Everything UAE Businesses Need to Know
The UAE has officially introduced new documentation rules for Partner and Investor Visa renewals, coming into force 1 January 2026. These changes reflect a wider shift toward strengthening regulatory compliance, ensuring that investor-linked companies operate actively, maintain financial presence, and hold a valid establishment in the UAE.
This guide breaks down the new requirements, explains their impact, and helps you prepare early to avoid renewal delays.
New Mandatory Documents (2026 Onwards)
These documents were not required previously, now they are compulsory for renewals.
Unit Lease Agreement – Under the Company Name Only
What this means:
Your company must have an active Ejari/lease contract:
- In the company trade name — not personal name
- Valid & updated at renewal time
- Registered under an approved workspace (office, flexi-desk, warehouse, etc.)
Why this rule exists:
The UAE wants to ensure that every investor-based business has:
- A real physical presence in the country
- A legitimate operating location
- Compliance with free zone / mainland licensing rules
This is a move to eliminate inactive registrations or paper-only businesses.
Important Consequences:
- A home Ejari (in personal name) will not be accepted
- The name must match the trade license exactly
- If Ejari is expired or outdated — the renewal may get delayed or rejected
UAE Utility Bill Under the Visa Holder’s Name
Accepted forms may include:
- DEWA / SEWA / FEWA bill
- In some cases: Etisalat / DU telecom billing
Conditions:
- Must contain the visa holder’s name
- Must reflect a UAE residence
- Should be recent (1–2 months)
Purpose: To validate that partners/investors reside in or actively maintain status within the UAE.
If you do not have a bill in your name you may need to update tenancy contracts, add co-occupancy, or request new bill access.
Existing Requirements (Still Applicable)
These requirements continue to apply into 2026.
6-Month Corporate Bank Account Statement
Authorities expect to see active business movement, not a dormant or unused account.
Valid activity may include:
- Client invoices
- Supplier payments
- Salary transfers
- Expense withdrawals
Inactive accounts may trigger review, delay or rejection.
Minimum AED 50,000 Corporate Bank Balance
Requirement:
- AED 50,000 MINIMUM must be present in a UAE corporate bank account
- Funds must belong to the company, not a shareholder
- Must be maintained during visa processing
This ensures businesses renewing visas have operational stability and are not shell companies.
Why Start Preparing Now?
Starting early helps you avoid government congestion expected at the end-2025.
- Ejari updates take time
- Bank statements require six months of history
- Building balance to AED 50,000 cannot be rushed
- Thousands of companies will wait until deadline = delays + backlogs
Non-compliance risks include:
- Visa rejection
- Overstay fines
- Forced re-application
- Business operations affected
Preparing before 2026 is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Open Clarifications Yet to Be Confirmed
To ensure complete compliance, the following points require future clarification from authorities:
- Will Etisalat/DU telecom bills also count as accepted utilities?
- Can co-occupancy certificates substitute for missing utility bills?
- AED 50,000 — minimum closing balance or 6-month average requirement?
- Will business-center leases qualify, or only independent office spaces?
Once announced, updates will be added to this article.
How The Capital Zone Helps You Stay Compliant
We support investors and partners in meeting all new 2026 requirements with:
- Ejari/Lease documentation assistance
- Bank compliance, account activation & balance monitoring
- Corporate structure & business activity validation
- Visa renewal preparation & documentation filing
- Regulatory alerts tailored to your company type
Whether you operate in Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore we ensure your visa renewals proceed smoothly, without delays or penalties.
Book a consultation before renewal backlogs begin.
Stay ahead, renew smart, prepare early.
Contact The Capital Zone for compliant, stress-free visa processing & business support.
Office Address:
Office 605, Park Lane Tower, Business Bay, Dubai – UAE
General Inquiries: info@thecapitalzone.com | +971 4 285 0200
Marketing & Collaborations: marketing@thecapitalzone.com | +971 50 209 9514
