A Golden Visa for entrepreneurs is a 10-year UAE residency permit available via three routes: AED 2M+ real estate investment, AED 2M cash deposit, or a qualifying business. Government fees range from AED 4,695–10,140 (entry, medical, Emirates ID, status change). The DET and MOHRE oversee eligibility; since February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan properties now qualify. Setup with Dubai Business Services takes 3–7 days once documents are submitted.

What Is a Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs in Dubai?

A Golden Visa is a long-term UAE residency permit valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely. It is designed for business owners, investors, and executives seeking stability and tax-efficient living in the Emirates. Unlike the two-year investor or partner visa, the Golden Visa grants extended residency without the need for constant sponsorship renewals. Business setup in Dubai is often paired with a Golden Visa application to establish your operational footprint and meet investment thresholds. The DET (Department of Economic and Tourism Development, formerly DED), MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), and the FTA oversee all visa and business-licence criteria.

Get a free, itemised quote for your visa and company setup — WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.

Three Golden Visa Routes for Business Owners

Route 1: Real Estate Investment (AED 2M+)
Purchase a residential or commercial property valued at AED 2 million or more. As of February 2026, the rule allowing only freehold purchases has been relaxed: mortgaged properties and off-plan developments now qualify, provided you hold at least 50% equity upfront. No additional business is required under this route alone; however, combining it with Dubai free zone company formation strengthens your profile and operational base.

Route 2: Cash Deposit (AED 2M+)
Deposit AED 2 million or more in an authorised UAE bank account in your name. Funds must remain locked for the visa duration. This route is ideal if you are not yet purchasing property but wish to demonstrate investment capacity. Combined with a UAE company, it positions you as a legitimate business operator to regulators and lenders.

Route 3: Qualifying Business Ownership
Own or part-own a registered UAE company (onshore or free-zone) with evidence of annual turnover, investment in equipment, or significant local employment. The minimum capital and turnover thresholds are set by the DET and vary by sector and emirate. This route is ideal for entrepreneurs already trading; it links directly to your operational company licence.

Unsure which route fits you? DBS delivers a free, personalised visa + company cost breakdown — inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.

Complete Cost Breakdown: Golden Visa + Company Setup (All-in 2026)

Below is a fully itemised table of all fees and costs for securing a Golden Visa as an entrepreneur, paired with a UAE company setup. All figures are AED; dual-currency conversions are indicative at current rates — always convert at today's live rate.

Indicative Dual-Currency Callout: At an illustrative rate of AED 1 ≈ USD 0.27 / GBP 0.21 (convert at today's live rate for accuracy), the range AED 9,600–21,700 equals approximately USD 2,600–5,900 or GBP 2,000–4,600. Always use your bank's live rate when budgeting.

Need a cost breakdown in your home currency? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free, real-time quote.

Day-by-Day Setup Timeline: From Idea to Residence

Days 1–2: Document Preparation
Gather passport, proof of funds, property deed (or bank statement for deposit route), company ownership documents, and home-country tax clearance letter. DBS reviews and advises on missing items.

Days 3–4: Company Registration & Licence Issuance
DBS submits company incorporation to DET. Trade licence is issued and ready for visa application. Your company is now active and can open a bank account.

Day 5: Visa Application Submission to MOHRE
DBS files your Golden Visa application with all required documents, investment proof, and completed forms to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Days 6–7: Medical & Status Change Processing
Complete mandatory medical examination at an approved centre. MOHRE processes your entry permit in parallel. Emirates ID application is submitted.

Week 2+: Visa Issuance & Stamping
Upon approval (typically 5–10 working days), your visa is stamped in your passport, and your residence permit is activated. You can now enter the UAE and begin operations.

Need an expedited timeline? DBS handles every step — email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com to confirm your specific schedule.

Essential Documents Checklist for Your Golden Visa & Company Application

Personal & Identity:

• Passport (colour copy, 6+ months validity).
• Recent passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm, white background).
• Birth certificate (attested and apostilled).
• Marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable, apostilled).

Financial & Investment Proof:

• Bank statements (last 6 months) showing AED 2M+ balance, or property deed/offer letter for real estate route.
• Source of funds declaration (home-country tax return or statutory statement).
• Proof of business ownership (company registration, partnership deed, or shareholding certificate).

Company & Visa-Specific:

• Completed MOHRE Golden Visa application form (DBS provides template).
• Company memorandum and articles of association.
• DET trade licence (issued post-registration).
• Letter from your home-country tax authority confirming no tax arrears (or equivalent clearance).

Medical:

• Medical examination report from an approved UAE centre (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, chest X-ray).

Important Note on Tax: Your home country may require you to file a tax return or declare UAE income even while living in Dubai. Consult a licensed tax advisor in your own country before departure; DBS advises on UAE company setup only, not your home-country tax obligations.

Unsure which documents you need? Book a free consultation with DBS for a personalised checklist.

Why Choose Dubai Business Services for Your Visa + Company Setup?

Radical Cost Transparency: DBS publishes exact AED ranges for every fee upfront. No hidden charges, no surprise bills. Your free quote breaks down company licence, visa fees, medical, Emirates ID, and banking introduction in full.

Integrated Company + Visa Service: Unlike generalist consultants, DBS specialises in UAE business formation and investor visa applications. We handle your company registration, trade licence, and visa filing as a single, streamlined process — no coordination between multiple agencies.

Banking Introduction (Included): We introduce you to UK-friendly and UAE retail banks before your arrival, speeding account approval. You'll have bank details and a business account ready to operate on Day 1 of your residence.

No Tax or Legal Advice (Just Clarity): We don't claim to handle your home-country taxes or provide legal counsel. We tell you exactly what UAE setup costs, when it's ready, and who to speak to about your home-country obligations. You are always in control.

2026 Regulations & Live Updates: All fees, visa routes, and timelines reflect 2026 DET and MOHRE criteria, including the February 2026 property rule update (mortgaged & off-plan now eligible).

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Golden Visa cost in total?

Government fees for the visa alone (entry, status change, medical, Emirates ID, stamping) range from AED 4,695–10,140. When combined with company setup (licence, registration, DBS processing), the all-in cost is typically AED 9,600–21,700. This excludes the AED 2M+ property purchase or deposit required to qualify. Always request a free, itemised quote from DBS in your local currency.

What are the three eligibility routes for a Golden Visa in Dubai?

Route 1: Real estate investment of AED 2M+ (mortgaged and off-plan now qualify as of February 2026). Route 2: Cash deposit of AED 2M+ locked in a UAE bank. Route 3: Qualifying business ownership (company with turnover or significant local investment). You must meet at least one. Combining business setup with any route strengthens your application.

What documents do I absolutely need for a Golden Visa application?

Essential documents include: passport (6+ months validity), proof of AED 2M+ funds or property deed, birth/marriage certificates (apostilled), company registration (if business route), home-country tax clearance letter, medical examination report, and a completed MOHRE application form. DBS provides a full checklist on consultation. Missing documents will delay approval.

How long does it take to get a Golden Visa and set up a company from start to finish?

Typically 7–14 working days. Days 1–2: document gathering; Days 3–4: company registration and licence issuance; Day 5: visa application to MOHRE; Days 6–7: medical and status change processing; Week 2+: visa approval and stamping. The timeline depends on document completeness and MOHRE processing load. DBS ensures all steps proceed in parallel to minimise delay.

Does opening a company automatically entitle me to a Golden Visa?

No. A company qualifies you for the business ownership route only if it demonstrates significant turnover, equipment investment, or local employment. Simply registering a trade licence is not enough. However, pairing company setup with an AED 2M+ property or deposit investment strengthens your overall profile and maximises your approval chances. DBS advises which combination suits your situation.

Can I use a mortgaged or off-plan property for the Golden Visa now?

Yes, as of February 2026. Previously, only freehold, fully paid properties qualified. Now mortgaged properties and off-plan developments are eligible provided you hold at least 50% equity upfront. This change significantly broadens access. Always confirm property eligibility with your developer or DBS before committing.

What is DBS's role in my Golden Visa and company setup, and what is not included?

DBS handles UAE company registration, trade licence, visa documentation, and banking introductions. We do not provide tax advice, legal counsel, or handle your home-country tax obligations. You must consult a licensed tax advisor in your own country before moving. DBS delivers a cost-transparent, integrated UAE business and visa setup — nothing more, nothing less.

Get expert help in 20 minutes

Talk to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free, fully itemised cost breakdown in your own currency — and a straight answer on banking and tax.