This guide summarises the official criteria published by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Dubai's GDRFA and the UAE government portal at the time of writing. Rules change, and holding a Golden Visa does not decide your UK tax position. This is not legal or tax advice.
The short answer
Most UK business owners do not need a Golden Visa to move to Dubai. A UAE company can sponsor your own two-year residence visa, which lets you live in the UAE, open bank accounts and sponsor your family. The Golden Visa becomes worth it when you already meet one of the qualifying thresholds and want a longer visa that does not depend on your company or on spending time in the UAE.
Golden Visa routes for business owners and investors
Investors in a company or capital
You can qualify with any one of the following, according to ICP:
- a deposit of AED 2 million or more in a UAE investment fund or local bank (in Dubai the deposit is held for at least two years)
- a company with capital of AED 2 million or more, or a partner stake worth AED 2 million or more, supported by an audited report from an accredited UAE firm
- a company paying AED 250,000 or more a year in tax to the Federal Tax Authority
Property investors
You can qualify by owning UAE property worth at least AED 2 million in total. Mortgaged property can count if the loan is from an approved local bank, and off-plan property can count if it is bought from an approved developer.
Entrepreneurs
The official entrepreneur routes are:
- owning an SME in the UAE with annual revenue of AED 1 million or more
- approval from an accredited UAE business incubator or the Ministry of Economy
- having previously founded and sold a venture for AED 7 million or more
In Dubai, entrepreneur applications are nominated through the Dubai Future Foundation.
Skilled professionals
Employees with a valid UAE work permit, a bachelor's degree or higher and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 can qualify.
How long the Golden Visa lasts
The Golden Visa is valid for 5 or 10 years depending on the category, and is renewable while you continue to meet the conditions. Official sources currently describe validity differently for some categories, so we confirm the term that applies to your route before you apply.
What the Golden Visa gives you
- No sponsor: the visa is tied to you, not to your company or an employer.
- Time outside the UAE: standard residence visas are cancelled after six months outside the UAE. Golden Visa holders are exempt from that rule.
- Family: you can sponsor your spouse, children and parents.
Golden Visa vs a standard company residence visa
- Standard company visa: sponsored by your own company, usually valid for two years, tied to your trade licence and cancelled after six months outside the UAE. With CorpWise, residence visas start from AED 3,800.
- Golden Visa: self-sponsored, valid for 5 or 10 years, not tied to a licence, and exempt from the six-month rule. The main cost is meeting the qualifying threshold.
For most founders the order is simple: set up the company, get a standard residence visa, then apply for the Golden Visa once the business or your investments meet a threshold. See our residence visa vs Golden Visa comparison.
What it costs
Government fees are modest compared with the qualifying investment. In Dubai, GDRFA lists a residence permit fee of AED 1,100 plus small service and in-country charges, with an extra amount for each year of validity beyond two. Medical testing, Emirates ID and mandatory health insurance are additional. Dubai processing is quoted at around five working days once your file is complete.
Freelancers: the Green Visa
If you are self-employed rather than an investor, the five-year Green Visa may fit better. It requires a freelance or self-employment permit, a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and freelance income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years. See our Golden Visa vs Green Visa guide for freelancers.
A note for UK founders on tax
Being able to spend long periods outside the UAE is useful, but it can work against you on the UK side. Your UK tax residence is decided by HMRC's Statutory Residence Test, which counts your days in the UK and your UK ties, whatever visa you hold. Plan your days with a UK tax adviser. Our guide to moving to Dubai from the UK covers the full sequence.
How CorpWise helps
We set up the company and standard residence visa first, then review whether your investment, company capital, tax paid or revenue qualifies you for the Golden Visa and prepare the application file. Talk to an advisor about your route.
