The AED 1 million revenue rule for the entrepreneur Golden Visa, explained
2 min read 2
One number sits at the centre of the entrepreneur SME route: AED 1 million in annual revenue. Clear it, prove it properly and the business itself…
Quick answer
If a UAE-registered small or medium business you own or co-own brings in at least 1,000,000 a year in revenue, in a sector the authorities accept, you can apply for the entrepreneur Golden Visa without buying property. The figure is revenue (total sales), not profit, and it must be shown in audited accounts.
One number sits at the centre of the entrepreneur SME route: 1 million in annual revenue. Clear it, prove it properly and the business itself becomes your path to long-term, self-sponsored residence.
What the rule actually says
You must be the owner or a partner in a UAE-registered company classed as a small or medium enterprise, active in an approved sector, with yearly revenue of 1,000,000 or more. No employer sponsors you, so the visa does not depend on a job, and Golden Visa holders are not caught by the six-month absence rule that applies to ordinary residence visas.
Revenue is not profit
This is where many files go wrong. The test looks at the top line of the income statement — total income from the business before costs — not what is left after salaries and rent.
- 1.2 million revenue with 200,000 profit: qualifies
- 800,000 revenue with 600,000 profit: does not qualify
Quote your revenue figure in the application, not net profit. Profit-only figures are a common reason for files being returned.
Documents that prove the number
- Valid UAE trade licence naming you as owner or partner
- Audited financial statements from a UAE-registered auditor
- Memorandum of association or share certificate
- Company bank statements that support the revenue
- Passport, photo and health insurance
How the application runs
The Ministry of Economy (or the relevant local economic authority) reviews the business and issues the nomination. The residence file then goes to ICP, or to GDRFA in Dubai, followed by the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
If you are below 1 million
Early-stage founders can look at the incubator-approval route, and founders with past exits can look at the route for previously sold projects. Another option is to apply later, once a full audited year shows the required revenue.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1 million based on revenue or profit?
Revenue — total business income before expenses.
Do I need audited accounts?
Yes. Revenue must be shown in audited financial statements.
Can a free zone company qualify?
Yes, a UAE-registered company in a free zone or on the mainland can qualify if it meets the conditions.
Keep reading
Dubai Golden Visa Stay Requirements 2026: Eligibility, Documents, and Common Mistakes Explained
As of November 2026, Dubai Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing their residency. Learn eligibility rules, required documents, photo specs, and how to avoid the mistakes that get files stuck.
· 10 min read
Dubai Golden Visa for Teachers: 2026 Eligibility, Step-by-Step Requirements, and Common Pitfalls
Teachers and education staff can now get Dubai’s 10-year Golden Visa. See if you qualify, what documents you'll need, fees, and tips to avoid file delays.
· 11 min read1
UAE Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency, Not Permanent Status
The UAE Golden Visa is a renewable 10-year residency—never permanent. Here’s what you really get, plus where applications usually get stuck.
· 6 min read1