Golden Visa (Entrepreneur)

The UAE Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs is a long-term residence permit enabling foreign nationals who own or are launching innovative, technology-focused businesses to live in the UAE without a local sponsor. It targets founders and co-founders of startups and technology ventures, as well as established SME owners generating substantial revenue. Holders are exempt from the standard 180-day absence rule and may sponsor family members and domestic workers.

Applicants must meet one of the following pathways:

• SME pathway: Own or partner in an SME-classified pioneering project registered with the Ministry of Economy or local authorities, generating annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000
• Incubator-endorsed pathway: Hold approval from an accredited business incubator (Area 2071 in Dubai, Hub71 in Abu Dhabi), the Ministry of Economy, or a competent local authority for a pioneering project concept
• Innovation/technology pathway: Own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk and innovation, valued at not less than AED 500,000, with auditor certification and emirate authority approval
• Previous project founders: Founded or co-founded a previously sold pioneering project(s) with total sale value of at least AED 7,000,000

No specific educational qualifications are required — eligibility is based on entrepreneurial activity and business performance.

• Copy of passport (valid 6+ months)
• Personal photograph
• Nomination letter from the relevant authority (Dubai Future Foundation, Hub71, or Ministry of Economy)
• For SME pathway: trade license, audited financial statements (2 years), SME registration evidence
• For incubator pathway: acceptance letter from accredited business incubator, business concept deck
• For innovation pathway: auditor letter confirming AED 500,000+ project value, emirate authority certification
• For previous project founders: proof of sale transaction (AED 7,000,000+), previous project trade license, co-founders' LinkedIn profiles, new owner identification
• Health insurance documentation for applicant and family

The federal portal states a 5-year duration, while GDRFA Dubai lists 10 years for entrepreneurs — applicants should verify the current term at time of application. The visa is renewable as long as the qualifying conditions continue to be met.

Holders may sponsor their spouse and children of any age, as well as unlimited domestic workers. Family members receive residency matching the main applicant's visa duration. No additional income requirement applies for sponsoring dependants. If the primary holder passes away, family members may remain in the UAE until their permit expires.

The UAE does not levy personal income tax. Holders residing 180+ days may apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the Federal Tax Authority. Federal corporate tax of 9% applies to business profits exceeding AED 375,000.

The process varies by emirate. In Dubai, applicants obtain a nomination letter from Dubai Future Foundation (Area 2071) and then apply through the GDRFA smart services portal or in person at Amer Service Centers. In Abu Dhabi, applications go through the TAMM portal via the Abu Dhabi Residents Office, with Hub71 as the primary accredited incubator. Total fees via GDRFA Dubai are approximately AED 2,280. Processing takes approximately 5 days. Upon approval, the holder receives a 6-month multi-entry visa to enter the UAE and complete residency formalities including medical fitness test, biometric registration, and Emirates ID issuance.

• The accredited business incubator endorsement is a critical prerequisite — Area 2071 (Dubai) and Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) are the primary recognized platforms
• Area 2071 specifically requires a minimum capital of AED 500,000 in a field approved by the Ministry of Economy
• Golden Visa holders are exempt from the 180-day absence rule that nullifies standard residence visas
• Overstay fees are AED 50 per day
• The entrepreneur must be able to support themselves and their family without government assistance