# Getting a UAE residence visa through your own company, and the Golden Visa

> How owners get UAE residence through their company, sponsor family and use visa quotas, and the official Golden Visa criteria for investors.

Category: Visas · Reviewed 2026-10-27 · https://freezoneguide.com/guides/uae-residence-visa-through-your-company

## Key takeaways

- The UAE Government portal states that free zone companies apply for residence visas through their free zone authority, and that the number of visas depends on factors such as the package.
- ICP and GDRFA Dubai list a minimum paid-in share of AED 1,000,000 for the investor or partner Green Residence, which ICP lists as valid for 5 years.
- ICP's family sponsorship conditions include a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing.
- ICP's Golden Residency guide lists, for investors, a deposit, company capital or company stake of at least AED 2,000,000, or a share in an entity paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes.
- The UAE Government portal states that residence applicants aged 18 and over must pass a medical test and a security check and apply for an Emirates ID.

Owners of a UAE company can usually get residence through that company: the company is registered with immigration through an **establishment card**, then the owner applies for a residence visa, which involves an **entry permit**, a **medical test** and an **Emirates ID**. For a free zone company, the UAE Government portal states that residence visas are applied for through the free zone authority, and that the number of visas depends on factors such as the package. Separately, investors and entrepreneurs who meet the federal criteria can apply for a long-term **Golden Visa**, which ICP describes as residency without the need for a sponsor; the term for each category is set out below.

## How a residence visa through your company works

The sequence below is the general one; your zone confirms its own steps and which of them its package covers.

| Step | What happens | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment card | The company's registered data (trade name, licence number, partners, activity) is recorded with ICP; free zone companies apply through their free zone authority | ICP |
| Entry permit | Issued for entry to the UAE, or a change of status if you are already in the country | ICP, GDRFA Dubai |
| Medical test | Applicants aged 18 and over must pass a medical test and a security check | UAE Government portal |
| Emirates ID | The residence permit is linked to the Emirates ID application | ICP |
| Residence permit | Issued for the visa category and term | ICP, GDRFA Dubai |

ICP states that the stay to complete residence issuance procedures must not exceed 60 days from entry. The UAE Government portal states that sponsored residence visas are issued for 1, 2 or 3 years, and unsponsored ones for up to 5 or 10 years.

Zones publish their own owner visa terms. DMCC, for example, describes partner and investor visas whose eligibility is linked to the company's shareholding, a process of application through its member portal, entry permit, status change or entry, medical test and Emirates ID, and stamping, and states that its investor visa is valid for three years.

## The investor or partner Green Residence

ICP lists a 5-year Green Residence for investors and partners. Its conditions include approval from the competent authorities to carry on the activity, and a minimum investment of AED 1,000,000 in cash, either at company formation or as a contribution to an existing company; in-kind contributions are assessed by the Ministry of Economy. Holders must keep meeting the conditions. The documents ICP lists are the trade licence and the partnership or investment agreement.

GDRFA Dubai's page for the partner/investor business entry visa sets the same AED 1,000,000 paid-in share condition and gives the holder 60 days from entry to complete the residency procedures. Whether you apply for this route or for your zone's own owner visa depends on your company and share, so ask the zone and ICP or GDRFA Dubai which applies to you.

## Visa quotas

The UAE Government portal states that the number of visas a free zone business can get depends on factors such as the package, and to check with the free zone authority about increasing the quota. Zones publish their own rules; DMCC, for example, links its quota to the office size you choose. Each zone page shows the visa quota rule the zone publishes.

The table below shows zones that publish a package with at least three visas, sorted by price:


_Live data · figures as published by each zone · Verified on 2026-10-24 from tax.gov.ae, dmcc.ae and 5 more official sources_

| Free zone | Emirate | Lowest package (yr 1) | Licence fee from | Max visa quota | Min. office | Incorporation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ajman Media City Free Zone](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/ajman/ajman-media-city) | Ajman | AED 4,999 | AED 4,999 | 3 | Flexi-desk | Not published |
| [Innovation City](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/ras-al-khaimah/rak-innovation-city) | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,600 | AED 6,600 | 4 | Flexi-desk | 5 days |
| [Masdar City Free Zone](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/abu-dhabi/masdar-city) | Abu Dhabi | AED 7,000 | AED 7,000 | 3 | Virtual office | Not published |
| [Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group)](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/abu-dhabi/kezad) | Abu Dhabi | AED 9,450 | Not published | 4 | Flexi-desk | Not published |
| [Meydan Free Zone](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/dubai/meydan) | Dubai | AED 12,500 | AED 12,500 | 3 | Flexi-desk | 1 day |
| [Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/dubai/dmcc) | Dubai | AED 31,000 | AED 20,285 | 3 | Flexi-desk | 10 days |


_DMCC vs RAKEZ · live data · Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com, dmcc.ae and 1 more official source_

|  | DMCC | RAKEZ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Solo, no visa (year 1) | AED 31,000 | AED 6,000 |
| Founder + 1 visa (year 1) | AED 43,780 | AED 12,000 |
| Team, 3 visas (year 1) | AED 43,780 | Not published |
| Lowest package of any size (year 1) | AED 31,000 (DMCC Crypto Centre Package) | AED 6,000 (Biz Starter Package) |
| Lowest licence fee | AED 20,285 | AED 6,000 |
| Largest visa quota in a published package | 3 | 1 |
| Minimum office | Flexi-desk | Flexi-desk |
| Minimum share capital | AED 50,000 | AED 10,000 |
| Incorporation time (stated by the zone) | 10 days | 1 day |
| On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | No | Yes |
| Emirate | Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah |

[Full comparison](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/dmcc-vs-rakez)

Figures are as published by each zone with the date checked; see [how we verify](/how-we-verify). For a fuller comparison, see the cheapest set-ups for a [team with three visas](/uae/cheapest/team-with-three-visas).

## Sponsoring your family

ICP's conditions for a resident sponsoring family members are:

- a valid UAE residence permit;
- a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing;
- adequate housing and proof of kinship.

Eligible relatives include a spouse, unmarried daughters, sons under 25 and children with special needs, and ICP states that Green Residence holders may also sponsor first-degree relatives. A family member's permit cannot run beyond the sponsor's. ICP's fee list for the service includes a financial guarantee for an investor's family of AED 3,000 per family member, up to AED 15,000. Family members aged 18 and over must also pass the medical test.

## The Golden Visa for investors

ICP's Golden Residency guide lists a 10-year residency for investors (public investments) who meet one of these conditions:

- a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 with an investment fund or a national bank in the UAE;
- a UAE company or establishment with capital of at least AED 2,000,000, or a stake of at least AED 2,000,000 in one;
- ownership of, or a share in, an entity paying at least AED 250,000 a year in federal taxes (for partners, a share corresponding to that amount).

ICP states that the invested capital must be fully owned by the investor and must not come from a loan, and that the investor and family must have valid health insurance when applying. GDRFA Dubai's investor page lists, for a company investor or partner, documents including a certified financial report from a UAE-accredited audit firm, the trade licence with its partners' appendix, a company bank statement and tax registration with the last year's tax receipts. For the deposit route, it states that the deposit must be frozen for at least two years.

## The Golden Visa for entrepreneurs

ICP's guide lists two routes for entrepreneurs:

- owning, or being a partner in, a UAE-registered small or medium-sized enterprise in an approved field with annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000, with the business idea approved by an accredited incubator, the Ministry of Economy, ICP or a relevant local authority; or
- having founded one or more ventures that were sold for a total of at least AED 7,000,000.

In Dubai, GDRFA states that this category is nominated by the Dubai Future Foundation and that nomination is not final approval. ICP and GDRFA Dubai give a 10-year term for entrepreneurs; the UAE Government portal's summary table lists 5 years, so confirm the term with the issuing authority.

ICP states that eligible applicants who are outside the UAE are granted a six-month, multiple-entry entry visa to complete the procedures. Whether you qualify depends on your figures and documents; the UAE Government portal links to an eligibility checker on ICP's smart services portal.


> Get a personalised shortlist in 2 minutes: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/find

## Keeping the visa

The UAE Government portal states that the sponsor must renew the visa before it expires, that the Emirates ID expires with the visa, and that the overstay fine is AED 50 a day. A residence visa is cancelled automatically if the holder lives outside the UAE for more than 180 days continuously; the listed exceptions include investors holding valid UAE residence visas. Golden and Green visa holders can enter the UAE at any time while their residence is valid. If you plan to spend long periods abroad, see our guide to [running a UAE company from abroad](/guides/run-uae-company-from-abroad).

## Next steps

Check which owner visa your zone offers and how many visas each package allows; zone pages show the visa quota each zone publishes. The [free zone finder](/uae/find) shortlists zones by visa needs and budget, and our guides to [setting up a company in the UAE](/guides/how-to-set-up-a-company-in-uae) and [hiring staff in a free zone](/guides/hiring-staff-in-a-free-zone) cover the steps around the visa. For the Golden Visa, check your eligibility with ICP or, in Dubai, GDRFA.

## FAQ

### Can I get a residence visa through my own free zone company?

The UAE Government portal states that free zone companies apply for residence visas through their free zone authority. Zones publish their own owner or partner visa terms; DMCC, for example, describes partner and investor visas linked to the company's shareholding. Ask your zone which owner visa it offers and on what conditions.

### How many visas can my company get?

The UAE Government portal states that it depends on factors such as the package, and to check with the free zone authority. Zones publish their own rules; DMCC, for example, links its quota to the office size you choose.

### Can I sponsor my spouse and children?

ICP's conditions for sponsoring family include a valid UAE residence permit, a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing, adequate housing and proof of kinship. Eligible relatives include a spouse, unmarried daughters, sons under 25 and children with special needs. ICP's fee list includes a financial guarantee for an investor's family of AED 3,000 per family member, up to AED 15,000.

### Does the Golden Visa need a sponsor?

ICP describes Golden Residency as long-term residency without the need for a sponsor, and states that holders can obtain residence permits for spouses and children regardless of age, and for parents.

### Is the entrepreneur Golden Visa valid for 5 or 10 years?

ICP's Golden Residency guide and GDRFA Dubai's service page both give 10 years for entrepreneurs, while the UAE Government portal's summary table lists 5 years. Confirm the term with ICP or GDRFA Dubai when you apply.

### What happens if I live outside the UAE for long periods?

The UAE Government portal states that a residence visa is cancelled automatically if the holder lives outside the UAE for more than 180 days continuously, with listed exceptions that include investors holding valid UAE residence visas. Golden and Green visa holders can enter at any time while their residence is valid. See our guide to running a UAE company from abroad.

## Sources

- [UAE Government portal: recruiting in free zones](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/Doing-business/doing-business-in-free-zones/recruiting-in-free-zones) — Residence visas applied for through the free zone authority; visa numbers depend on the package. Updated 28 September 2026.
- [ICP: Issuing an Establishment Card](https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e6d) — What the establishment card records; free zone companies apply through their free zone authority.
- [ICP: Issuing Residency Permit](https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e64) — Green Residence conditions for investors and partners, family sponsorship conditions, investor family guarantee and 60-day limit after entry. Service page dated 11 December 2024.
- [GDRFA Dubai: Green visa issuance (investor/partner)](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/2b2f69af-408c-11ed-4fe5-0050569629e8) — Business entry visa for partners and investors valid 60 days from entry; AED 1,000,000 paid-in share condition.
- [UAE Government portal: general provisions for the residence visa](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/Visa-information/general-provisions-for-the-residence-visa) — Medical test, security check and Emirates ID; validity periods; 180-day rule and exceptions; renewal and overstay fine. Updated 28 September 2026.
- [DMCC: the 4 types of Dubai free zone visas](https://dmcc.ae/blog/the-4-types-of-dubai-free-zone-visas-at-dmcc) — Example of a zone's partner and investor visa process, validity and office-linked quota. Dated 30 March 2026.
- [ICP: Golden Residency guide](https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/uae-golden-residency/) — Golden Residency criteria for investors, entrepreneurs and real estate investors; family sponsorship. Updated 10 September 2026.
- [GDRFA Dubai: golden residence permit (investors)](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/8ea80da4-f43e-11eb-0320-0050569629e8) — Dubai investor criteria and documents, 10-year validity.
- [GDRFA Dubai: golden residence permit (entrepreneurs)](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/8ea80da7-f43e-11eb-0320-0050569629e8) — Dubai entrepreneur route through Dubai Future Foundation nomination, 10-year validity.
- [UAE Government portal: Golden visa](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa) — Summary of Golden visa categories and terms. Updated 28 July 2026.

## General information, not advice

This guide is general information about UAE rules and free zone requirements, based on official sources on the dates shown. It is not legal, tax, immigration, employment or financial advice, and reading it does not create an adviser relationship. Rules change and their effect depends on your circumstances: before you act, confirm with the relevant authority (the free zone, the Federal Tax Authority, ICP or GDRFA, or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) or a professional licensed in the UAE.

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Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.