The UAE Golden Visa grants 10-year UAE residence. Business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs are among the primary eligible categories. Here is the 2026 complete guide.
In this guide:
UAE Golden Visa Eligibility for Business Owners
Investor Category (Easiest for Business Owners)
- Property investment: UAE property valued at AED 2 million or more (single property; owned free of mortgage or AED 2M paid)
- Business investment: Own a company or shares in UAE companies valued at AED 2 million+ (requires accreditation from Ministry of Economy or local economic department)
- Investment fund deposit: AED 2 million deposited in an approved UAE investment fund
Entrepreneurship Category
- Own or partner in a UAE startup approved by a UAE business incubator (accredited by Ministry of Economy)
- Startup must demonstrate innovation in technology, health, education, or social impact
Outstanding Specialist (High Skills) Category
- Specialist doctors, engineers, scientists, coders, artists, authors
- Requires accreditation from the relevant UAE regulatory authority
- Monthly salary requirement: AED 50,000+
UAE Golden Visa Application Steps
- Determine eligibility category (investor is most common for business owners)
- Prepare documentation: Title deed (property) or MoE business investment certificate
- Apply via: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) e-Services portal, Amer service centres, or through typing centres
- Fee: AED 650-2,800 depending on application type
- Approval: 2-4 weeks for standard applications
- Golden visa stamp in passport; Emirates ID with 10-year validity
UAE Golden Visa Benefits
- 10-year UAE residence (vs 2-year for standard investor visa)
- Sponsor family (spouse, children of any age)
- Can stay outside UAE for up to 6 months without visa cancellation
- No UAE employer sponsor required
- No security deposit required (unlike standard visas)