UAE Company Setup and the Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

What is the UAE Golden Visa and why it matters for company setup in the UAE

The UAE Golden Visa is a long term residence that lets eligible non-UAE nationals live, work, and build businesses in the UAE. Key benefits include 5 or 10 year renewable residence, no sponsor requirement, permission to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residence, and family sponsorship regardless of children’s ages.

Who qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa, entrepreneurs and company owners in Dubai and across the UAE

The Golden Visa has several routes that suit founders and business owners. Exact requirements vary by emirate.

1. Entrepreneurs
   A project of a technical or future nature based on risk and innovation, typically supported by an auditor letter confirming project value, and approvals from the emirate authority or an accredited incubator.
2. Investors in public investments
   Capital of at least AED 2 million and related conditions. Suits owners deploying capital through holding or operating structures.
3. Real estate investors
   Property or properties valued at a minimum AED 2 million. Some mortgaged properties can qualify when local rules are met.
4. Outstanding specialised talents and executives
   Founders, inventors, senior executives and specialists may qualify with the relevant endorsements and professional criteria.
5. Outstanding students and graduates
   Relevant for founders building teams around top graduates, or for owners who qualify in their own right through academic excellence.

Five key benefits for Dubai entrepreneurs and UAE company owners

1. Long term certainty
   Five or ten year renewable residence with no local sponsor, giving you a stable base for growth, investment and fundraising.
2. Freedom to build and pivot
   Live and work in the UAE, own and direct multiple companies, and change roles without redoing sponsorship each time.
3. Family continuity
   Sponsor your spouse and children regardless of age. Family can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without invalidating residence.
4. Smoother banking and operations
   Golden Visa status and an Emirates ID generally make bank account opening, KYC updates, leasing, utilities and licensing more straightforward.
5. Attractive tax context
   No personal income tax on salary or dividends. Corporate tax applies at the entity level. Free zone regimes and qualifying income rules may be available depending on activity and location. Obtain advice before structuring.

Step by step UAE Golden Visa application for entrepreneurs with TAG Consultancy

Step 1. Engage TAG Consultancy and set expectations
TAG Consultancy will assist with eligibility review, document preparation and submission on official portals. Approval cannot be guaranteed. Final decisions rest with the competent authorities, including ICP or GDRFA and any emirate level bodies.

Step 2. Confirm your category
Choose the route that fits your situation. Entrepreneurs and owners commonly use the Entrepreneur, Public Investment, Real Estate Investor, or Talent routes.

Step 3. Prepare documents
Typical items include passport, business plan or project summary, auditor letter or incubator approval where relevant, trade licence or corporate documents, employment contract if employed by your own company, salary certificate if required, degree attested by the Ministry of Education, property title or land department valuation for the real estate route, and proof of health insurance.

Step 4. Apply online
Submit through the federal ICP smart services or, for Dubai cases, GDRFA. The One touch Golden Visa service can combine application, status regularisation, residence issuance and ID renewals.

Step 5. Medical fitness and biometrics
Complete medical fitness when prompted and attend Emirates ID biometrics.

Step 6. Pay fees and track status
Pay only on official portals and track progress there. On approval, residence is issued and linked to your Emirates ID.

Step 7. Family and team
After your permit issues, sponsor your spouse and children. Once your company is set up, you can sponsor employees through your licensed entity.

Things to bear in mind before your Golden Visa Application

• Evidence of entrepreneurship
  Prepare a concise pack that explains your venture, product or service, innovation focus, and commercial traction. Include corporate documents, cap table, and recent financials where available.
• Endorsements and attestations
  Many talent and entrepreneur routes require endorsements from sector bodies or incubators. Academic credentials normally require Ministry of Education attestation. Build time for these steps.
• Real estate route specifics
  The minimum qualifying property value is usually AED 2 million. Obtain an official valuation from the relevant land department. Mortgaged properties can be eligible subject to lender and emirate rules.
• Costs and timelines
  Government fees and processing times vary by emirate and category. Budget for medicals, Emirates ID, and any translation or attestation.
• Compliance after approval
  Track expiry dates for residence and Emirates ID. Keep health insurance and qualifying documents current. If your category depends on business activity, ensure licences, leases and payroll stay aligned with the rules.

Speak to TAG Consultancy about company setup in the UAE

The UAE Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, skilled professionals, and outstanding talents seeking long-term residency in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs. With benefits such as extended visa validity, family sponsorship, tax advantages, and access to premium healthcare and education, this program enhances both personal and professional stability.

At TAG, we go beyond visa assistance, our expert team provides comprehensive services, from company setup and corporate structuring to accounting, tax advisory, and compliance solutions. Whether you're looking to establish a business, optimize your financial strategy, or navigate the UAE’s regulatory landscape, TAG is your trusted partner for success.

Speak to TAG Consultancy about company setup and Golden Visa applications

Book a free 30 minute consultation. We will scope your UAE company setup and Golden Visa route, prepare documents, and coordinate licensing, filings and submissions. Approvals are at the discretion of the authorities.