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Pathway

UAE Entrepreneur Golden Visa

United Arab Emirates Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

Entrepreneurs may qualify for Golden Residence through an approved business idea, a UAE business with at least AED 1 million in annual revenue, or previous business sales totaling at least AED 7 million. You do not need an employer sponsor. ICP lists a 10-year term, but confirm it with the authority handling your application.

Business
An approved idea, a UAE venture with AED 1 million annual revenue, or previous business sales totaling AED 7 million
Approval
Required evidence and official approval for the chosen category

Summary

The UAE’s entrepreneur Golden Residence category is for founders with specific business achievements or an approved business proposal. The accepted categories include a UAE venture with at least AED 1 million in annual revenue or previous business sales totaling at least AED 7 million; ordinary company ownership is not enough.

The federal residence authority, ICP, lists a 10-year permit, while some other government pages still say five years. Confirm the term and the evidence for your category with the authority handling the application.

Check which business option fits you
  1. Choose a business category Check whether you qualify through an approved idea, business revenue, or previous business sales.
  2. Get the required approval Gather the financial records and approval from a business incubator or the responsible authority.
  3. Apply for Golden Residence Complete the identity and residence requirements with the authority handling your application.

These are alternative ways to qualify. Government pages give different permit lengths, so confirm the term before relying on it.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

You need to meet one of these business categories:

You also need the required approval from an accredited business incubator or the responsible UAE authority, plus evidence for your chosen category. An incubator is an organization that supports new businesses.

Identity, health-insurance, and residence requirements also apply. Get the exact checklist before paying for valuations or reports.

What This Route Allows

The 10-year permit lets you live in the UAE without an employer sponsor. It can also support working, studying, investing, and sponsoring qualifying family members while you continue to meet the requirements.

What This Route Is Not

Owning a company, freelancing, or having an idea is not enough on its own. You need to meet an approved business category. Green Residence may be more suitable for an ordinary investor or business partner.

Next Steps

  1. Choose the entrepreneur category that fits your business or proposed project.
  2. Ask the issuing authority which approval and financial records it requires.
  3. Obtain the category approval and prepare the supporting evidence.
  4. Submit the Golden Residence application through ICP or the relevant emirate authority.

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Similar entrepreneur / start-up pathways in other destinations.

Sources