How to Get UAE Golden Visa as a Free Zone Company Owner 2026

How to Get UAE Golden Visa as a Free Zone Company Owner 2026

UAE Golden Visa (10-year renewable residency) is available to UAE free zone company owners who meet the qualifying investment criteria. This guide walks through the step-by-step process for a free zone company owner to obtain the UAE Golden Visa via the investment category in 2026.

Investment Golden Visa — Free Zone Company Owner Route

The most accessible Golden Visa route for free zone company owners is the investment route: AED 2 million+ invested in a UAE company with paid-up capital of AED 2 million+. The investment must be confirmed by the relevant UAE authority.

Step 1: Ensure Your Company Meets the AED 2M Investment Threshold

• Your UAE free zone company must have paid-up share capital of AED 2,000,000+
• This capital must be deposited in the company’s UAE bank account and reflected in the company’s share capital
• Audited financial statements confirming the AED 2M+ investment must be available
• The investment must be “in” the UAE — i.e., in the UAE company’s assets or operations, not in a foreign company

Alternative: property investment. Owning UAE freehold property worth AED 2M+ (with equity exceeding AED 2M if mortgaged) also qualifies for the investment Golden Visa.

Step 2: Obtain Free Zone Confirmation Letter

Request a confirmation letter from your free zone authority confirming: your company is registered in their free zone, your paid-up share capital is AED 2M+, you are the shareholder, and the investment is genuine. This letter is required for the Golden Visa application.

Step 3: Apply via GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (Abu Dhabi)

• Dubai company owners: apply via GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) Dubai
• Abu Dhabi company owners: apply via ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security)
• Application portal: GDRFA app (Dubai) or ICA portal

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

• UAE free zone company trade licence
• Certificate of incorporation
• Free zone authority confirmation letter (AED 2M+ investment)
• Audited financial statements confirming paid-up capital
• Passport of applicant
• Current UAE visa (entry permit or residence visa)
• Health insurance certificate

Step 5: Complete Medical, Biometrics, and Golden Visa Stamping

• Golden Visa approval granted (typically 4–8 weeks after application)
• Medical fitness test (if not recently completed)
• Emirates ID application (10-year Golden Visa = 10-year Emirates ID)
• Golden Visa stamped in passport: gold-coloured 10-year UAE residence visa

Golden Visa Benefits for Free Zone Company Owners

• 10-year residency without sponsor dependence
• Sponsor unlimited family members
• Stay outside UAE for extended periods without visa cancellation (unlike 2-year visa cancelled after 6 months abroad)
• Right to invite domestic workers without restrictions
• UAE driving licence (10-year validity matching Golden Visa)