Investors can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa through three non-property routes: a minimum AED 2,000,000 in paid-up business capital, a minimum AED 2,000,000 UAE bank deposit, or the AED 500,000 entrepreneur/startup route backed by an accredited incubator or accelerator. This guide covers these three investment pathways specifically - if your capital is tied up in property rather than a business or deposit, see the dedicated real estate investment Golden Visa guide instead.
The Three Investor Routes Compared
| Route | Capital required | Endorsement/documentation needed | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business investor (paid-up capital) | AED 2,000,000 in paid-up company capital | Valid UAE trade license, audited financial statements, DET registration | Established business owners with an operating UAE company |
| Bank deposit investor | AED 2,000,000 fixed deposit in a UAE-accredited bank | Bank deposit certificate | Passive investors who prefer liquid capital over business or property risk |
| Entrepreneur / startup | AED 500,000 minimum project value | Letter of recommendation from an accredited UAE business incubator or accelerator | First-time founders with an innovative, early-stage project |
Route 1: Business Investor (Paid-Up Capital)
This route applies to entrepreneurs and investors who already own or hold a substantial stake in a UAE-registered company. To qualify:
- The company must have paid-up capital of at least AED 2,000,000
- You'll need a valid UAE trade license
- Audited financial statements confirming the paid-up capital figure
- A tax compliance certificate, where applicable
Partners in existing UAE companies also qualify if their individual share of the paid-up capital meets or exceeds AED 2,000,000 - you do not need to own the entire company outright.
Route 2: Bank Deposit Investor
This is generally the most straightforward route for investors who hold liquid capital and prefer not to tie it to a business or property. Requirements typically include:
- A minimum AED 2,000,000 fixed deposit in a UAE-accredited bank
- The deposit is generally expected to be held for a minimum term (commonly cited as 3 years) - confirm current terms with your chosen bank and a visa consultant, as bank-specific conditions can vary
- A bank deposit certificate confirming the amount and terms
Route 3: Entrepreneur / Startup Route
Designed for founders of innovative, early-stage businesses rather than established companies with existing capital. Requirements:
- An approved project with a minimum value of AED 500,000, OR a letter of recommendation from an accredited UAE business incubator or accelerator
- The project should be technology-focused, innovation-driven, or aligned with UAE national priority sectors - artificial intelligence, clean energy, healthcare technology, fintech, and advanced manufacturing are commonly cited priority areas
- The business does not need to be operational at the time of application, but the incubator/accelerator endorsement is mandatory
This route is typically the best fit for first-time founders who have a strong concept and institutional backing (via an incubator/accelerator) but have not yet accumulated AED 2,000,000 in capital.
Which Route Should You Use?
- Already run a profitable UAE company with AED 2M+ paid-up capital? Use the business investor route.
- Hold AED 2M+ in liquid savings and prefer not to tie it to a business or property? Use the bank deposit route.
- Building an early-stage, innovation-focused startup with incubator backing but limited capital? Use the entrepreneur route.
- Capital is tied up in a property rather than a business or deposit? See the real estate investment Golden Visa guide instead - it is a separate category with its own documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photograph
- Emirates ID (if already a UAE resident)
- Medical fitness test certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Route-specific documents: trade license + audited accounts (business route), bank deposit certificate (deposit route), or incubator/accelerator letter (entrepreneur route)