Key Highlights

• 1,655+ new German companies registered in the UAE (Jan–Nov 2025), reflecting 20.3% year-on-year growth.
• AED 30,000 basic salary requirement for skilled professionals (allowances excluded since May 2024).
• No age limit for sponsoring children under Golden Visa family benefits.
• 5-year residency for entrepreneurs and 10-year for skilled professionals, with freedom to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without visa cancellation.

Are you running a successful Mittelstand machinery business, frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles and looking for a gateway to booming Middle Eastern markets? You are in the right place.  

The thought of long-term residency in a country with zero personal income tax sounds like a fantasy. It’s not. The UAE Golden Visa offers 5-year residency for entrepreneurs and 10-year residency for skilled professionals.

The UAE Golden Visa has evolved from a luxury residency program into a strategic asset for German nationals. And 2025 is proving to be the year German entrepreneurs and professionals have seized this opportunity in record numbers.

Keep reading this article if you want to secure the UAE Golden Visa as German entrepreneurs and professionals. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources.

Why German Entrepreneurs Are Coming to the UAE 

The numbers tell a compelling story. From January through early November 2025, over 1,655 new German companies have been registered in the UAE, achieving a growth of 20.3% compared to the same period last year. 

Additionally, the country attracted 627 new German brands during this period. This surge reflects a fundamental shift in how German business owners view the UAE. It’s no longer just an oil-rich destination for corporate giants. It’s become a launchpad for German SMEs, tech founders, and high-income specialists.​

The economic ties between both nations run deep. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany exceeded AED 50 billion (approximately USD 13.8 billion) in 2024, reflecting a 5.4% increase compared to the previous year. German companies are actively engaged across key sectors such as engineering, energy, aviation, logistics, and finance.​

What’s driving this wave? The answer lies in a perfect storm of regulatory changes, tax advantages, and institutional support that specifically benefits German nationals.

The “German Advantage”: What Makes This Visa Strategically Valuable

1. Tax Residency Benefits

Let’s talk numbers that matter to your wallet. Germany applies a progressive personal income tax system for 2025 ranging from 0% to 45%, plus a 5.5% solidarity surcharge on higher incomes. Income above €277,825 is taxed at the highest 45% rate. 

Compare this to the UAE, where there is currently no personal income tax for individuals. The UAE does not impose income tax on individuals, investors, or corporations, with limited exceptions.​

However, there’s a critical consideration for German entrepreneurs. The Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Germany and the UAE expired on December 31, 2021, and Germany chose not to renew it. 

This means German nationals moving to the UAE after January 1, 2022, cannot benefit from the old DTA provisions. You’ll need careful tax planning with a cross-border advisor to properly establish non-dom status and avoid German taxation on worldwide income. The general principle under German tax law is that all income is taxed in Germany if the taxpayer is a resident of Germany.​

2. Full Business Ownership

Here’s something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. You can now own 100% of a mainland UAE company without requiring a local Emirati partner.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 (later consolidated under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021), the requirement for commercial companies to have a major Emirati shareholder or agent was annulled. Dubai permits 100% foreign ownership for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities.​

This reform removes the historical friction that kept many German entrepreneurs from establishing mainland operations. You maintain complete control over business decisions, strategic direction, and profit distribution.

3. Extended Stay Flexibility

Golden Visa holders enjoy a significant benefit that standard residence visa holders don’t have. Golden Residence Permit holders are exempt from the 180-day stay abroad law, meaning the residence permit is considered void only if it expires outside the country. 

Standard residence visa holders must return within 180 days, or their visa becomes invalid. This flexibility is crucial for German consultants working between Frankfurt and Dubai or entrepreneurs managing operations across multiple markets.​

4. Institutional Support for German Businesses

The infrastructure supporting German entrepreneurs in the UAE has strengthened considerably. 

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) signed a strategic partnership with the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) to support German company establishment. This partnership introduces:​

• German Desk: A dedicated support system for company setup, onboarding, and ongoing operations​
• Fast Lane: Facilitation for German exporters and cargo through Dubai Airport Free Zone​
• Innovation Platform: A joint industrial hub focusing on Industry 4.0, sustainability, and smart manufacturing​

The AHK officially represents the interests of German business in the UAE and coordinates activities across multiple Gulf states.​

The Entrepreneur Route of the UAE Golden Visa (5-Year Visa)

If you’re a business owner or founder, the entrepreneur pathway offers several distinct eligibility options. 

According to the official UAE Government portal and the Ministry of Economy, entrepreneurs can qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa if they own an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk and innovation.​

1. Eligibility Requirements

The project must be of a “technical or future nature” focused on innovation. The UAE government prioritizes ventures in AI, greentech, advanced manufacturing, and other forward-looking sectors.​

Important Note: The entrepreneur pathway provides a 5-year Golden Visa as per UAE government regulations. Individuals seeking 10-year residency must qualify under different categories, such as investors (requiring AED 2 million investment or AED 250,000 in annual tax payments) or skilled professionals (requiring AED 30,000 monthly salary). These are separate application categories with distinct eligibility criteria.

2. Documentation Checklist for German Entrepreneurs

Your application requires specific approvals:

1. Auditor Report: Must come from a UAE-accredited auditor certifying project value​
2. Authority Approval Letter: Confirming the project is technical or future-focused​
3. Incubator Accreditation: From a UAE-accredited business incubator​
4. Valid Passport: With at least six months validity
5. Health Insurance: Valid comprehensive health insurance for applicant and family​
6. Proof of Housing: Rental contract or ownership documentation

For Abu Dhabi-based applications, you can apply through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office webapp, which automatically routes applications to relevant business incubators for nomination.​

The Skilled Professional Route (10-Year Visa)

This pathway targets high-income employees and specialists. But 2024 brought a significant rule change that every German professional must understand.

1. The Critical 2024 Salary Rule Change

Here’s where many applicants stumble. Previously, you needed a monthly gross salary of AED 30,000, which included housing and transport allowances. 

As of May 2024, the official interpretation of Article 17 of Cabinet Resolution 65-2022 changed. Applicants must now demonstrate a monthly basic salary of AED 30,000, exclusive of any allowances, to be eligible.​

This shift represents a notable tightening of eligibility criteria. The exclusion of allowances from the salary threshold narrows the pool of eligible applicants. 

If your total compensation is AED 45,000 but your basic salary is only AED 20,000, you won’t qualify. German professionals may need to restructure their employment contracts to ensure their basic salary component meets the threshold.​

2. Eligibility Criteria

According to the official Abu Dhabi Golden Visa portal and GDRFA Dubai, skilled professionals must meet:​

3. Priority Sectors for German Professionals

German expertise is particularly valued in:

• Green Energy and Hydrogen: Aligned with the UAE-Germany Energy Partnership​
• AI and Advanced Manufacturing (Industry 4.0): Supported through the DIEZ-AHK innovation platform​
• Engineering and Healthcare: Fields where German qualifications carry significant weight

Also Read: Business Setup in UAE for Germans: Powerful Insights & Challenges for 2026

Family Sponsorship Under UAE Golden Visa 

One of the Golden Visa’s most attractive features is its generous family inclusion provisions. Unlike standard UAE residence visas, the Golden Visa provides expanded sponsorship benefits.

1. Who Can You Sponsor?

Important Note: For standard residence visas, sons can be sponsored up to age 25, and unmarried daughters have no age limit. However, under the Golden Visa, children can be sponsored regardless of age as long as they are unmarried. This is a key differentiator.​

Siblings: Siblings are not covered under Golden Visa family sponsorship benefits.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Workflow

Phase 1: Pre-Application (Critical for Germans)

Document Attestation Process:

German educational documents require a specific attestation chain:​

1. Notarization in Germany: Your degree must be notarized by a German notary public
2. Regional Government Attestation: Submit to the German Regional Court or Higher Education Authority
3. German Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Federal-level authentication
4. UAE Embassy in Berlin: Verification by UAE diplomatic mission
5. MOFA Attestation in UAE: Final attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

This complete process typically takes 10 to 25 business days.​

Ministry of Education Recognition:

For professional applications, your degree also needs recognition from the UAE Ministry of Education. This confirms your German qualification meets UAE academic standards. 

The GDRFA Dubai requires applicants to “provide a report recognizing the academic qualification from the Ministry of Education for universities outside the UAE.”​

Salary Structure Verification:

Ensure your salary is transferred via the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS). The WPS is an electronic salary transfer system implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to ensure transparent wage payments. Your bank statement must show salary transfers for the last 6 months at the required threshold.​

Phase 2: Application Submission

Phase 3: Post-Approval Formalities

After initial approval, you must complete:

1. Medical Fitness Test: Mandatory for all applicants​
2. Emirates ID Biometrics: Visit an ICP service center for fingerprinting and photo capture
3. Residence Permit Stamping: Digital residence stamp or physical visa stamping

Rejection Risk: German-Specific Pitfalls

Understanding why applications fail helps you avoid common mistakes.

Common Rejection Reasons

The authority reserves the right to cancel the Golden Residence Permit if the salary falls below AED 30,000 or the employment contract is cancelled.​

Renewal Requirements & Long-Term Compliance

Your Golden Visa requires renewal, and maintaining eligibility is essential.

1. Renewal Timeline and Conditions

• When to Start: Begin renewal process before visa expiry​
• Processing Time: Standard renewal takes 1-2 weeks with complete documentation​

Your company must remain operationally active. A dormant trade license or cancelled employment contract can jeopardize your status.

2. Renewal Costs

Note: Costs vary by emirate and visa category. Government fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees with official UAE government sources.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Financial Points for Germans

Understanding total costs helps you budget appropriately and compare against alternatives.

1. Initial Application Costs (Estimated)

For a family, budget additional fees for each dependent, including entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates ID.

2. Tax Savings Perspective

Consider a German professional earning €150,000 annually. Under German progressive taxation, the effective tax burden could exceed €50,000 annually (including the solidarity surcharge). In the UAE, personal income tax is 0%. Over a 10-year Golden Visa period, the theoretical tax savings could be substantial.​

However, this requires properly establishing UAE tax residency and severing German tax residency. Since the DTA expired on December 31, 2021, German tax authorities may still have claims on your worldwide income if you haven’t properly terminated your German tax residency. Consult a German tax advisor specializing in cross-border matters before making any moves.​

Disclaimer: All costs and fees mentioned are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current fees with official UAE government sources before proceeding with your application.

Also Read: How to Move to Dubai From Germany: Ultimate JSB Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I apply for a Golden Visa while still in Germany?

Yes. You can apply via the ICP portal or through UAE embassies. After initial approval, you’ll need to enter the UAE to complete formalities, including medical testing, Emirates ID biometrics, and final residence stamping.

Q2: Does the AED 30,000 salary requirement include my housing allowance?

No. As of May 2024, only basic salary counts toward the threshold. Housing, transport, and other allowances are excluded.​

Q3: Will my German university degree be accepted?

Yes, but it must follow the complete attestation chain: notarized in Germany, attested by German authorities, verified by the UAE Embassy in Berlin, and finally attested by UAE MOFA. You’ll also need Ministry of Education recognition for the qualification.​

Q4: Can I sponsor my brother or sister?

No. Siblings are not covered under Golden Visa family sponsorship benefits.

Q5: What happens if my startup fails after I receive the Golden Visa?

Your visa remains valid for its full term. However, at renewal, you must demonstrate you still meet the original eligibility criteria. If you no longer qualify under the entrepreneur category, you may need to explore alternative pathways.​

Q6: Are there nationality-based quotas for German applicants?

No. The Golden Visa has no nationality quotas. Eligibility is purely merit- and investment-based.

Q7: How does the Golden Visa affect my German tax residency?

This requires careful planning. Since the Germany-UAE DTA expired on December 31, 2021, you cannot rely on treaty protections. You must properly exit German tax residency, which may involve considerations around exit taxation (Wegzugsbesteuerung). Always consult a German tax advisor before making your move.​

Q8: How long can I stay outside the UAE without losing my Golden Visa?

Golden Residence Permit holders are exempt from the 180-day stay abroad rule. The residence permit is considered void only if it expires while you are outside the country. This is a key advantage over standard residence visas.​

Q9: What if my salary drops below AED 30,000 after I receive the Golden Visa?

The authority reserves the right to cancel the Golden Residence Permit if the salary falls below AED 30,000 or the employment contract is cancelled. You must maintain eligibility throughout the visa validity period.​

Strategic Recommendations for German Applicants

For Entrepreneurs

1. Leverage the DIEZ-AHK Partnership: Connect with the German Desk for streamlined company setup and incubator accreditation​
2. Target Future-Focused Sectors: AI, greentech, hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing align with UAE priorities and strengthen your application​
3. Prepare UAE-Ready Financials: Engage a UAE-accredited auditor to certify your project value before applying

For Professionals

1. Review Your Salary Structure: Ensure your basic salary component meets or exceeds AED 30,000​
2. Complete Attestation Early: The German degree attestation chain takes 2-4 weeks. Don’t let this delay your application​
3. Target Shortage Sectors: Engineering, IT, and healthcare professionals are in high demand

Immediate Action Items

• Conduct Preliminary Eligibility Assessment: Use the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) to verify your category
• Engage Professional Support: Work with an immigration consultant experienced with German client requirements
• Connect with AHK German Desk: For business establishment guidance and networking​
• Review Tax Implications: Consult a German cross-border tax advisor before application

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Navigating the Golden Visa process while managing a business or career demands expertise. At JSB Incorporation, we specialize in UAE company formation and Golden Visa applications for German entrepreneurs and professionals.     

Our team understands the specific documentation requirements for German applicants, from attestation procedures to Ministry of Education recognition. We’ve helped many German nationals structure their applications for approval and set up compliant business operations.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more.