UAE Golden Visa — Investor (Public Investments)
The Golden Visa investor path (public investments) is the longer, self-sponsored residency for people who meet published capital tests — AED 2 million-class company, deposit, or property, or a tax-contribution threshold on the GDRFA page we cited. Apply through the GDRFA / ICP service. Evergreen. This is for investors, not for a pre-seed founder hoping a licence becomes a visa. If you are the operator, read the entrepreneur Golden Visa row instead.
DESK TAKE
A wealth and investment product. Do not apply as a substitute for earning the entrepreneur route. The numbers on the government page win arguments, not your consultant.
ELIGIBILITY
For founders and investors with serious capital or a tax-paying UAE business — a distinct 10-year route from the entrepreneur path. - Company investor/partner: your share of a UAE company's assets is worth AED 2,000,000+, proven by a certified financial report from a UAE-accredited audit firm, plus a valid trade licence - Bank deposit route: AED 2,000,000+ frozen in a local UAE bank (or local sukuk/bonds) for at least 2 years - Real estate route: one or more UAE properties worth AED 2,000,000+ (DLD-certified) - Tax route: FTA letter showing your establishment(s) pay AED 250,000+ in annual UAE taxes - Apply via GDRFA Dubai smart services (UAE Pass) or Amer centres; permit fee AED 1,100 + surcharges
QUESTIONS
Does property in my name qualify?
The GDRFA page lists the current property / deposit tests. They change. Read the live service, not a 2023 blog.
Can I run a startup on this visa?
You can reside. Running a company still needs the right licence. Visa ≠ licence.