Unlock Long-Term Residency in Dubai Through Strategic Investment & Innovation
The Golden Visa for the UAE is revolutionizing the game for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-potential talent. The UAE’s Golden Visa was introduced and implemented with the goal of attracting global minds and capital. The long-term residency visa enables individuals to obtain residency of up to 10 years, and you do not require a local sponsor. As an investor, startup founder, and/or established entrepreneur, you should understand that the Golden Visa is more than a privilege; it is an opportunity to establish long-term roots in one of the world’s most forward-thinking economies.
Having a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements, needed documentation, and the application process is necessary to access the benefits of this prestigious visa. Below is an extensive overview focused on investors and entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the UAE.
What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit designed to retain and attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional professionals, and wealthy individuals. Unlike standard residency visas, the Golden Visa provides:
- 5 to 10-year residency (can be renewed)
- No local sponsor required
- Ability to sponsor family and dependents
- Ownership of 100% of business in the UAE
- Continuity of residency even when outside the UAE for longer periods
For entrepreneurs and investors are looking for stability, tax efficiency, and seamless access to the growing business ecosystem of the UAE.
Who Qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa as an Investor?
You may be eligible for the Golden Visa if you meet any of the following investor-based criteria:
Real Estate Investors:
- Must have ownership of property in the UAE worth AED 2 million or more
- Mortgaged property is allowed as long as an approved bank has made a 2M share representation equivalent to the AED 2M
Public Investment Investors:
- Must invest in the UAE economy at least AED 2 million (company shares, deposits, etc.)
- Must show financial solvency and sustainability of the investment
Entrepreneur & Startup Founders:
- Must be an owner or founding partner of a UAE-based startup, registered in an approved incubator or accelerator
- Must be registered and be an SME who generates at least AED 1 million in revenue
- May also qualify if they successfully sold a business for AED 7 million or more in the past
What Are the Golden Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs?
To apply as an entrepreneur, you’ll typically need:
- Trade license from a UAE Free Zone or Mainland authority
- Company profile, financial statements and business valuation
- Letter of recommendation from a recognized incubator or its equivalent, from the economic department
- Evidence of innovation or impact in your field of business
Pro tip: Entrepreneurs in Technology, Sustainability, Logistics, FinTech, or HealthCare experience expedited approvals when aligned with national priorities.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply?
Here’s a checklist of common documentation:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Property deed or investment documents
- Trade license and company MOA
- Bank statements and audit reports
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of UAE address
- Health insurance and clean criminal record certificate
At dubaisetupnow, we assist in organizing and validating all your documents for a smooth submission.
What Are the Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa?
Holding a UAE Golden Visa means more than just staying long term. It gives you:
- Stability in place and successfully accessed lifestyle
- Fully own all business activities
- Visa for family members (spouse, children, and domestic help)
- Free travel and visa-free access to certain countries
- Keep continuously resident under UAE laws if out of country for 6+ months
- No personal taxes, perfect for entrepreneurs in the UAE
How Long Does It Take to Get the Golden Visa?
The application process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the applicant type and document readiness. Faster processing is possible with real estate-based or startup-based categories through pre-approved channels.
Why Work with dubaisetupnow for Your Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa (“GV”) process is dependent on documentation, accurate valuation of business worth, and means of presentation. At dubaisetupnow we keep it simple:
- We evaluate your eligibility in all areas of investor types
- We prepare, check, and submit all documents compliant to the MOE and the GDRFA
- We coordinate with real-estate authorities, the business zones, and incubators
- We provide full legal, business setup, and visa advisory in one location
- We provide approvals as requested for post-visa support (Emirates ID or family sponsorship approvals, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows 5 or 10 years of residency instead of 2 or 3. It does not require a local sponsor, provides full ownership of business, and allows family sponsorship and extended stay benefits even when you are outside the UAE for a long time.
Yes, an eligible Indian & Bangladeshi citizen can access the UAE Golden Visa as long as they meet the necessary investment or entrepreneurial criteria. The Golden Visa has no nationality restrictions, as long you meet the eligibility criteria determined by UAE authorities.
To be considered a real estate investor, migrants must own a property in Dubai, or in the UAE valued at or above AED 2 million. Mortgaged properties qualify as well, as long as the home buyer has funded minimum AED 2 million through an approved UAE bank.
Yes, entrepreneurs who own a startup registered in a UAE Free Zone or mainland, particularly in development sectors like technology, logistics, sustainability, or health, can be eligible. The business must either receive endorsement from an eligible incubator, or generate AED 1 million revenue or higher annually.
Documentation includes a passport copy, Emirates ID (if any), proof of real estate/property investment, trade license, company formation documents (e.g. MOA), financial statements, lease agreement (Ejari), health insurance, and good conduct certificate. dubaisetupnow takes care of completing the application form all the way to verifying and submitting all the documents, ensuring it is done correctly.
The UAE Golden Visa is not permanent, however it is valid for either 5 or 10 years depending on the category. It can be renewed upon the visa holder's continuous eligibility.
The answer is yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, their children (regardless of age), and even domestic workers. Family visas are issued for the same length as the principal visa and are renewable along with the Golden Visa.
The overall process takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the availability of documents and the nature of the application. Real estate/applicants and incubator based applicants may be granted approvals faster if they are submitted via verified nomination channels.
No, at present, there is currently no personal income tax in the UAE, making the Golden Visa a very attractive option for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and investors looking for residency with little tax obligations.
dubaisetupnow offers a comprehensive service providing Golden Visa consultancy from eligibility assessments, to documentation and processing of the nomination to final approval and issuance. As we have established relationships with business zones and authorities in the UAE, and understand regulations pertaining to the Golden Visa, we focus on transparency and ensure your application process is efficient, stress-free and compliant.
Ready to Secure Your UAE Golden Visa?
Long-Term Residency, Business Ownership & Lifestyle Stability All in One Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is your gateway to seamless business growth and global mobility. Whether you’re an investor in real estate, a startup founder, or a global entrepreneur aiming to make Dubai your launchpad, this visa opens doors like never before.
At dubaisetupnow, we manage the full process—from eligibility assessment and document compilation to Golden Visa submission and final approval. With expert support, zero hassle, and guaranteed transparency, your path to long-term success in the UAE begins here.
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