UAE Golden Visa Through Company Formation: Eligibility & Process

The UAE Golden Visa programme offers 10-year renewable residency to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent, and outstanding individuals. For business owners, the Golden Visa provides long-term stability in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor — a significant advantage over standard residency visas tied to employment or company sponsorship.

This guide covers how to qualify for a Golden Visa through company formation and investment in the UAE.

What Is the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa (5 or 10 years, renewable) that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE. Unlike standard residency visas that require renewal every 2 to 3 years and are tied to a specific employer or sponsor, the Golden Visa is self-sponsored. This means you can remain a UAE resident even if you change jobs, close a business, or leave the country for extended periods.

Key benefits include 10-year validity with automatic renewal, no requirement for a national sponsor, the ability to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing residency status, sponsorship of family members (spouse and children regardless of age), sponsorship of unlimited domestic helpers, and 100% business ownership on the UAE mainland.

Eligibility Through Investment and Business

The most relevant Golden Visa categories for business owners are investors and entrepreneurs. The requirements have been updated several times since the programme launched, and the current thresholds as of 2026 are as follows.

For the investor category (10-year visa), you need to make an investment of at least AED 2 million. This can be in the form of a company with capital or revenue of at least AED 2 million, real estate property worth at least AED 2 million (can be multiple properties, including off-plan from approved developers), or a combination of investment in a business and property totalling AED 2 million or more. The investment must be retained and not fully liquidated.

For the entrepreneur category (5-year visa, upgradeable to 10-year), you need to own or be a partner in a startup or SME business in the UAE. Specific criteria include approval from an accredited business incubator or the Ministry of Economy, or having a previous startup sold for at least AED 7 million, or having an existing business with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million.

Family Inclusion

Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age (unlike standard visas that cap dependant age at 18 or 25 for males), parents, and an unlimited number of domestic helpers. This makes the Golden Visa particularly attractive for families seeking long-term stability in the UAE. Sponsored family members receive visas valid for the same period as the primary holder.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process involves several stages. First, determine your eligibility category and ensure you meet the investment or business requirements. Gather supporting documents including passport copies, professional photos, proof of investment or business ownership, financial statements, and any relevant approvals.

Next, apply through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) smart platform or through an authorised typing centre. The application includes an entry permit (if applying from outside the UAE), a medical fitness test at an approved centre, an Emirates ID application, and the Golden Visa stamp in your passport.

If you are already in the UAE on another visa, you can apply to convert your status to a Golden Visa without leaving the country. This is known as a status change and is processed through the same ICP platform.

Processing Time and Costs

Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date of a complete application. Government fees for the Golden Visa itself range from AED 2,800 to AED 4,600, depending on the category and processing speed. Additional costs include the medical test (approximately AED 500), Emirates ID (approximately AED 370 for 10 years), and typing centre fees if used (AED 200 to AED 500). In total, expect to invest approximately AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 in application-related fees.

Common Routes Through Company Formation

The most straightforward path to a Golden Visa through business is to form a UAE company with paid-up capital or proven revenue of at least AED 2 million. This can be a mainland LLC, a free zone company, or a holding company with investments totalling the required threshold.

For real estate investors, purchasing property worth AED 2 million or more (including off-plan properties from approved developers) qualifies directly. Many entrepreneurs combine a business setup with real estate investment to reach the threshold while building their UAE presence.

• Form a mainland or free zone company with AED 2 million+ capital or revenue
• Purchase qualifying real estate worth AED 2 million or more
• Combine business and property investments to meet the threshold
• Apply through an accredited business incubator as an entrepreneur

Important Considerations

The Golden Visa does not automatically make you a UAE tax resident. To establish tax residency, you need to spend a minimum number of days in the UAE (typically 183 days per year, though a certificate of tax residency can sometimes be obtained with fewer days if your centre of vital interests is in the UAE). Tax residency is separate from immigration residency and is determined by the Federal Tax Authority.

Additionally, the Golden Visa does not replace the need for proper business licensing. Your company must still obtain the appropriate trade licence, comply with UAE regulations, and maintain valid registration throughout the visa period.

For personalised guidance on qualifying for the UAE Golden Visa through company formation, we recommend consulting with a formation specialist who can assess your specific circumstances and recommend the most efficient path.