Last updated: August 2026

UAE residency through company setup (2026)

Registering a UAE company entitles the owner to apply for an investor visa — one of the most straightforward routes to UAE residency. Here is the full process, timeline, costs, and Golden Visa options.

Visa duration

2 years

Renewable

Total cost (investor visa)

AED 3,000–5,000

Incl. medical + Emirates ID

Timeline

7–14 working days

After company is registered

Dependants

Spouse + children

Sponsorship available

The investor visa process: step by step

Company registration complete

Your trade licence must be issued before the visa process starts. The establishment card (AED 1,500–3,000) must also be obtained — this authorises the company to sponsor visa applications.

Apply for entry permit

For those outside the UAE: an entry permit is issued, valid for 60 days, allowing you to enter the UAE to complete biometrics. For those already in the UAE: skip to status change.

Enter the UAE and status change

If entering on the entry permit, complete a status change at the GDRFA or DNRD (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). Fee: AED 640–800.

Medical fitness test

Mandatory for all residents. Test covers blood screening and chest X-ray for tuberculosis. Conducted at approved health centres. Fee: AED 350–700. Results same day or within 24 hours.

Emirates ID biometrics

Visit an ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) centre or authorised typing centre to register biometrics. Fee: AED 370 (2-year card). Emirates ID is issued within 5 working days.

Residency visa stamped in passport

The UAE residency visa is stamped into your passport. This is your formal 2-year residency. Total timeline from step 1 to this point: 7–14 working days.

UAE Golden Visa: 10-year residency options

The Golden Visa offers 10-year UAE residency without annual renewal. For business owners, the most relevant route is the investment route — minimum AED 2 million in UAE assets.

Route	Requirement	Visa
Investment route	Minimum AED 2 million in UAE investments — company equity, real estate, or investment funds	10-year Golden Visa
Property route	UAE property valued at AED 2 million or more, with no mortgage above 50% of value	10-year Golden Visa
Talented individuals	Scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, athletes with recognised achievements	10-year Golden Visa
Exceptional students	UAE graduates with 3.75+ GPA or top global university graduates	5-year Golden Visa

Foreign foundersUAE Company Setup for Foreigners: Complete 2026 Guide

BankingUAE Corporate Bank Account: How to Open One in 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I get UAE residency by setting up a company?

Yes. Registering a company in the UAE — either in a free zone or on the mainland — entitles the owner(s) to apply for an investor visa (also called owner visa), which grants UAE residency. The company does not need to be generating revenue for the visa to be issued. This is one of the most common routes to UAE residency for entrepreneurs and business owners.

How long does a UAE investor visa last?

The standard UAE investor (owner) visa is valid for 2 years and is renewable. You can renew it as long as your company remains active and in good standing. The visa can be extended with a UAE entry stamp at any UAE border without leaving the country.

What is the UAE Golden Visa for business owners?

The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year long-term residency visa available to investors who have capital of AED 2 million or more in the UAE — including company equity, real estate, or investment funds. It does not require annual renewal and provides more stability than the standard 2-year investor visa. Business owners with a company valued at AED 2M+ may qualify through the investment route.

How many family members can I sponsor on a UAE investor visa?

The number of dependant visas you can sponsor depends on your visa type and company structure, not a hard cap. Typically, an investor visa holder can sponsor a spouse and children under 18 (and unmarried daughters of any age, in some cases). Sponsoring parents is possible but requires a higher salary threshold for employed residents — for business owners, the company's financial standing is assessed instead.

Ready to set up your company and get UAE residency?

Simobi handles the full process — from free zone registration and establishment card to investor visa application and Emirates ID. One partner, end to end.

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