Can I Apply for a Golden Visa Through My Business?

Yes. Your company can be your route to ten years of UAE residency. This step by step guide shows which business routes qualify in Dubai, what you need to prove, what it costs and how the application works.

For many founders, the Golden Visa is the natural next step after a successful business setup in UAE. Instead of renewing a standard investor visa every few years, you can secure long term residency based on what your business has achieved. In this guide, the team at Ampsy Consultancy walks you through the practical side: the routes, the proof, the fees and the process, using the requirements published by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA).

WHY IT IS WORTH IT
According to GDRFA Dubai, the golden residence permit for investors is valid for 10 years and can be extended if the same conditions are met, and holders are exempt from the rule that normally cancels residency after a long stay abroad. The permit only lapses if it expires while the holder is outside the country.

Part One

The Business Routes That Qualify

GDRFA Dubai lists several ways a business owner can qualify. You only need to meet one of them:

For free zone companies, GDRFA asks for a free zone certificate showing the company's capital and your share, along with a certified financial report. GDRFA also evaluates the size of the investment or employment, administrative efficiency and financial solvency, so strong, well organised company records matter.

The entrepreneur route is designed for technological or future oriented projects based on disruptive innovation. According to GDRFA Dubai, entrepreneurs are nominated by the Dubai Future body, but nomination is not approval: GDRFA reviews each file against all the criteria before a decision is made.

Part Two

The Application Path

1. Confirm your route
   Check which criterion your business meets: company share, tax paid or entrepreneur project.
2. Prepare your company records
   Arrange an audited financial report, valid trade licence and up to date partner details.
3. Gather supporting documents
   Passport copy, tax letters, bank statements or nomination letter, depending on your route.
4. Submit the application
   Apply online through the GDRFA smart services system using UAE Pass, or at an Amer service centre.
5. Pay the fees
   Fees are paid with the application, as shown below.
6. Receive your decision
   GDRFA lists an expected completion time of 5 days once the file is complete.

Part Three

What It Costs

GDRFA DUBAI · GOLDEN RESIDENCE FEES
As published for the investor and entrepreneur categories

GDRFA notes that the issuance fee increases by AED 100 for each year when the residency exceeds two years. Medical, Emirates ID, health insurance and audit costs are separate.

Part Four

Documents by Route

Every file is different, and GDRFA may ask for further documents depending on your company structure.

Part Five

Tips From Our Team

• Start with your accounts
  An audited financial report is central to the investor route. Keep your books clean from day one of your business setup.
• Check your share value
  The AED 2 million threshold applies to your share, not just the company's total capital.
• Keep tax records ready
  If you qualify through tax paid, a clear FTA letter makes the process much smoother.

AMPSY CONSULTANCY
Built your business here? Let it build your future here too.

Ampsy Consultancy LLC provides end to end business setup, support and advisory services across the UAE. With more than 4,000 companies set up, mainland licensing across all seven emirates, access to over 20 free zones and a 4.8 star Google rating, our team handles company formation, Golden Visa assistance, investor and family visas, PRO services, corporate bank accounts, and tax and accounting compliance. Business setup packages start from AED 4,999 with fixed, 100 percent transparent pricing.

Find out if you qualify: speak to our business setup consultants in UAE on +971 4 3524243, WhatsApp +971 58 2520100 or info@ampsyconsultancy.ae.

Part Six

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Golden Visa straight after my business setup in UAE?

Possibly, if you already meet one of the criteria, such as owning a share worth at least AED 2 million in a UAE company. Many owners start with a standard investor visa after their business setup in UAE and apply for the Golden Visa once the company's audited figures or tax payments meet the thresholds.

Does a free zone business setup in Dubai qualify for the Golden Visa?

Yes. GDRFA accepts free zone companies on the investor route, using a free zone certificate showing the company's capital and your share, together with a certified financial report. A free zone business setup in Dubai can therefore qualify in the same way as a mainland company.

Can business setup consultants in UAE apply for the Golden Visa on my behalf?

Yes. Business setup consultants in UAE who offer PRO and Golden Visa services can check which route fits you, coordinate your audited report and tax letters, submit the application and handle the medical and Emirates ID steps. Experienced business consultants also make sure your company records support the application.

Sources

• GDRFA Dubai: Issuing a golden residence permit (investors)
• GDRFA Dubai: Issuing a golden residence permit (entrepreneurs)

Disclaimer: Criteria, documents, fees and processing times are set by GDRFA Dubai and other UAE authorities and can change. Figures in this article reflect the official GDRFA service pages as of November 2026. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.