.

Practical Scenarios and Common Issues

1. Working for Your Own Company

Investor visa holders can freely work in companies where they hold ownership stakes without additional permits. This includes roles as:

• Company directors or managers
• Business partners with documented investment
• Shareholders with minimum required capital participation

2. Accepting External Job Offers

When considering employment with unrelated companies, several factors come into play:

Company Policies: Many employers prefer employees under their direct sponsorship for administrative simplicity and legal compliance.

Visa Transfer Requirements: Some positions may necessitate transferring from an investor visa to an employment visa, depending on the employer’s policies and the nature of the role.

No Objection Certificate (NOC): While not always mandatory, some employers may request an NOC from the investor’s current business.

3. Dual Roles Considerations

Maintaining both investor activities and external employment is possible but requires careful compliance with:

• Tax obligations for multiple income sources
• Time allocation between investment and employment responsibilities
• Regulatory requirements for both visa categories

Also Read: Do You Need to Visit Dubai Every 6 Months to Keep Your Investor Visa Valid?

2025 UAE Visa Reforms Impact

1. Enhanced Flexibility

The UAE’s 2025 visa updates have introduced several improvements for investors and professionals:

Green Visa Program: The 5-year self-sponsored Green Visa offers greater flexibility for skilled professionals and investors. This visa category allows holders to work without traditional employer sponsorship constraints.

Golden Visa Expansion: The 10-year Golden Visa program has expanded eligibility criteria, now including entrepreneurs with reduced minimum project values of AED 500,000.

Streamlined Applications: New AI-driven platforms like ‘Salama’ have digitized visa renewal processes, making administrative procedures more efficient.

2. Free Zone and Mainland Integration

Dubai’s 2025 Executive Council Resolution No. 11 now allows free zone companies to operate in mainland Dubai with proper licensing. This change provides investors with greater operational flexibility across different business zones.

Most Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I legally work for any company while holding an investor visa?

No, you cannot work for any company without proper authorization. You must obtain a work permit from MOHRE to work for companies unrelated to your investment.

2. Do I need a labor card or work permit for external employment?

Yes, working for any company other than your investment business requires a valid work permit from MOHRE. Recent changes have eliminated labor card requirements only for investors working within their own companies.

3. Will my investor visa be canceled if I accept a full-time job?

Your investor visa typically remains valid as long as you maintain your investment obligations. However, some employers may require you to transfer to an employment visa under their sponsorship.

4. Can I hold both an investor visa and an employment visa simultaneously?

The UAE generally does not permit holding multiple residence visas simultaneously. You would need to choose between maintaining investor status or transferring to employment visa sponsorship.

5. What are the tax implications of dual income sources?

The UAE’s corporate tax system requires proper declaration of all income sources. You must maintain separate financial records for investment and employment income.

6. Can I revert to investor visa status if I lose my job?

Yes, provided you maintain your qualifying investment and meet all investor visa requirements. The transition process involves reactivating your investor status through proper channels.

7. Are there differences between mainland and free zone employment rules?

Yes, free zone companies have different regulatory frameworks. Recent 2025 changes allow free zone companies to operate in mainland Dubai with additional licensing.

8. What are the key 2025 updates regarding investor work rights?

Major updates include the elimination of labor card requirements for investors working in their own companies, enhanced Green Visa flexibility, and expanded Golden Visa eligibility criteria.

Final Word 

While holding an investor visa in Dubai provides significant opportunities for business operations and residency, working for external companies requires careful navigation of UAE regulations. The key takeaway is that investor visa holders cannot automatically work for any company—they must obtain proper work permits for external employment while maintaining their investment obligations.

The 2025 regulatory updates have introduced greater flexibility through enhanced visa categories like the Green Visa and expanded Golden Visa programs. However, the fundamental principle remains: employment rights are tied to specific authorizations, whether through investment activities or formal work permits.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts at JSB Incorporation to learn more about investor visas.