Programs

40 programs · updated August 2026

Intakes, grants, licenses, visas, sandboxes, and challenges a UAE founder can actually use — with eligibility, dates, and a desk read on each. Closed programs stay listed; most are seasonal. Looking for capital? Browse investors or the funding tracker.

All types Intake Grant License Visa Sandbox Challenge

Any status Open Closing Evergreen Closed

UAE Golden Visa — Entrepreneur

5-year renewable, self-sponsored UAE Golden residency (no local sponsor needed) for founders of innovative projects auditor-certified at AED 500,000+; family sponsorship included.

VisaUAE-wideEvergreen

UAE Golden Visa — Investor (Public Investments)

10-year renewable, self-sponsored Golden residency for investors with AED 2M+ in a UAE company, frozen deposit or property — or AED 250,000+ in annual UAE tax contributions.

VisaUAE-wideEvergreen

UAE Green Visa — Freelancer / Self-Employed

5-year renewable, self-sponsored Green residency for freelancers with a MOHRE permit, a bachelor's degree and AED 360,000+ annual self-employment income over the past two years.

VisaUAE-wideEvergreen

UAE Virtual Work Residence Permit (Dubai)

1-year renewable, self-sponsored Dubai residence for remote workers employed outside the UAE earning USD 3,500+/month — no local sponsor needed, family sponsorship allowed.

VisaDubaiEvergreen

Investors & Ecosystem — who funds UAE startups →Send a program update →

About UAE programs on DXBStart

What does DXBStart list as a program?

A real apply path a founder can use: an intake, grant, license, visa, sandbox, or challenge. Operator homepages and formation shops are not programs.

Why are closed programs still listed?

Most intakes and challenges are seasonal. The page is the permanent record — when it reopens we update the dates, not the URL.

Do you apply on my behalf?

No. The apply button goes to the operator. If you want a read on which programs fit, write the desk from the program page.