UAE Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs and Business Investors

Golden Visa Routes for Business Applicants

Entrepreneurs and business investors may qualify for UAE Golden Residency through different categories.

The correct route depends on whether the applicant owns a company, has invested capital, pays qualifying UAE taxes, holds a financial deposit or operates an innovative entrepreneurial project.

Business and Public Investment Route

A business investor or company partner may qualify under the public investment category where the applicant can demonstrate an eligible investment value of at least AED 2 million.

The application may require:

• Passport copy

• Valid UAE trade licence

• Company partnership documentation

• Certified financial report

• Company bank statements

• Tax registration records

• Free-zone capital and ownership documents, where applicable

Dubai GDRFA also recognises a tax investor route where the applicant can demonstrate an annual UAE tax contribution of at least AED 250,000 through confirmation from the Federal Tax Authority.

Financial Deposit Route

Investors may qualify by maintaining an eligible financial deposit of at least AED 2 million with an accredited UAE bank.

Dubai GDRFA states that the deposit must be formally confirmed and subject to the applicable restriction and maintenance requirements.

Entrepreneur Golden Visa Route

The entrepreneur category is intended for founders and owners of innovative, technological or future-focused projects.

The federal ICP overview refers to an innovative or technical project supported by proof of project value and a letter from an approved business incubator or relevant authority.

Dubai’s entrepreneur service currently requires a nomination from Dubai Future Authority and applies separate local project and business criteria. Nomination does not guarantee final approval; the complete file remains subject to immigration assessment.

Important Duration Note

The federal ICP overview currently lists entrepreneur Golden Residency as valid for five years.

Dubai GDRFA’s entrepreneur service currently describes a ten-year renewable residence permit for applicants satisfying its local requirements.

Applicants should confirm the applicable duration and criteria with the processing authority before relying on a particular structure.

Application Process

The process may include:

1. Identifying the correct investor or entrepreneur category

2. Preparing corporate and financial documentation

3. Obtaining an auditor, tax authority, incubator or nomination letter

4. Submitting the application through ICP or GDRFA

5. Completing immigration, medical and Emirates ID procedures

6. Applying for eligible family members

Choosing Between Property and Business Investment

A business owner who does not qualify through their company may potentially consider the real estate investor route by purchasing qualifying property worth at least AED 2 million.

The appropriate route should be selected according to the applicant’s existing assets, business structure, investment objective and documentation.

Call to Action

Speak with our international advisory team to explore Dubai real estate opportunities alongside your wider UAE residency strategy.