2025 Guide to UAE Golden Visa for Business Owners or Entrepreneurs

Learn how UAE-based entrepreneurs and business owners can apply for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa in 2025. Step-by-step process, eligibility, documents, VAT and capital requirements, and EZONE support.

How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa as an Entrepreneur or Business Owner

Entrepreneurs and business owners play a vital role in the UAE’s economic ecosystem. To reward these contributors, the UAE offers a 10-year Golden Visa under the entrepreneur and investor category. This long-term residency visa is ideal for startup founders, SME owners, and shareholders of UAE-licensed businesses.

This updated guide outlines the eligibility, financial documentation, share capital, VAT requirements, and the step-by-step application process. With EZONE’s full-spectrum support, including company license amendments, MOA updates, and audit coordination, qualified entrepreneurs can secure their Golden Visa quickly and compliantly.

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Overview of the Entrepreneur Golden Visa Route

The Entrepreneur Golden Visa is open to business owners and shareholders of UAE-licensed companies who meet minimum shareholding and operational thresholds.

Key Benefits:

• 10-year renewable UAE residency
• Full family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents)
• 100% business ownership
• No local sponsor needed
• Tax-free personal income
• Access to UAE healthcare, banking, and investment platforms

Step 1: Verify Business Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Own or be a partner in a UAE-licensed business
• Hold shares worth at least AED 500,000, documented in the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Provide proof of paid-up capital, such as a bank letter or audited financials
• Show VAT contribution of at least AED 100,000 over the last 12 months (if VAT-registered)
• Have an active license (mainland or free zone)

EZONE will assess all financial and legal documentation to confirm eligibility and identify any gaps needing amendment.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

To proceed with the Golden Visa application, the following documents are typically required:

• Passport copy
• Emirates ID (if converting visa)
• Passport-sized photo (white background)
• Valid UAE residence visa (if applicable)
• Trade license copy
• MOA showing capital and ownership
• Bank letter or audit report confirming paid-up capital
• Company bank statements (last 6–12 months)
• VAT returns or FTA compliance certificate
• Lease agreement (Ejari or free zone tenancy)
• Police clearance (certificate of good conduct)
• Medical fitness test (done in the UAE)

EZONE supports clients with:

• License or MOA amendments (to meet capital thresholds)
• Coordination of the audit report if not available
• VAT compliance verification
• Complete document collation and formatting

Step 3: Submit the Golden Visa Application

Once documents are in place, EZONE will guide the applicant through the submission process via:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP Smart Services), or
• Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

Visa Processing Time: 1–2 weeks for medical tests, background checks, Emirates ID, and visa stamping

Estimated Timeline for Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs or Business Owners

Why Work with EZONE

EZONE is your all-in-one business setup and Golden Visa partner. For entrepreneurs, we provide:

• Full eligibility assessment based on capital, VAT, and operational status
• License or MOA amendment assistance
• Audit report preparation or coordination with licensed auditors
• Tax documentation and VAT reporting support
• End-to-end Golden Visa submission and tracking

Whether you’re a free zone startup or a mainland SME, EZONE ensures your path to long-term UAE residency is streamlined and fully compliant.

Get Started with EZONE

Ready to unlock the benefits of the UAE Golden Visa as a business owner or shareholder? Let EZONE, a business setup services provider in Dubai, manage your journey from business verification to visa approval.