Key Highlights: 

• The UAE Golden Visa enables entrepreneurs and investors to own 100% of their businesses in many sectors without needing a local sponsor.
• Golden Visa holders can set up companies in both mainland and free zones, access government contracts, and sponsor family and employees for residency.
• The program offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) and streamlines business setup, banking, and licensing processes for foreign professionals and business owners.
• To qualify as an investor, applicants must meet specific financial thresholds, such as a minimum AED 2 million investment in real estate or business, and fulfill health insurance and accommodation requirements.

The UAE government launched the Golden Visa, a long-term resident visa, in 2019. With a UAE Golden Visa, foreign investors, business owners, skilled professionals, and exceptional students can live, work, study, and conduct business in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE’s flexible business environment, tax advantages, and access to top-notch infrastructure made the Golden Visa ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners with bright future prospects.

This article explores the possibilities for conducting business in the United Arab Emirates with a Golden Visa, covering the eligibility requirements, advantages, and methods for utilizing this visa to support business ventures.

Continue reading further to learn more. 

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

If you’re wondering about the UAE Golden Visa, it’s essentially a long-term residence program designed to attract talented individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to live, work, and do business in the UAE with greater stability and ease. 

Unlike standard visas that usually require frequent renewal, the Golden Visa offers a secure, extended stay, allowing you to focus on your business and lifestyle without constant visa worries.

Who is Eligible for the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa provides a variety of purposes and is not limited to investors. These include:

Investors: Those who make significant financial investments in the UAE, such as real estate or business ventures.

Entrepreneurs: Individuals with innovative business ideas or startups contributing to the country’s economic development.

Professionals: Highly skilled experts, researchers, doctors, scientists, and specialists in medicine, science, and technology.

Outstanding Students: Talented students with exceptional academic achievements.

Duration and Renewability

One of the best things about the Golden Visa is its duration. Depending on the category you qualify for, the size of your investment, or your professional standing, you can get residency for 5 or 10 years.

• 5-year visa: Often granted to entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, and some investors.
• 10-year visa: Typically reserved for larger investors, outstanding talents, and exceptional students.

Can You Do Business with a Golden Visa?

One of the biggest advantages you gain with the Golden Visa is the enhanced freedom to start a business with greater legal clarity and fewer restrictions. 

If you’re considering starting or expanding your company in the UAE, holding a Golden Visa gives you several important legal rights and permissions.

Legal Rights and Permissions for Golden Visa Holders

With your Golden Visa, you are granted the long-term right to live and work in the UAE. This means you can legally establish and operate your business without the typical visa constraints. 

This visa allows you to sponsor immediate family members directly, and as a business owner, you can sponsor employees through your registered company, in compliance with UAE residency and labor laws.

Moreover, the Golden Visa strengthens your position when dealing with government authorities and financial institutions, giving you smoother access to licenses, bank accounts, and other essential services.

Traditionally, local Emirati sponsors who would own the majority of a company were required for international investors or business owners. However, in several UAE sectors and free zones, you have 100% foreign ownership rights when you have your Golden Visa. That means you still have complete control over your company’s operations, earnings, and strategic choices.

While you enjoy the protection and convenience of having a Golden Visa, this policy not only gives you the freedom to launch your company on your own terms but also creates opportunities for you to draw in partners, investors, and talent from around the world.

Also Read: How to Get a UAE Golden Visa with No Investment

Types of Businesses You Can Set Up

Setting up a Free Zone Company: The free zones in the United Arab Emirates provide excellent opportunities for foreign business. You can establish a business in a UAE-free zone with a Golden Visa, which offers tax advantages, easier earnings repatriation, and 100% foreign ownership. Free zone businesses excel in e-commerce, IT, professional services, and import-export.

Mainland Company Setup: Golden Visa holders have greater access to the UAE’s markets by being able to launch a business on the mainland. In the United Arab Emirates, you can operate a business and take government contracts with companies on the mainland. Golden Visa regulations permit foreign investors to own all of the business.

Consultancy and Professional Services: The UAE is the ideal location to launch a professional and consulting services company. Many Golden Visa holders are launching consulting firms in various industries, including marketing, IT, health technology, finance, e-commerce, and legal services. 

The Golden Visa can help you grow your business internationally thanks to the UAE’s modern infrastructure, tax advantages, and rapidly advancing technology.

Real Estate Investment: Golden Visa holders can also take advantage of the real estate market in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to starting your own real estate company, you can purchase and own residential or commercial real estate. To be eligible for the Golden Visa, you have to invest AED 2 million in UAE real estate.

Franchise Company: Golden Visa holders can invest in popular food and beverage, healthcare, and education franchise businesses.

Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneurs and Investors

Investment Thresholds for Investors

As an investor, you must meet certain financial thresholds to qualify for the Golden Visa. The most common requirement includes:

• Minimum investment of AED 2 million.
• Public investments (such as company shares or deposits) in a UAE-accredited investment fund.
• Ownership of a UAE-based company with a capital of AED 2 million or more.
• Real estate investments in the UAE are valued at AED 2 million or above.

Entrepreneur-Specific Requirements

If you’re applying as an entrepreneur, your eligibility depends on your project’s strength, innovation, and value. You can qualify if:

• You own or are a partner in a start-up registered in the UAE in a recognized sector (typically tech, sustainability, or innovation).
• The company’s value, or annual revenue, is at least AED 1 million.
• You have a business plan approved by an accredited UAE business incubator, such as those within free zones or government innovation hubs.
• You can provide an approval letter from a UAE auditor or recognized authority confirming your business value and potential impact.

Other Pathways to Eligibility

You may also qualify for the Golden Visa if you meet alternative criteria, such as:

• Making an annual tax contribution of AED 250,000 or more to the UAE government.
• Gaining approval from a certified business incubator or accelerator program within the UAE.
• Presenting a feasible project idea seen as economically or socially valuable by the UAE authorities.

Health Insurance and Accommodation Requirements

In addition to meeting the financial or business-related criteria, you’ll also need to fulfill basic residency requirements:

• You must have valid health insurance covering your stay in the UAE. Additionally, you are required to undergo a medical fitness test to screen for communicable diseases (such as HIV and tuberculosis) as part of the residence visa application process.
• You should provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or property ownership document in the UAE.

Step-by-Step Guide: Starting a Business on a Golden Visa

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you launch your business successfully.

1. Choose Your Business Activity and Jurisdiction

The first step is to decide what type of business you want to start and where to set it up. In the UAE, you can choose between:

• Mainland: Offers access to the wider UAE market and allows you to work directly with the public sector. Suitable for businesses aiming for local clientele.
• Free Zone: This zone is ideal for startups and international trade. It offers tax benefits, simplified setup processes, and 100% foreign ownership.

2. Register Your Business Name and Apply for a Trade License

Once you’ve chosen your business activity and jurisdiction, register a unique trade name that complies with UAE naming conventions.

Then, apply for a business license based on your activity:

• Commercial License (for trading businesses)
• Professional License (for service providers and consultants)
• Industrial License (for manufacturing or industrial operations)

As a Golden Visa holder, the process is typically faster and more streamlined, especially in free zones.

3. Open a Corporate Bank Account

You can now open a corporate bank account in the UAE with your trade license. Most banks will require:

• A copy of your trade license
• Shareholder documents
• Passport and visa copies
• Business plan or expected turnover 

4. Obtain Necessary Permits and Approvals

Depending on your business activity, you may need additional regulatory approvals or permits from government bodies. For example:

• Health and safety clearances (for food or wellness businesses)
• Local municipality approvals
• Sector-specific licenses (education, medical, financial services)

5. Hire Staff and Sponsor Employee Visas

You can sponsor your employees’ visas directly as a Golden Visa holder. Once your company is registered, you can:

• Set up an official labor file
• Obtain establishment cards
• Apply for work permits and residence visas for your staff

6. Launch and Promote Your Business

Now that everything is set up, it’s time to start your company. To spread the word, think about combining digital and traditional marketing strategies:

• Build a professional website
• Set up social media profiles
• Run online ads or join local business directories
• Attend industry events and network with peers

Key Benefits of Doing Business on a Golden Visa

The Golden Visa offers business owners several advantages. Some of them include:

100% business ownership: Golden Visa holders do not need a local sponsor because they have full control over their enterprises.

Long-Term Stability: The 10-year residence period offers companies and investors the security they need to prepare for long-term operations.

Freedom to Operate Across the UAE: Mainland businesses allow Golden Visa holders to work anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, including on government contracts.

Access to UAE’s World-Class Infrastructure: The UAE offers exceptional business infrastructure, including digital services, modern workspaces, and transportation networks, to entrepreneurs with golden visas.

Sponsorship: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents, coworkers, family members, and business employees.

Multiple Entry Benefits: With a golden visa, you can travel freely within the United Arab Emirates as a resident.

Taxation and Regulatory Considerations

As a Golden Visa holder doing business in the UAE, one of the biggest advantages you enjoy is access to a relatively tax-friendly environment. However, it’s still important that you understand the applicable tax rules and stay compliant with local regulations to ensure your business runs smoothly and legally.

The UAE has long been known for its investor-friendly tax structure. In the UAE, there is no personal income tax for individuals, including Golden Visa holders, and residents are not subject to personal wealth or inheritance taxes. The key taxes to be aware of include:

• Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Corporate Income Tax (recently introduced)
• Customs duties (for import/export businesses)

VAT and Corporate Tax Obligations

1. Value Added Tax (VAT)

• VAT is set at a flat rate of 5% in the UAE.
• You must legally register for VAT if your business generates more than AED 375,000 annually.
• You must file VAT returns quarterly or monthly (depending on your turnover) and maintain clear financial records.

2. Corporate Income Tax

• As of June 2023, the UAE introduced a 9% federal corporate tax on net profits exceeding AED 375,000 annually for most businesses, in line with Federal Law No. 47 of 2022. However, oil companies and foreign banks have specific tax rates, and certain free zone businesses may qualify for exemptions if they meet the criteria for ‘qualifying activities’ under the law.
• Free zone entities may continue to enjoy corporate tax exemptions only if they meet the ‘qualifying activities’ criteria as defined by the UAE Ministry of Finance. Otherwise, they may be subject to the standard corporate tax rate.

Compliance and Regulatory Updates

Your company must meet the following ongoing regulatory requirements to operate lawfully:

• Renewing your trade license annually.
• Filing VAT and corporate tax returns on time.
• Submitting audited financial statements (required for many free zone and mainland businesses).
• Adhering to labor laws, including proper employment contracts, employee health insurance, and visa renewals.

You keep your company reputable, expandable, and penalty-free by carrying out your tax and compliance obligations.

Also Read: Top Professions Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Navigating Documentation and Approvals

While the Golden Visa gives you freedom to operate, you’ll still need to manage a fair amount of documentation, especially during the initial setup phase. This includes:

• Trade license applications
• Business name registration
• Regulatory approvals
• Visa sponsorship documents (for staff)

How to overcome it: Keep yourself organized and list all the documents you need before starting. In the process, interact with the appropriate government channels (such as the Department of Economic Development or free zone authorities). Above all, make sure all documentation is precise and full; mistakes or omissions may cause delays.

2. Understanding Sector-Specific Regulations

Different industries in the UAE have different regulatory requirements. For example:

• Food businesses need health and municipality approvals.
• Educational institutes require KHDA licensing.
• Financial and tech startups might face data protection or cybersecurity regulations.

How to overcome it: Spend time learning about the laws governing your industry. Seeking advice from an industry-specific expert or contacting the authority in your jurisdiction (free zone or mainland) for a regulatory guide can be beneficial.

3. Importance of Professional Assistance

Even with a Golden Visa, setting up a business in the United Arab Emirates can seem complicated, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with local regulations or Arabic-language paperwork. The amount of time and work required for managing worker sponsorship, taxes, and registrations is frequently overlooked by business owners.

How to overcome it: Employing a trustworthy consultant for a business setup can significantly impact the process. From selecting the appropriate jurisdiction and structure to managing government clearances and setting up your corporate bank account, these experts walk you through every step. It’s an investment that can help you get the company up and running quickly and prevent expensive blunders.

FAQs

1. Can I sponsor my family and employees?

Yes, Golden Visa holders can sponsor immediate family members and eligible employees.

2. What business sectors are most suitable for Golden Visa holders?

Golden Visa holders can invest in diverse sectors, with real estate, technology, healthcare, and trade being particularly favorable.

3. How long does the process take?

The Golden Visa application process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on documentation and approvals.

4. Can I operate multiple businesses?

Yes, Golden Visa holders are allowed to own and operate multiple businesses in the UAE.

Final Note 

The UAE Golden Visa is more than just a long-term residency permit. It’s a powerful gateway for entrepreneurs and investors like you to build and grow a business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. With benefits like 100% foreign ownership, no need for a local sponsor, and access to a low-tax environment, the Golden Visa sets the stage for real business success.

If you’re ready to take the next step, use your Golden Visa to establish a business confidently. Whether launching a startup, investing in an existing company, or expanding your global footprint, the UAE offers the resources, infrastructure, and opportunities you need to thrive.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more about securing your golden visa in the UAE.