Can a foreign entrepreneur get a Golden Visa in the UAE?
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The Golden Visa was designed to keep valuable people in the UAE, not only wealthy investors. For founders, the proof is the company, not a title deed.
Quick answer
Yes. A foreign entrepreneur can get a UAE Golden Visa through the business itself rather than property: an SME with at least 1 million in annual revenue, an innovative project valued at 500,000 or more and backed by an accredited incubator, or a record of founding and selling projects. An approved authority endorses the business and ICP or GDRFA issues the residence.
The Golden Visa was designed to keep valuable people in the UAE, not only wealthy investors. For founders, the proof is the company, not a title deed.
How the entrepreneur route differs
Instead of a title deed, you bring a trade licence, audited figures and a letter from a body the government trusts to judge whether the business is real. That extra review is why entrepreneur files can take a little longer than investor files.
Three ways to qualify
- Established company: a UAE SME you own or co-own with 1 million or more in annual revenue
- Early-stage project: valued at 500,000 or more, technical or innovative, and supported by an accredited UAE incubator
- Past exits: projects you founded and sold, subject to approval by the competent authority
What you get
Long-term, renewable residence with no employer or Emirati sponsor, the right to sponsor your spouse and children, and no loss of status for spending more than six months abroad.
Before you apply
Pick the route that matches where the business is today. Revenue routes need audited accounts; the incubator route needs a clear endorsement letter naming you.
Founders who have not moved to the UAE yet can sometimes start with the incubator route and set up the company afterwards.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in the UAE already?
Not always. Early-stage founders can start with an incubator endorsement before relocating.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Entrepreneur Golden Visa holders can sponsor a spouse and children.
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