UAE Residency: Golden Visa & Investor Routes

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term renewable residence visa valid for 10 years, introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 65 of 2021. Qualifying categories include: investors with AED 2,000,000+ in UAE real estate or a public investment; entrepreneurs with a UAE-registered startup valued at AED 500,000+; specialised talent (doctors, engineers, scientists, artists, athletes); and outstanding students. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members and do not require an employer or UAE-national sponsor.

Golden Visa processing typically takes 4–8 weeks from submission of a complete application. Qualification verification — real estate valuation report or investment portfolio certificate — is obtained prior to application submission. The application is filed with the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) or the relevant emirate-level authority. INNOVA's Dubai desk manages the full Golden Visa process, including ICA portal submission, medical fitness checks, and Emirates ID enrolment.

No. Company formation does not automatically grant residency. However, a UAE trade licence qualifies the owner to apply for an investor visa (3-year renewable), which is a separate application filed after licence issuance. Free zone companies allow the licence holder to apply for a residence visa through the free zone authority. For mainland companies, the visa is applied through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). INNOVA processes visas in parallel with incorporation.

Citizens of 49 countries — including all EU states, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — receive a 90-day visa on arrival (extendable for a fee). Citizens of GCC states have unrestricted access. Most other nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival or must obtain a pre-entry visa. Extended stays require either a residence visa (employment, investor, or family sponsorship) or repeated short exits and re-entries. UAE visa runs are common but may be challenged by immigration officials.

A standard UAE investor visa is issued for 3 years (renewable) and requires an active UAE trade licence and a minimum share capital of AED 72,000 in certain emirates, or ownership of AED 1,000,000+ in real estate. The Golden Visa is 10 years, does not require a trade licence, and has higher investment thresholds but greater flexibility. An investor visa ties residency to the business; if the trade licence expires, the visa lapses. The Golden Visa is independent of business status.