Who is a DET partner?
Investor residency tied to your company
A partner in this context is a shareholder (investor) in a mainland company licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The partner visa (investor visa) is the residency permit that allows you to live in the UAE as the owner or part-owner of that company.
Renewal ties your residency directly to the company’s valid DET license and Establishment Card. If the license or card has lapsed, the partner visa cannot be renewed until those are restored.
When to renew
Timing and prerequisites
Before expiry
Start at least 30–45 days before your current visa expires so you have time for license checks, medical, Emirates ID, and stamping.
Grace period
UAE typically allows a short grace period after expiry (e.g. 30 days). Overstaying can mean fines—don’t rely on grace as your plan.
License first
Your DET license and Establishment Card must be valid. Renew them before or in parallel with the partner visa renewal.
Step-by-step renewal process
From license check to new visa stamp
Confirm DET license and Establishment Card
Ensure the company is in good standing
Your partner visa is tied to the company. Verify that the DET trade license is renewed and valid, and that the Establishment Card (immigration file) is active. If either has expired, renew them first through DET and the relevant typing center or AMER/Tasheel.
- Check license expiry date on the DET portal or your license copy.
- Renew Establishment Card if it has lapsed (often done with or after license renewal).
Apply for partner visa renewal
Entry permit / visa application via AMER or Tasheel
Partner visa renewal is typically processed through AMER, Tasheel, or the authority designated by DET. You (or your PRO/agent) will:
- Submit an application for residence visa renewal (investor/partner category).
- Provide current passport, existing visa copy, license, MOA, and other supporting documents (see checklist below).
- Pay the applicable government and service fees.
Medical fitness test
Required for residence visa issuance
Complete the medical fitness test at an approved health center. This is mandatory for residence visa renewal. Book in advance to avoid delays. If you are outside the UAE, some flows allow medical in the country of residence; confirm with your PRO or the typing center.
Emirates ID application / renewal
Biometrics and ID card
Apply for a new Emirates ID or renew the existing one. This involves biometrics at an approved center. The Emirates ID is linked to your residency and is often required by banks and government services.
Visa stamping (residency permit issuance)
Final step: new visa in passport
Once approval is granted and medical and Emirates ID steps are complete, your passport is submitted for visa stamping. You receive the new residence visa (e.g. 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the permit type and company setup). Keep a copy of the stamped visa and Emirates ID for your records and for bank KYC updates.
Documents checklist
What you typically need for partner visa renewal
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (partner) | Original, minimum validity (e.g. 6 months). Copy of current visa page. |
| Current residence visa | Copy of existing visa / Emirates ID. |
| DET trade license | Valid, renewed license copy. |
| Establishment Card | Valid company immigration card. |
| MOA / company documents | Memorandum of Association showing partner as shareholder. |
| Ejari (tenancy contract) | Proof of company address; may be required for license/renewal. |
| Passport-size photos | As per UAE visa photo specs. |
| Application form & fees | Filled application and payment for government and service charges. |
Requirements can vary by typing center and authority. Your PRO or agent will confirm the exact list. Keep all company documents (license, MOA, Ejari) consistent with bank and UBO records.
Timeline and costs
What to expect
Typical timeline
- • Application submission: 1–2 days (once documents are ready)
- • Medical: 1–3 days (appointment and results)
- • Emirates ID: several days to 1–2 weeks
- • Visa stamping: a few days after approval
- • End-to-end: roughly 2–4 weeks if no license or document issues
Costs (indicative)
Government fees (visa, medical, Emirates ID, etc.) plus any PRO/typing center fees. Amounts depend on visa duration (1 / 2 / 3 years) and service provider. Get a written quote from your PRO or DET-approved center before starting.
If the license or Establishment Card also needs renewal, budget for those separately.
Common pitfalls
Avoid these to prevent delays
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my partner visa if I am outside the UAE? +
How long is a DET partner visa valid? +
Do I need to renew the Establishment Card every year? +
What if my DET license has expired? +
Need help with DET partner visa renewal?
We can guide you through license and Establishment Card renewal, document preparation, and partner visa renewal so you stay compliant and avoid overstay.