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After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires?

Hello,

An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.

Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?

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Future Vision Advocates Legal Consultancy
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29 Apr 2025, 08:05

Greetings,

If the investor closes the company, the residence visa linked to that company will no longer remain valid, even if it shows a later expiry date.

In most cases, visa cancellation becomes part of the company closure process. Continuing to reside in the UAE without a valid visa sponsor could lead to legal issues.

To ensure proper compliance and explore alternative visa options (such as partner or investor transfers), we recommend booking a consultation or assigning our office to handle the process on your behalf.

29 Apr 2025, 08:26

Thanks very much for your prompt response to my query!

I'll think about the possible options I have to pursue.

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Dar Al Haqooq Legal Consultancy
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29 Apr 2025, 08:14

Dear Client,

Thank you for your inquiry!

Please note that an investor residence visa in the UAE is directly linked to the active status of the company’s trade license.

If the company is closed before the license expiry in December 2025, the associated investor visa must also be cancelled, regardless of its printed expiry date (February 2027).

Once the company is closed and the visa is cancelled, you will be granted a grace period (typically up to six months for investor visas) to either regularize your status, obtain a new visa under a different sponsorship, or exit the UAE.

It is not legally permissible to remain in the UAE on a cancelled visa beyond this grace period.

If you require assistance with the company closure process or guidance on alternative residency options, please let us know. We are here to support you through every step.

Best regards,

29 Apr 2025, 08:27

Thanks very much for your prompt response to my query. It was very informative. Are fines due during the grace period?

29 Apr 2025, 08:31

No, fines are not due during the grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE.

The grace period, typically up to 30 days for most residence visas and up to 6 months for certain categories like investors, allows you to either exit the country or regularize your status without incurring overstay fines.

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Ahkam Legal Consultancy
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29 Apr 2025, 08:14

If the visa is directly linked to the company activity (an investor or partner visa), once the company closes, the visa becomes invalid.

29 Apr 2025, 08:37

Thank you!

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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29 Apr 2025, 08:22

Hello,

Closing a company in the UAE can complicate an investor’s residency status; however, it does not automatically invalidate their existing residence visa, which is valid until February 2027, as long as they make appropriate arrangements or have other valid grounds for maintaining residency.

Thus, they may legally remain in the UAE until their visa expires, provided they comply with local regulations and procedures.

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Eman Al Ali Advocates & Legal Consultants
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29 Apr 2025, 08:59

If the license is cancelled, the residence will be cancelled.

For more details, contact us at this number [------------].

29 Apr 2025, 09:15

Thank you!

 

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London Center for Legal Consultancy Office
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29 Apr 2025, 09:31

According to UAE law, if the company on which the investor visa is based is closed, the residence visa becomes legally invalid even if it still appears valid in the system.

The investor is required to cancel it or adjust their legal status accordingly.

Our legal center specializes in such matters and can provide full support. Feel free to contact us on WhatsApp for further legal assistance.

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Saeed Aldahmani Advocates & Legal Consultants
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29 Apr 2025, 09:42

1. Visa Validity Post-Company Closure:

Company closure typically necessitates the cancellation of all associated visas, including investor visas.

2. Grace Period After Visa Cancellation:

If the investor visa is canceled due to company closure, the individual is typically granted a grace period of up to six months to either obtain a new visa or exit the country. ​

3. Staying Outside the UAE:

Standard investor visa holders should not remain outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months, as exceeding this period can lead to automatic visa cancellation. ​

4. Recommendations:

- Consult Authorities:

Before proceeding with company closure, it's advisable to consult with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or a legal expert to understand the specific requirements and implications for your visa status.​

- Plan Ahead:

Ensure that all necessary steps are taken to either transfer your visa sponsorship or apply for a new visa category if you intend to continue residing in the UAE after your company's closure.

Feel free to reach out to us for professional legal support tailored to your needs. For visa or company closure legal assistance, contact us.

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Jassim Ali Al Haddad Lawyers and Legal Consultants
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29 Apr 2025, 10:45

Dear Inquirer,

We are pleased to serve you and address your inquiries.

The legality of residence is linked to the continuation of the institutions' work.

Contact us via phone or email.

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Al Kayaan Advocates and Legal Consultants
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29 Apr 2025, 13:41

Hello,

As per your query, please note that if you have a Golden Visa, you can stay legally in the UAE. If you have any other sponsor, you may also manage to stay in the UAE. Please contact us by email at [-----------] or call [-----------].

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