The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most alluring destinations for professionals, investors, and business owners globally in recent years. The UAE Golden Visa is a fantastic chance for EU nationals who want to broaden their business horizons and take advantage of a number of financial and personal advantages. For a maximum of ten years, foreigners can live, work, and invest in the United Arab Emirates with comfort and stability thanks to this long-term residency visa.
With a focus on eligibility requirements, license types, investment thresholds, and residency benefits, this article examines how EU nationals can get the UAE Golden Visa through company formation. This thorough guide includes everything you need to know about going from EU citizenship to UAE residency through business setup.
Let’s get started —
Understanding Gold Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa provided to specific categories of investors, entrepreneurs, specialized skills, and persons contributing significantly to the economic or innovation ecosystem of the country. It enables holders to live and work in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor and gives better security and flexibility compared to the ordinary short-term resident visas.
Golden Visas can be awarded for up to 5 or 10 years and are renewable. Key categories eligible for a green visa are investors, entrepreneurs, specialized skills, researchers, outstanding students, and, significantly, business owners and investors.
Why Do EU Citizens Establish Companies For UAE Residency?
For EU citizens, the UAE offers several compelling reasons to pursue a UAE Residence Visa through company setup:
- Tax Efficiency: The UAE has 0% personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and competitive corporation tax rates established just recently and limited in scope.
- Strategic Location: A gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa with strong logistics and worldwide connectivity.
- Robust Infrastructure: World-class business infrastructure, including free zones customised to different sectors.
- Business-friendly Environment: Full foreign ownership in many free zones, easy firm formation procedures, and typically no capital limitations.
- Quality of Life: Safe, contemporary cities with first-rate healthcare, education, and recreational facilities.
- Pathway to Long-term Visa: The Golden Visa offers stability for EU entrepreneurs, enabling long-term planning and family sponsorship.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria for UAE Residency?
There are some eligibility criteria that an EU citizen must follow to go from EU citizenship to UAE residency through business setup. A golden visa requires:
1. Citizenship By Investment Program in Public Investments (Visa for Investors)
- Minimum real estate investment programs of AED 10 million* (about €2.5 million) in public investment (real estate, shares in UAE firms, or investment funds).
- Visa is available when at least three years have passed before the investment is sold.
- The investor can include their spouse and children under 18 in the visa.
2. Entrepreneur License Holders
- Entrepreneurs having a previously established project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000* (about €125,000).
- Alternatively, persons who have the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
3. Business Owners and Company Founders
- Individuals can apply for an entry visa who own or form a firm with a capital share of AED 500,000* or more.
- Establishing a business is possible in the United Arab Emirates’ mainland or in certain free zones that are eligible for Golden Visa sponsorship.
4. Investors and Specialised Talents
- Founders of new companies or small enterprises that fit specific creative or financial requirements.
- Owners of a current business licence and evidence of their financial stability can obtain UAE golden visa.
Steps For Obtaining EU Citizenship to UAE Residency Through Business Setup
The application process for a Golden visa is rather simple. Follow these steps to go from EU citizenship to UAE residency through business setup–
Step 1: Select Your Jurisdiction and Business Activity
Mainland or Free Zone: Choose between launching your company on the mainland (Dubai Department of Economic Development or comparable authorities in other emirates) or in one of the several free zones in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Abu Dhabi Global Market, etc.).
Choose Your Business Activity: Your licensing, office requirements, and Golden Visa eligibility are all impacted by the business activity you choose.
Step 2: Get Your Capital Investment and Business Plan Ready
- To get a Dubai Golden Visa, make sure you fulfil the minimum capital or investment requirements in order to be eligible for a residence permit.
- Determine your funding sources and compile supporting evidence, including asset valuations, bank statements, and proof of funds.
- To make sure your strategy complies with the investment requirements for the Golden Visa, think about speaking with experts in company creation located in the United Arab Emirates.
Step 3: Send In Your Application For Business Setup
- Register your business with the appropriate UAE government agency.
- Get a trade licence that is appropriate for the type of business you operate.
- If registering via a free zone, finish the registration process and lease your office space (physical or flexi-desk as applicable).
Step 4: Submit An Application For A Golden Visa Along With The Necessary Paperwork
- Apply for the Golden Visa at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) with your company licence and proof of investment.
- Provide copies of your passport, your Emirates ID, your company licence, your proof of capital, your rental agreement, your health insurance, and your biometric information.
- Additional relocation incentives can be obtained by including family members on the application.
Step 5: Biometric Verification and Medical Testing
- Applicants for UAE residence and citizenship must pass a medical fitness exam.
- Prior to the visa being issued, biometric information is gathered as part of the residence process.
Step 6: Obtain A Residency Entry Permit And Approval
- Your Golden Visa, which grants you residency in the United Arab Emirates for five or ten years, is issued upon approval.
- Your visa allows for family sponsorship.
Choosing Jurisdictions For UAE Residency
To enter the UAE, golden visa eligibility is supported by a number of licence categories. Among the choices are:
Mainland Companies Visa
Business Licences on the Mainland Professional Licence (for engineers, consultants, and service providers):
- Commercial Licence (businesses that trade)
- Manufacturing Industrial Licence
Mainland businesses let you work anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, but unless you are eligible for 100% foreign ownership, they typically need a local service agent or partner.
Free Zone License
Commercial Licences for Free Zone Businesses:
- Licence for Services
- Licence for Industry
- Licence for E-Commerce
Free zones offer import/export duty exemptions and 100% foreign ownership, but they also impose restrictions on corporate operations and may require a local distributor for sales to the mainland.
What Are The Benefits of a Golden Visa For EU Citizens?
Long-term Residency: To live in the UAE means stability and validity for five or ten years with options for renewal.
No Sponsor Needed: Self-sponsored visas provide you more freedom.
Sponsorship: Family sponsorship allows for the inclusion of a spouse, kids, and even parents.
Income Tax: Tax benefits include favourable corporation tax laws and zero personal income tax. Most companies in Dubai enjoy no income tax.
Access to the UAE Banking and Business Ecosystem: Opening personal and business bank accounts is simpler.
Flexibility in Employment: The ability to sponsor workers. Plus, a wide range of investment opportunities for individuals via the investor visa.
Global Mobility: Travel to numerous countries is visa-free with a UAE passport or visa; residence makes travel arrangements simpler.
Quality of Life: The UAE’s lifestyle advantages, health care, and educational opportunities.
Additional Tips for Golden Visa Acquisition Through Company Formation
- Do a feasibility study first. Before investing, consider the market, expenses, and legal requirements.
- Speak with UAE Business Setup Experts for advice on the best mainland and free zone alternatives, as well as how to apply for a visa through successful business ventures.
- Many permit quick company setup and 100% foreign ownership in free zones.
- Ensure that your business’s audits, visas, and renewal needs are up to date.
- Take into account your family’s education, medical care, and real estate market in the United Arab Emirates.
- Keep abreast of changes to UAE Golden Visa regulations; always get the most recent details from authorised business consultants or official UAE government sources.
Conclusion
EU nationals may successfully traverse the process and take advantage of the UAE’s Golden Visa program and prosper in one of the fastest-growing economic hubs in the world with the correct preparation and expert advice. Exploring residency and citizenship options can be complex, but the right guidance makes the journey clearer and smoother. If you’re on the move to get a UAE residency with easy company formation, reach out to Xpert Advisory. To make informed, confident decisions, speak to our experienced advisors. We have years of experience dealing with company formation services. Call us today for a consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EU Nationals Need To Visit The UAE In Person, Or Can They Apply For The UAE Golden Visa Via A Remote Business Setup?
Although a large portion of the Golden Visa application and company registration process can frequently be started remotely in many free zones, final biometric verification and medical testing usually call for in-person presence in the UAE.
Is Obtaining A Golden Visa Linked To Being A UAE Resident Or Permanent Resident?
While the Golden Visa allows for permanent residency, citizenship is not a given. Rarely awarded, UAE citizenship is contingent on additional requirements beyond visas.
Is The Golden Visa Holder Limited To Their Own Firm, Or Can They Work For Another Company?
People with Golden Visas are allowed to work and operate enterprises in the United Arab Emirates. However, depending on the type of visa, working for other companies may require additional work permissions or authorization.
