UAE Golden visa for entrepreneurs and start-up founders

ICP defines entrepreneurs as people who own or are partners in a small or medium enterprise registered in the UAE, in an approved field, with annual revenue of at least AED 1 million. Founders of earlier ventures that were sold for a combined value of at least AED 7 million also qualify.

The third route is for start-ups: a business idea approved by an accredited business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, ICP or the competent local authority. Health insurance for the entrepreneur and family is required in all cases.

The UAE government portal asks entrepreneurs for proof of an innovative or technical project, documents showing its value and a letter from a business incubator or the relevant authority in the emirate. For the SME route, the trade licence and audited accounts showing AED 1 million in yearly revenue are the core evidence.

For the exit route, keep the sale agreements and valuation documents of each venture you founded and sold.

Start by securing the approval: an accredited incubator or the Ministry of Economy for a start-up idea, or the licensing authority and an auditor for an existing SME. Then check eligibility on the ICP Smart Services platform and submit the Golden residence application through ICP or GDRFA Dubai.

If you are abroad when approved, ICP grants a six-month multiple-entry visa, renewable for another six months, so you can travel and finish the medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID.

Golden residents can sponsor a spouse, children of any age and parents, and domestic workers. The residence is not cancelled by stays abroad of more than six months.

If the holder dies, family members may stay until their permits expire.