UAE Visa Options for Entrepreneurs: Golden, Freelance, Investor & Green Visas

The UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria have seen stricter interpretation since late 2024, particularly for salaried professionals. For employment-based categories, authorities now require a minimum basic salary of AED 30,000 per month, housing and transport allowances no longer count toward this threshold. This means some applicants who previously qualified based on total compensation may no longer be eligible through this pathway.

Important: This salary requirement does not apply to investment-based Golden Visa categories. Entrepreneurs qualifying through property investment (AED 2M+) or business ownership are assessed on capital, not income.

For entrepreneurs and independent professionals, the UAE offers four main residence pathways:

- Golden Visa (10 years): via investment, specialist talent, or official nomination

- Freelance Visa (1-2 years): issued through specific free zones

- Investor Visa (2-5 years): linked to property or business ownership

- Green Visa (5 years): for qualified professionals with sustained income

Each serves different profiles depending on capital availability, income structure, and business model. Once established, entrepreneurs will need UAE business banking to operate their company

The UAE Golden Visa offers several pathways for entrepreneurs and investors, each with specific requirements verified by federal authorities.

Investor Category (10 years)

Property Investment

• Minimum AED 2M in UAE real estate
• Can be single or multiple properties
• Mortgaged properties accepted with bank NOC (No Objection Certificate)
• Must be residential property in freehold area

Business/Fund Investment

• AED 2M+ deposit in UAE-accredited investment fund, OR
• AED 2M+ capital in UAE company (shown in trade license and MOA), OR
• Annual tax contribution of AED 250K+ to Federal Tax Authority

Bank Deposit

• AED 2M fixed deposit in UAE bank
• Must remain untouched for minimum 2 years

Entrepreneur Category (5 years)

For founders of innovative or tech-focused ventures:

Requirements

• Own or partner in a UAE-registered SME or startup
• Project value minimum AED 500,000 (certified by UAE auditor)
• Project must be classified as tech, innovation, or future-focused
• Approval letter from relevant Emirates authority
• Endorsement from accredited UAE business incubator

Note: This category focuses on the nature and potential of the project, not on previous exits or ownership percentage.

Choosing the right UAE entrepreneur visa depends on your investment capacity, income structure, and business goals. This comparison covers the four main options: Golden Visa, Freelance Visa, Investor Visa, and Green Visa. Across key factors: upfront costs, renewal requirements, work flexibility, and family sponsorship. Data sourced from official UAE government portals.

The UAE freelance visa offers legitimate residency and work authorization at a fraction of Golden Visa costs, making it a popular choice for entrepreneurs starting out. However, freelance visas come with free zone restrictions, you operate under a specific free zone's rules and activity list.

Key Free Zone Options

- GoFreelance (TECOM/DDA): From AED 7,500/year, 1-2 year visa, covers tech, media, design, education

- Dubai Media City: Media and creative focus, 1-2 year visa options

- Sharjah Media City (Shams): Budget option from AED 5,750, broader activity list

- Other free zones (DMCC, RAKEZ, Ajman): Vary by activity type and package

Note: Prices and terms change frequently. Always verify current rates directly with the free zone.

Green Visa Alternative

For established freelancers, the Green Visa offers a 5-year option with mainland flexibility (no free zone restrictions). Requirements: MOHRE freelance permit + proof of AED 360,000 annual income over 2 years.

Compare free zone vs mainland →

Freelance visa restricts you to activities within your chosen free zone. Working on UAE mainland requires separate mainland license, doubling your compliance burden.

UAE visa applications require extensive documentation, with requirements varying by visa type and applicant nationality. Missing or incorrectly attested documents are the primary cause of application delays and rejections. This comprehensive checklist covers all visa types with specific notes for Golden Visa additional requirements.

UAE visa costs extend far beyond advertised government fees, with hidden expenses that can double your total investment. Understanding the complete cost structure helps entrepreneurs budget accurately and avoid cash flow surprises during the application process. Costs vary significantly by visa type, family size, and chosen service providers.

Once your visa is approved, you'll need a business bank account: compare options for non-residents.

All amounts in AED. Prices may vary.

Golden Visa Costs

• Government processing fee: AED2800 - AED4800 (one-time)
• Medical tests: AED500 - AED800 (one-time)
• Emirates ID: AED370 (one-time)
• Document attestation: AED2000 - AED5000 (one-time)
• Legal/consultant fees: AED5000 - AED15000 (one-time) (optional)
• Property investment: AED2000000 (one-time) (optional)

Freelance Visa Costs

• Free zone license fee: AED7500 - AED20000
• Visa processing: AED2000 - AED3500 (one-time)
• Medical tests: AED500 - AED800 (one-time)
• Emirates ID: AED370 (one-time)
• Document attestation: AED1500 - AED3000 (one-time)

Investor Visa Costs

• Government processing: AED2000 - AED3000 (one-time)
• Property purchase: AED750000 (one-time)
• Medical tests: AED500 - AED800 (one-time)
• Emirates ID: AED370 (one-time)

Family Dependent Costs (per person)

• Dependent visa fee: AED2000 - AED3000 (optional)
• Medical tests (each): AED500 - AED800 (one-time) (optional)
• Emirates ID (each): AED370 (one-time) (optional)

💰 First Year Total: AED12000 - AED2050000

📅 Annual Ongoing: AED2000 - AED25000

⚠️ Add 20-30% buffer for unexpected costs like document re-attestation, application amendments, and service provider fees

Every UAE visa option involves significant trade-offs that official sources rarely discuss openly. This honest evaluation examines real-world experiences from entrepreneurs who've navigated each visa type, including common pain points, unexpected benefits, and situations where each visa excels or disappoints.

Common mistakes to avoid, these can lead to unexpected costs and delays:

1. Assuming freelance visa allows mainland work

❌ Risk: Working outside your free zone without proper licensing violates visa terms, potential fines or visa cancellation

✅ Solution: Confirm free zone restrictions upfront; obtain mainland license if serving UAE-wide clients

2. Underestimating total Golden Visa costs

❌ Risk: AED 2M is the property minimum only, registration fees, insurance, and processing add 10-15% more

✅ Solution: Budget for DLD fees (~4%), visa fees (AED 3,000-5,000), medical insurance, and initial living costs

3. Missing visa renewal conditions

❌ Risk: Failing to maintain requirements (property ownership, salary level) can mean renewal rejection

✅ Solution: Track all visa conditions and keep documentation current throughout validity period

4. Choosing visa based on cost alone

❌ Risk: Cheapest option may limit business growth or create compliance issues that cost more long-term

✅ Solution: Match visa type to your 3-year business plan, not just upfront cost

Information compiled from official UAE government sources, free zone authorities, and verified as of January 2026

• UAE Government Portal - Golden Visa: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa (accessed 2026-01-01)
• ICP - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security: https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/golden-residency/ (accessed 2026-01-01)
• GoFreelance - TECOM/DDA Official Platform: https://www.gofreelance.ae/ (accessed 2026-01-01)
• Dubai Land Department - Investor Visa Services: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/request-for-golden-visa-investor/ (accessed 2026-01-01).
• Information accurate as of January 2026. UAE visa policies change frequently - verify current requirements with official sources before application.