If you own a business in Dubai, or intend on investing in the UAE you may be eligible for a Golden Visa. This allows eligible foreign nationals to reside in the country for a longer period of time without needing a traditional employment backed visa.However, there are strict requirements to meet. Investors and Entrepreneurs must meet specific financial and document requirements.
This blog includes information on how to qualify, apply and what you should know before applying for a UAE Golden Visa.
UAE Golden Visa for business owners
Eligible investors and entrepreneurs may be eligible for long term residency in the UAE.
Current ICP and Dubai Immigration guidelines state that investors and entrepreneurs may be eligible for 10-year residency.Investors may be eligible for a visa via meeting an investment requirement of AED 2 million or more.
Entrepreneurs may be eligible for a visa via meeting an approved business project, revenue and/or successful business sale.Final approval will depend on the immigration department and documentation provided.
Quick Answer: Can business owners get a UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. Business owners can be eligible for a UAE Golden Visa if they meet the criteria of an investor or entrepreneur. Eligible investors and entrepreneurs can be eligible for a visa via a qualifying investment in a company, approved entrepreneurial project and/or certain successful business venture. You’ll need to provide the relevant documentation, meet requirements and receive approval from the UAE Immigration authorities.
What is a UAE Golden Visa?
A long-term residency permit has been introduced within the UAE to attract investors, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and exceptional achievers.For business owners the main benefit is providing increased security. Rather than having a standard residency permit backed by a company you will be able to have a longer residency permit.This can be beneficial if you’re running a company in Dubai, or looking to expand to other Emirates or running businesses in multiple countries.
Golden Visas can also be beneficial for families. Eligible individuals will be able to sponsor their spouse and children under the relevant immigration guidelines. You can also be away for longer than six months.
Who can apply for a UAE Golden Visa in 2026?
There are different categories to qualify as an investor or entrepreneur. Below are the options available.
Business Investors
Individuals may be eligible for a Golden Visa if they own or have qualifying shares in a UAE company worth AED 2 million or more.To prove the value of their investment Dubai Immigration will require proof such as audited financial information, a trade licence, bank statements and other supporting documents.
Alternatively eligible business owners may be eligible for a Golden Visa if their qualifying tax payment per year is AED 250,000.You will need to provide official documentation to prove you meet these requirements.
Entrepreneurs / Founders
This category is designed for individuals who have developed an approved business project.According to the ICP Golden Residency Guide an entrepreneur may be eligible for a Golden Visa if they run an SME registered in the UAE in an approved area with an annual revenue of AED 1 million or more.
They may also be eligible via an approved entrepreneurial idea from a recognised authority or selling an established business.Applicants from Dubai may also need to be nominated by the Dubai Future Foundation.
Investor vs Entrepreneur
Whilst both categories support business owners, the criteria differ.
| Requirement | Business investor | Entrepreneur |
| Main focus | Qualifying investment | Approved entrepreneurial business |
| Financial evidence | Investment value or qualifying tax contribution | Revenue, approved project or business sale |
| Supporting documents | Audited accounts, licence, ownership records | Business records and relevant approval |
| Residency | 10 years under current ICP guidance | 10 years under current ICP and Dubai guidance |
| Final approval | Immigration authority | Relevant nomination and immigration authority |
Depending on your situation as a business owner you may qualify for different categories. For example a founder of a start-up with little capital may qualify differently than an investor with a large stake in an established company.
How to Apply
When you know which category you fall into it makes applying much easier.
Check Your Eligibility
First you’ll need to ensure you’re eligible as an investor or entrepreneur.
Check your investment value, company ownership, revenue and any official approvals. If you’re applying via a Dubai company, check what requirements you’ll need to meet from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai).
Prepare your Documentation
Depending on the category you’ll need to provide different documents. Business owners may need:
- Copy of a valid passport
- Trade Licence & Ownership of Company in the UAE
- Audited Financial Information / Investment Certificates
- Bank Statements & Tax Information for the company
- Nomination / Approval Letter if required
- Valid Health Insurance & Immigration Documents
- Some applicants may also need to provide further proof of where their funds come from.
Get Required Nomination
If you’re applying as an entrepreneur via certain Dubai routes you’ll need a nomination from the Dubai Future Foundation.
This is an important step within the process. Having a nomination will support your application but will not guarantee a residency permit.
Submit your Application
Once you know you’re eligible you can apply via the ICP Smart Services portal or relevant Dubai immigration channels.Applicants from Dubai can apply via the GDRFA which offer services through authorised Amer centres.Your documents will then be reviewed.
Complete Residency Requirements
Once you’ve been approved you may need to complete certain requirements. This could include medical checks, Emirates ID and other immigration requirements.
This can vary depending on if you’re currently residing in the UAE or applying from overseas.Â
How much does it cost?
The cost will depend on what category you’re applying under, where and the services you’ll need.
Dubai’s official immigration site shows that there are costs for the entrepreneur category of AED 1,100 plus knowledge and innovation fees. Final cost may be more depending on how long the permit is for, if there are any specific reasons for applying, medical costs, Emirates ID costs and other services.
It’s important to note that the cost you pay to apply through the government is separate to any investment you need to make. For example, you won’t pay AED 2 million to apply for the visa.You should ask for a full breakdown of costs.
Can Free Zone Company Owners apply for a Golden Visa?
Eligible free zone company owners can apply for a UAE Golden Visa.However, this does not mean everyone with a free zone trade licence can.When applying under the investor category, Dubai immigration may require you to provide a certificate of capital and your ownership percentage in the company, along with an approved financial report.
So don’t be tempted to go for a low cost free zone company package. It’s important to consider the true investment your company has made.
Common mistakes
A common mistake is thinking that simply setting up any company in Dubai will qualify you for a Golden Visa. Setting up a company and getting approval from immigration are two completely separate things.
Another issue can be providing incorrect evidence for your financials. You may need audited accounts, proof of capital ownership or evidence of the value of your business investment.Avoid using out of date visa information. Immigration requirements may change so you should also be aware that investor categories may differ to entrepreneur categories.Before paying any application costs, ensure you are eligible.
How LBMS Can Help
Applying for a Golden Visa can be more than just filling in an online form. You may need to look at your company structure, prepare financial information and know which category you fall into for immigration purposes.
LBMS (Libra Business Management Services) can help you understand how to set up a company in the UAE as an entrepreneur or investor, along with preparing the correct documentation.We can help you set up your company, PRO services, prepare documentation and ensure your company meets the correct requirements. We can advise you on when you may need further financial, legal or immigration advice.
All Golden Visa Applications will be subject to official eligibility checks.
Final thoughts
The UAE Golden Visa can be a great option for business owners looking to create a long-term future in Dubai.However, there are certain criteria you must meet. Knowing what these criteria are can help you decide if you fit within them based on your company ownership, investment paper work and business activity.
First decide which category you fall into and ensure you have the appropriate documentation.Contact us for help with UAE business set up and preparing your Golden Visa application.
FAQ’s
Can I get a UAE Golden Visa by setting up a company in Dubai?
Setting up a company in Dubai will not guarantee you a Golden Visa. You will need to meet the requirements for an approved investor/entrepreneur or other category. For example, qualifying business investors may need to show they have invested AED 2 million or more. Entrepreneurs may qualify through approved projects or achievements. Ultimately, you will need to meet the requirements of the relevant UAE authorities.
How much do I need to invest?
One recognised way to qualify as an investor is to invest AED 2 million or more in a qualifying business. There are other ways to qualify such as investing AED 250,000 or more in annual tax contributions. Entrepreneurs will have different requirements, possibly relating to business turnover, approved projects or previous business sales. It will depend on what category you are applying for. You will need to provide acceptable documentation to back up your investment.
Can I apply for a Golden Visa if I’m not living in the UAE?
Yes. If you are eligible you can start the process of applying for a Golden Visa whilst living outside the UAE. The ICP does offer an entry visa for qualifying applicants. However, you may need to attend medical checks and Emirates ID formalities in the UAE.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa for business owners?
Currently, the ICP guidance states that qualifying business investors and entrepreneurs will receive a 10 year Golden Residency. Dubai immigration guidance also states 10 years for these categories. However, some government pages do still show differing lengths of time for certain categories. You should confirm what length of time you will receive for your exact category. The visa will need to be renewed once you meet the relevant requirements.
Can I sponsor my family with a UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. If you are eligible for a Golden Visa you can sponsor qualifying family members such as your spouse and children. The current ICP guidance does allow for parental sponsorship if you are eligible. Family members will need to meet the relevant documentation and insurance requirements. Charges and processes may vary depending on who you’re sponsoring and what Emirate is handling your application.Â
