Through one of three routes set out by GDRFA Dubai: a shareholding worth at least AED 2,000,000 in a UAE company, a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 with a UAE bank, or a company that pays at least AED 250,000 a year in tax. Each leads to a 10-year visa.
NXTSTAR works out which route your position supports, assembles the audited figures and letters, and submits the application.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Route 1: shareholding in a UAE company
Your share of the company must be worth at least AED 2,000,000. GDRFA says it also evaluates the size of the establishment, its employment, its administrative efficiency and its financial solvency. Documents:
- A certified financial report from an audit firm accredited in the UAE
- The company's valid trade licence and bank statement
- Tax registration, with the previous year's receipts
- For a free zone company, a certificate showing the capital and your share
Route 2: bank deposit
- A deposit, bonds or sukuk of at least AED 2,000,000 with an accredited local bank.
- A bank certificate proving the deposit and stating that it is frozen for no less than two years.
- Proof of housing in Dubai.
GDRFA states that the deposit or investment may not be withdrawn during the Golden Visa period.
Route 3: tax contribution
- Your establishment, or establishments, pay at least AED 250,000 a year in tax.
- A trade licence with the partners' appendix.
- A certificate and a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming the amount and that you are a partner.
The figure is taken from the year before the application.
Which route to use
The shareholding route suits owners of an established, audited company. The tax route suits a profitable trading business with clean filings. The deposit route is the simplest on paper but ties up capital. If none fits, look at the property or skilled professional categories.
Keeping the visa
- You must stay able to support yourself and your family without government support.
- Golden Visa holders are exempt from the rule that cancels a residence visa after 180 days outside the UAE.
- The permit can be extended if you still meet the conditions when it expires.
- The authority can check during the term that you still qualify.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We review your company documents, coordinate with your auditor and bank on the letters, and file the application. If you do not yet have a UAE company, we set one up.
We are not auditors and do not value your shares. The authority decides the application.
Common questions
Does a free zone company count?
Yes. GDRFA Dubai lists a free zone certificate showing capital and the investor's share among the documents.
Is share capital on the licence enough?
GDRFA asks for an audited financial report and evaluates the establishment, so stated capital alone is not the test.
Can two partners both apply?
Each applicant has to meet the threshold through their own share.
How long does approval take?
GDRFA Dubai gives an expected completion time of five business days after a complete application.
How much does NXTSTAR charge?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates government fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 6 October 2026.
Own a company in the UAE?
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.