An Entrepreneur’s Guide to the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE is a business powerhouse, designed to nurture entrepreneurship. Its strong economic principles, pro-business legislation, and advanced infrastructure create a thriving ecosystem for growth and innovation.

What truly sweetens the deal is the UAE Golden Visa program. It offers entrepreneurs and investors up to ten years of residency and the option to bring loved ones along.

However, seizing these opportunities isn’t without challenges. The UAE Golden Visa application process requires careful attention to documentation and approvals—time better spent growing your business.

Adding to the frustration, government websites often provide scattered, incomplete information. And relying on pricey immigration lawyers often results in subpar support and unnecessary delays.

That’s where Deel Immigration makes a difference. We take the stress out of the visa process by managing the paperwork, approvals, and bureaucracy.

In this guide, we’ll explore the UAE’s business advantages, the benefits of the Golden Visa, and how Deel Immigration can simplify your visa processing and relocation.

What is the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows you to live and operate your business in the UAE legally. In addition to entrepreneurs, it targets:

• High net-worth individuals
• Real estate investors
• Investors in public investments
• Exceptional talents
• Outstanding students

The UAE Golden Visa doesn’t require sponsorship. It also offers flexible conditions compared to other visas and eligibility for exclusive benefits in the UAE.

Entrepreneurs can secure a Golden Visa valid for five years. For a ten-year visa, applicants must invest at least AED 2 million (approx. USD 544,520) in a public fund using owned funds (not loans) or show proof of AED 250,000 (approx. USD 68,100) in annual taxes paid. Applicants with specialized talent may also qualify for a ten-year visa.

The main benefits of the Golden Visa

Here are some key advantages and exclusive benefits of the UAE Golden Visa:

• Family sponsorship: You can sponsor your family members, including children of any age, as long as they are unmarried. If the primary visa holder passes away, family members may remain in the UAE for the permit’s full duration
• Sponsorship for domestic helpers: You can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers
• Work rights: The visa holder and family members have the right to work in the UAE
• Visa renewal: You can renew the visa as many times as needed
• Flexibility to travel: You can travel outside the UAE for over six months, unlike other visa holders
• Mobility: You can travel visa-free to specific locations

In addition, the UAE Golden Visa offers tax benefits. For instance, you are free from paying personal income tax, allowing you to reinvest more of your earnings. However, you still need to pay other taxes, such as VAT, corporate tax, and excise tax.

The UAE also protects entrepreneurs from direct and indirect double taxation through 142 agreements with other nations.

Other privileges for UAE Golden Visa holders include a free Esaad privilege card. It grants discounts for essential products and services needed to live, work, and study in the UAE. This includes healthcare, housing, food, entertainment, education, and travel, helping you save more.

See also: Worldwide Visa Support: Business Guide for Dependents

The requirements for processing the UAE Golden Visa

To qualify for the Golden Visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements:

Income and project requirements

• An income of at least AED 30,000 (approx. USD 8,170) per month for the last six months, along with bank statements to prove it
• A project valued at no less than AED 500,000 (approx. USD 136,130) with an approval letter from a UAE auditor
• A letter from the competent local authorities confirming that the project is innovative or tech-focused
• A letter from a certified business incubator in the UAE approving the setup of your proposed business activity in the country

Other requirements for the UAE Golden Visa

• Be at least 18 years old and hold a university degree
• A valid passport copy with at least six months validity remaining and two blank pages
• A UAE MOFA-attested degree certificate
• A resume or biography detailing your experience, achievements, and other key information
• Health insurance for a minimum of one year, with an option to extend
• Proof of accommodation in the UAE, either home ownership or a rental contract
• A passport-sized photo
• An Emirates ID card copy and residence permit, if applicable

Costs and fees for the UAE Golden Visa application

For the immigration process, the costs are:

• Government fees: AED 4,747 (approx. USD 1,295)
• Documentation fees: USD 250 plus applicable expenses and government fees per process
• A one-time charge of USD 5,500 for Deel’s Immigration service

You’ll also need a non-sponsored ID valid for one year at a cost of:

• Government fees: AED 220 (approx. USD 60)
• One-time Deel Immigration fees: USD 1,250

Average processing time for the UAE Golden Visa

The visa application process takes 8-12 weeks for pre-approval, plus an additional three weeks to complete the visa process. This period may be extended if authorities request additional security checks.

You can be in the UAE surveying the market while awaiting pre-approval.

If you have an existing valid UAE residence permit, you must cancel it once the authorities give you the green light. The cancellation process can take two to three days.

What are the steps involved in applying for the UAE Golden Visa with Deel

Step 1: Eligibility check and document collection

The Deel team will verify if you meet the Golden Visa requirements and collect all necessary documentation. Once you submit the information, the assessment can take one to two working days.

Our thorough assessment minimizes the risk of request rejection.

Step 2: Submission to UAE authorities

If you qualify, Deel will submit your documents to the government for pre-approval. This can take one to two working days.

If you’re not already in the UAE on a valid residence permit, you need to enter on a Visa-On-Arrival or Tourist Visa at this stage.

Step 3: Pre-approval outcome

Once the UAE Immigration Department pre-approves your Golden Visa, you’ll receive a link to complete the visa process. The authorities typically take eight to twelve weeks to review and send this link. From the day you receive it, you’ll have 90 days to complete the application.

You’ll need to share your pre-approval email with Deel so we can proceed with the visa process.

Step 4: Final visa application review

After sending your application to the UAE authorities, they will review it within three to five working days and either approve it or request more information. Deel will assist in meeting any additional requirements.

Upon approval, you’ll get a go-ahead to cancel any existing residence permits to receive the Golden Visa.

Step 5: Emirates ID and biometrics (if needed)

Fill out and submit the Emirates ID application electronically. You’ll receive a biometrics appointment. If you previously had a residence visa in the UAE, you don’t need to complete another biometrics registration.

Processing the Emirates ID and biometrics registration can take six to ten working days.

Step 6: Obtain health insurance

Enroll with a health insurance provider for at least one year. Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents.

Step 7: E-residence visa issuance

Provide the UAE authorities with a hard copy of your health insurance to obtain your residence visa.

Step 8: Open a UAE bank account

After receiving your Emirates ID card, you can open a bank account and start building your business.

Why choose the UAE for your entrepreneurial journey

The UAE has business-friendly policies and government initiatives that are ideal for entrepreneurship.

1. Supportive business environment

The UAE supports growth in the private sector and has regulations aimed at preventing monopolies.

It maintains strong ties with key regional and international trade associations, such as the World Trade Organization and the Greater Arab Free-Trade Area. It also has Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and the EFTA.

These factors make it easy for entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners and investors and access international markets.

The UAE also offers flexibility for conducting business anywhere, including free zones, industrial areas, and commercial buildings.

2. A strong foundation for entrepreneurial success

The Institute for Management Development (IMD) ranks the UAE as the 7th most competitive economy globally in 2024. This ranking reflects the UAE’s commitment in four key areas:

• Economic performance
• Government efficiency
• Business efficiency
• Infrastructure

Its strengths in these core areas make it a reliable environment for entrepreneurs to thrive.

3. Strong economic principles

The UAE relies on ten economic principles to guide its political, economic, and social development. These principles ensure the availability of labor, financing, market access, a strong legal framework, and world-class infrastructure to support business growth and credibility.

The ten principles are:

• An open, free-market economy that supports international and regional trade
• Attractive incentives for global skilled professionals
• Professional development of local talent
• Investment in digital infrastructure and transformative technologies
• Advanced legislation and policies to support a sustainable and balanced economy
• A stable and well-regulated financial sector
• A flexible and business-friendly legislative environment
• An advanced and secure banking system that meets global standards
• World-leading transport and logistics infrastructure
• A transparent, law-driven environment with accessible, reliable data that supports informed business decisions

Get your UAE Golden Visa with Deel Immigration

Deel Immigration is redefining the slow and frustrating visa process. We believe that visa processing shouldn’t disrupt your entrepreneurial journey.

Our efficient approach ensures high approval chances with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on your business's success.

The Deel advantage includes:

• A free visa eligibility checker with a cost breakdown and document requirements for easier planning
• A dedicated case manager providing real-time updates, consistent support, and personalized guidance throughout the visa process
• A centralized location for all your application information, including timelines, documents, costs, and form submissions
• An in-app tracker to monitor the progress of your case
• Relocation services to help you settle in quickly

Ready to relocate to the UAE? Book a 30-minute call with Deel.