Key Highlights:

• Only commercial and industrial free zone licenses qualify for the UAE Golden Visa in 2025.
• AED 2 million capital requirement must be maintained individually throughout the visa period.
• Professional/service licenses are automatically rejected regardless of capital amount.

You are eyeing the UAE’s coveted 10-year Golden Visa, but the internet is filled with half-truths and outdated blog posts. This deep dive cuts through the noise with facts sourced only from official UAE government portals. 

By the end, you will know exactly which free-zone licenses unlock the investor Golden Visa in 2025, how to meet the financial thresholds, and the steps to secure your long-term residency—without falling for costly myths.

Keep reading further to learn more. 

Why 2025 Matters for Free-Zone Investors

The Golden Visa framework was overhauled in Cabinet Decision 65 of 2022 and updated again through a series of federal and emirate-level circulars in 2024-25. 

These changes tighten the proof of capital, confirm that only two license types qualify, and introduce strict documentation checks for free-zone companies. If you plan to apply in 2025, ignoring these updates can trigger outright rejection or, worse, visa cancellation after issuance.

2025 Regulatory Framework

1. Cabinet & Executive Regulations

Cabinet Decision 65 (2022) reorganized the entire entry-residence system and locked investor visa thresholds at AED 2 million capital, deposit, or partnership share. Subsequent Cabinet and ministerial decisions in 2023-24 clarified that the capital must be fully owned (not loaned) and remain intact for visa renewal.

2. GDRFA Dubai Criteria

Dubai’s immigration authority enforces four non-negotiable investor routes:

Applications based on any other license category are rejected.

3. Federal Alignment

The federal authority mirrors GDRFA rules word-for-word: AED 2 million in capital, deposit, or shares, plus the same AED 250,000 tax-payment alternative. The national portal also confirms that shareholders in free-zone entities must upload a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate if the license is issued outside mainland zones.

4. Corporate Tax Context (9% CT Law)

• Starting June 2023, qualifying free-zone companies can still enjoy 0% corporate tax on “Qualifying Income” while paying 9% on everything else.
• Corporate tax status does not create or remove Golden Visa eligibility, but you must file audited financials to keep both benefits.
• If your entity loses “Qualifying Free Zone Person” status—because non-qualifying revenue exceeds 5% or AED5 million—the Golden Visa stays valid as long as capital and license conditions remain intact.

Free-Zone License Categories Explained

• Commercial/Trading License (Qualifies)

A commercial license covers buying, selling, importing, or exporting goods. Provided your issued capital equals or exceeds AED 2 million—fully paid and reflected in your share certificate—this license ticks the investor box.

• Industrial/Manufacturing License (Qualifies)

Manufacturing, assembly, or processing activities fall under industrial licenses. You must still clear environment, health, and safety approvals, but for Golden Visa purposes it is treated exactly like a commercial license.

• Professional/Service License (Non-Qualifying)

A professional or service license is not accepted for the investor Golden Visa route through business ownership—regardless of capital. 

However, professionals can qualify through separate pathways: the skilled professional route (AED 30,000+ monthly salary) and specialized talent categories.

Also Read: How UAE Golden Visa Holders Save on Global Taxes in 2025 (Legally)

Step-by-Step Qualification Roadmap

1. Verify Your License
   Confirm your free-zone trade license is coded “commercial” or “industrial.”
2. Meet One Financial Threshold

o   AED 2 million paid-up capital, or

o   AED 2 million UAE bank or fund deposit, or

o   AED250,000 annual tax letter from FTA.

3. Secure the Free-Zone Certificate
   Request the “To Whom It May Concern” letter showing current share capital and activity codes.
4. Compile Documents
   Passport copy, trade license, MOA, six-month company bank statements, last audited accounts, FTA tax letter (if using the tax route), and health insurance proof.
5. Submit Online

o   Dubai: GDRFA smart services or an Amer center.

o   Other emirates: The federal “Golden Residency” portal.

Important: The Federal Authority confirms that no consultancy entities are authorized to process Golden Visa applications except through official government channels. Expect 30-45 days for initial approval, medical, and biometrics.

2025 Strategy Tips for Free-Zone Owners

• Maintain AED 2 million capital: Keep proof on your balance sheet and in your bank.
• Leverage 0% Corporate Tax: Structure mainland branches to ring-fence non-qualifying income, preserving free-zone tax benefits.
• Time Renewals: Renew your trade license at least 60 days before expiry to avoid visa holds.
• Audit Discipline: Annual audited accounts are mandatory for both corporate tax and Golden Visa renewals.

Myth-Busting Quick-Glance Table

FAQs 

• Can I convert my professional license to commercial?

Professional licenses don’t qualify for the investor route, but professionals can apply through the skilled professional pathway (AED 30,000+ monthly salary) and specialized talent categories. Converting to a commercial license is only necessary if pursuing the business investor route specifically.

• Do audited accounts matter if I choose the AED 2 million bank deposit option?

Yes. Both federal and emirate authorities request the latest audited financials to validate shareholding and capital integrity.

• Does registering for corporate tax affect my Golden Visa?

No. Corporate tax and the Golden Visa are separate; compliance with one does not substitute requirements for the other.

• Can multiple shareholders pool funds to meet AED 2 million?

Each applicant must own AED 2 million equivalent in shares or meet another threshold individually.

• Is the “To Whom It May Concern” letter required for mainland companies?

No. It is mandatory only when the license is issued by a free zone or special development zone.

• What happens if my license lapses during my 10-year visa?

Your Golden Visa can be cancelled; immigration authorities actively cross-check license validity during renewals.

Conclusion

Two—and only two—free-zone license categories unlock the 10-year investor Golden Visa in 2025: commercial and industrial. Pair either one with AED 2 million paid-up capital, an equivalent bank deposit, or an FTA tax letter—and verify everything with official certificates.

Note: Always recheck rules on the day you apply, because regulations evolve quickly in the UAE’s dynamic landscape.

Book your Free Consultation call today with the expert of JSB Incorporation for assistance regarding the UAE Golden Visa.