10 Year Visa UAE | Long Term Residence Visa UAE 100% Ownership

April 23, 2019

The United Arab Emirates, comprising seven emirates including the financial powerhouse of Abu Dhabi, the vibrant lifestyle hub of Dubai, and the scenic beauty of Fujairah, continues to lead as a global business destination. Since 2019, the UAE has undergone transformative changes that have revolutionized opportunities for international entrepreneurs and investors.

What Has Changed Since 2019?

The UAE’s long-term visa program, now known as the Golden Visa, has evolved significantly. What started as a 10-year visa initiative has expanded into a comprehensive residency program that offers unprecedented benefits to foreign nationals.

Key Updates

100% foreign ownership is now fully implemented across mainland UAE (not just free zones)
Golden Visa has become the official term for long-term residency
Expanded eligibility now includes digital content creators, e-sports professionals, and humanitarian workers
New salary requirements: AED 30,000 minimum monthly salary for professionals (as of January 2025)
2-year work experience requirement with current employer for salaried professionals
Equivalency Certificate from UAE Ministry of Education now mandatory for degree verification

UAE Golden Visa: The Complete Overview

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit offering 5 or 10-year renewable residency without the need for a national sponsor. Introduced in 2019 and continuously refined, it attracts global talent, investors, and exceptional individuals to contribute to the UAE’s growth.

Universal Benefits for All Golden Visa Holders

Long-term residency (5 or 10 years) with automatic renewal
No sponsor required – self-sponsorship capability
Extended travel flexibility – stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without losing visa validity
Family sponsorship – spouse, children (regardless of age), and in some cases, parents
Unlimited domestic workers – no restrictions on sponsoring household staff
6-month entry visa – multiple-entry permit to complete residency procedures
100% business ownership – full control of mainland and free zone companies
Esaad Privilege Card eligibility – discounts up to 70% across UAE establishments
Continued residency for family members if primary visa holder passes away

10-Year Golden Visa Categories

1. Investors

Real Estate Investment:

Property value: AED 2 million minimum (approximately $545,000)
Property must be held for at least 3 years
Can be financed through UAE banks (typically 20% down payment required)
Mortgaged and off-plan properties may be eligible under specific conditions

Business Investment:

Investment in UAE-accredited investment fund: AED 2 million minimum deposit
Business capital: AED 2 million minimum
Partnership/shareholder value: AED 2 million minimum
Annual government tax payment: AED 250,000 minimum

Additional Conditions:

Investment cannot be loan-based for property purchases
Must demonstrate financial solvency
Visa extends to spouse and children
Business partners can qualify with same conditions

2. Skilled Professionals

Eligible professions earning AED 30,000+ monthly basic salary:

Doctors and healthcare specialists
Engineers and IT professionals
Scientists and researchers
Software engineers, AI experts, and data scientists
Lawyers and accountants
Technology entrepreneurs

NEW 2025 Requirements:

Minimum 2 years of work experience with current employer
Valid employment contract in specialized field
Equivalency Certificate from UAE Ministry of Education
Monthly salary of AED 30,000 (basic, excluding allowances)

Qualification Criteria (must meet at least two):

Ph.D. from top 500 universities worldwide
Professional certification or award in field
Published books or articles in respective discipline
Contribution to scientific research
Membership in relevant professional organization
10+ years of experience in respective field

3. Scientists and Innovators

Must be recognized by Emirates Scientists Council
Inventors must be certified by Ministry of Economy
Innovation must add value to UAE economy
Valid research or employment contract required

4. Creative Professionals

Artists and cultural contributors endorsed by Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
Digital content creators (new in 2025)
E-sports professionals (new in 2025)

5. Outstanding Students

University Graduates:

10-year visa for graduates with GPA 3.5+ (A-class) or 3.8+ (B-class)
Must be from top 100 global or UAE universities
Graduation within last 2 years
Priority fields: AI, Big Data, Biotechnology

5-Year Golden Visa Categories

1. Property Investors

Minimum property value: AED 2 million
Property must not be loan-based
Must retain possession for at least 3 years

2. Entrepreneurs

Existing project worth AED 500,000 minimum
Accredited business incubator approval
Technical or future-oriented project nature
Includes spouse, children, and up to 3 executives
6-month multiple-entry visa available

3. Outstanding High School Students

Average grade of 95%+ from secondary school (public or private)
Minimum GPA 4.75 for university graduates in UAE
Passing medical fitness test required
GDRFA approval necessary

4. Retirement Visa for Expats (55+ years)

Investment Options (choose one):

Property investment: AED 2 million
Savings: AED 1 million
Active monthly income: AED 20,000

100% Foreign Ownership in UAE Mainland (2025)

One of the most significant changes since 2019 is the complete removal of the 51/49 ownership requirement. Foreign investors can now own 100% of their business in UAE mainland, not just in free zones.

What Changed?

Before 2021:

UAE nationals required to hold 51% ownership in mainland companies
Foreign investors limited to 49% ownership
100% ownership only available in free zones

After 2021 (Current in 2025):

Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 removed the local sponsor requirement
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Over 1,000+ commercial and industrial activities eligible
Branch offices no longer require UAE national service agents (in most cases)

Approved Business Activities for Full Ownership

Sectors with 100% foreign ownership:

Agriculture, farming, forestry, and livestock
Manufacturing (food, beverages, textiles, machinery)
Healthcare (hospitals, clinics, medical supplies)
Retail and wholesale trade
E-commerce and digital businesses
Technology (software development, IT consulting)
Professional services (consulting, marketing, management)
General trading

Restricted Activities (Negative List)

Some strategic sectors still have ownership restrictions:

Banking and insurance
Oil and gas exploration
Telecommunications
Military and defense
Commercial agency
Labour and recruitment

Note: Certain activities may require a UAE national service agent (non-shareholding) for administrative purposes only.

Types of Entry Permits and Visas

Standard Visa Categories

Tourist Visa – Short-term visit visa for tourism purposes
Transit Visa – For passengers transiting through UAE airports
Electronic Visa for GCC Residents – Simplified process for Gulf residents
Student Visa – For university and college students
Patient Entry Permits – Medical visa for patients and companions
Retirement Visa – 5-year visa for retirees (explained above)

Application Process for Golden Visa

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Verify you meet the criteria for your chosen category on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Universal Documents:

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Passport-size photographs
Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, investment proof)
Valid UAE health insurance (mandatory for all applicants and family members)

Category-Specific Documents:

Investors: Trade license, financial statements, property ownership letter, investment fund confirmation
Professionals: Employment contract, attested degrees, Equivalency Certificate, professional license
Entrepreneurs: Business incorporation documents, auditor letter, incubator approval
Students: Academic transcripts, certificates of excellence

Step 3: Submit Application

Apply through official channels:

ICP (Federal Authority) – National portal
GDRFA Dubai – For Dubai-based applications (online and offline)
eChannels Portal – Online submission
GDRFA Mobile App – Convenient mobile application
Offline application centers

Step 4: Medical Test & Biometrics

Complete medical examination at approved UAE clinic (tests for infectious diseases and fitness certificate).

Step 5: Receive Approval

Processing time: 7-90 days depending on category and documentation completeness

Fast-track applications can be processed in 7-10 days
Complex cases may take up to 3 months

Step 6: Obtain Emirates ID

Complete biometric registration and receive your Emirates ID card.

Costs and Fees (2025 Estimates)

Golden Visa Processing:

Government fees: AED 10,500 (approximately $2,850)
Medical examinations: AED 500-1,000 per person
Health insurance: AED 3,000-12,000 annually (depending on coverage)
Document attestation: AED 1,000-3,000
Service agent fees (if applicable): AED 5,000-15,000

Total estimated cost: AED 15,000-30,000 ($4,100-$8,200)

Additional costs apply for family members and document translations.

Fast-Track Approval Tips

Document preparation – Ensure all documents are properly attested and translated
Use official portals – Apply through government websites or licensed agents
Complete applications – Submit all required documents upfront to avoid delays
Professional assistance – Consider hiring business setup consultants for complex cases
Equivalency Certificate – For professionals, obtain this in advance from Ministry of Education

Dubai Mainland Company Setup with 100% Ownership

Setup Process (2025)

Step 1: Choose Business Activity
Select from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) approved activities list (1,000+ options).

Step 2: Select Trade Name
Reserve your company name through the DET portal.

Step 3: Initial Approval
Apply for and receive initial approval from DET.

Step 4: Secure Office Space
Lease physical office and complete Ejari registration (mandatory tenancy database).

Step 5: Draft MOA
Prepare Memorandum of Association stating 100% foreign ownership.

Step 6: Submit Final Application
Submit all documents to DET for final evaluation.

Step 7: Receive Trade License
Pay license fees and receive your official mainland trade license.

Step 8: Open Corporate Bank Account
Approach banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, or HSBC with your license.

Step 9: Apply for Visas
Each license comes with a visa quota based on office size and activity.

Timeline

Total setup time: 5-10 working days (with complete documentation)

Why Choose UAE in 2025?

Tax Advantages

0% personal income tax
0% capital gains tax
9% corporate tax (with exemptions for qualifying free zone companies and certain entities)
Tax treaties with 100+ countries

Business Benefits

Strategic location connecting East and West
World-class infrastructure and logistics
Access to government contracts (mainland companies)
English widely spoken (89% expat population)
Stable political and economic environment

Lifestyle Advantages

World-class healthcare and education
Safe and secure environment
Multicultural society
Modern amenities and entertainment
Excellent quality of life

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long is the Golden Visa valid?
A: 5 or 10 years, depending on category, with renewable terms.

Q: Do I need a sponsor?
A: No, the Golden Visa allows self-sponsorship.

Q: Can my family be included?
A: Yes, spouse and children of all ages can be sponsored. Parents may qualify for 1-year visas.

Q: Is Dubai Golden Visa different from Abu Dhabi?
A: Benefits are essentially the same; slight differences exist in application platforms.

Q: Can I maintain US/international residency?
A: Yes, Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirements, perfect for maintaining ties abroad.

Q: What happens if I stay outside UAE for extended periods?
A: Unlike standard visas, Golden Visa remains valid even if you stay outside UAE for more than 6 months annually.

Next Steps

The UAE Golden Visa program represents a golden opportunity for international entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and students seeking long-term stability in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. With 100% business ownership now available on mainland, the UAE has cemented its position as a premier destination for global business.

Ready to start your UAE journey?

For professional assistance with Golden Visa applications and mainland company setup:

Contact: +971 55 378 8000

Email: nfo@setupdubaibusiness.com

Address: BS – Business Time Business Center Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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