The UAE Golden Visa offers 5-10 year residency to qualified investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. For business owners, it's an attractive path to long-term UAE residency without needing to renew every 2-3 years. Here's what you need to know about qualifying through your business.
Golden Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs
To qualify as an entrepreneur, you generally need: a business valued at AED 500,000+ or approval from an accredited incubator, or to have sold a startup for AED 7 million+. The requirements have been relaxed significantly in recent years, making it more accessible than ever.
Golden Visa Through Investment
Investors can qualify by: investing AED 2 million+ in UAE property, having AED 2 million+ in bank deposits, or investing in a business worth AED 2 million+. Some free zones actively help with Golden Visa applications as part of their setup packages.
Which Free Zones Support Golden Visa?
Most major free zones can facilitate Golden Visa applications, but some are more experienced than others. DMCC, DIFC, and ADGM have established processes. Newer zones like IFZA and Dubai South also support applications but may have less track record.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Key benefits include: 5-10 year residency (vs standard 2-3 year visa), no need for a sponsor, ability to sponsor unlimited family members, 6+ month stay outside UAE without losing visa status, and enhanced banking and mortgage eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Golden Visa cost?
The Golden Visa itself costs around AED 2,000-3,500 in government fees. However, the main cost is meeting the qualifying criteria — typically AED 2 million+ in investment or business value. Some free zones include Golden Visa processing in their premium packages.
Can I get a Golden Visa through a free zone company?
Yes, if your free zone business meets the investment threshold (generally AED 500,000+ for entrepreneurs or AED 2 million+ for investors). Some free zones have specific Golden Visa packages that streamline the process.
How long does Golden Visa processing take?
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after submitting all documentation. The total timeline depends on how quickly you can gather the required documents, which can take 1-3 months.
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