Launch and scale your startup in Dubai with a 5-year entrepreneur residence visa. Access the UAE's $11 billion startup ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and 0% personal income tax.
The Dubai Entrepreneur Visa is a 5-year residence permit designed for innovative entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business owners who want to establish or grow their ventures in the UAE. Launched as part of the UAE's National Innovation Strategy and expanded in 2024-2026, this visa offers:
Unlike traditional employment visas tied to a specific employer, the Entrepreneur Visa gives you full control to build, pivot, and scale your business. It's ideal for tech founders, innovation-led ventures, and entrepreneurs with patents, VC backing, or incubator/accelerator acceptance.
Unlike 2-3 year business visas, the Entrepreneur Visa offers 5-year residence, renewable indefinitely. Focus on growth, not visa renewals.
Prioritizes tech, AI, biotech, fintech, cleantech, and patent-holding ventures. UAE backs innovative businesses with grants and accelerator programs.
UAE startups raised $11B+ in VC funding (2020-2025). Connect with 200+ VC firms, angel networks, and government-backed investment funds.
0% personal income tax, eligible for 0% corporate tax (QFZP free zones), no capital gains tax, and no dividend tax for shareholders.
Dubai connects you to 2.4 billion consumers across Middle East, Africa, and Asia. 260+ direct flight routes, world-class logistics infrastructure.
Hire from 200+ nationalities, access 50+ universities, sponsor unlimited employee visas. Dubai ranked #1 MENA for talent attraction.
You must meet at least ONE of the following criteria to qualify for the Entrepreneur Visa:
Identify which pathway you qualify under (innovation approval, investment, VC backing, patent, or prior exit). Gather all supporting documents: approval letters, bank statements, investment agreements, patent certificates, etc.
Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if mainland-based, or through your free zone authority (DMCC, DIFC, Hub71, etc.) if free-zone-based. Upload all documents online and pay application fee (AED 500-1,000).
Immigration authorities and the UAE Ministry of Economy (or designated incubator) review your documents. This may include verification of VC investment, patent validity, approval letters, and business plan assessment. Processing time: 2-6 weeks.
If approved, you'll receive an entry permit (valid for 60 days) allowing you to enter the UAE. If you're already in the UAE on a tourist or other visa, you can change your status without exiting. Fee: AED 500-700.
Complete mandatory medical fitness test (blood test + chest X-ray) at approved centers (AED 300-500). Apply for Emirates ID at Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) center with biometrics (AED 370 for 5-year ID).
Once medical results are clear and Emirates ID is processed, your 5-year residence visa will be stamped in your passport. Fee: AED 2,500-3,000. Your Entrepreneur Visa is now active!
Total processing time: 6-10 weeks from application to visa stamp
| Item | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Application Fee GDRFA or free zone processing | AED 500-1,000 | ~$136-272 |
Entry Permit Fee For visa pre-approval | AED 500-700 | ~$136-191 |
Medical Fitness Test Blood test + X-ray (mandatory) | AED 300-500 | ~$82-136 |
Emirates ID (5-Year) ID card + e-services fee | AED 370 | ~$101 |
5-Year Residence Visa Stamping Final visa stamp in passport | AED 2,500-3,000 | ~$680-817 |
Health Insurance (Annual) Mandatory UAE coverage (basic plan) | AED 1,500-3,000 | ~$408-817 |
PRO Service / Business Setup (If Needed) Company formation + visa processing | AED 5,000-15,000 | ~$1,361-4,086 |
Total Cost (Visa Only) If you already have a UAE company | AED 5,670-8,570 | ~$1,545-2,334 |
Total Cost (Visa + Company Setup) All-inclusive package | AED 10,000-25,000 | ~$2,725-6,811 |
* Costs are approximate and may vary by free zone/emirate. Exchange rate: 1 USD = 3.67 AED
| Feature | Entrepreneur Visa | Golden Visa | Free Zone Company Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Duration | 5 years (renewable) | 5-10 years | 2-3 years |
| Minimum Investment | AED 500K (some pathways) | AED 2M-10M | AED 15K-50K |
| Innovation Focus | ✗ | ✗ | |
| Family Sponsorship | |||
| Patent/VC Pathway | ✗ | ✗ | |
| Permanent Residency (10yr+) | No (upgrade possible) | Yes | No |
| Best For | Startup founders, innovators | High-net-worth investors | SME business owners |
Get your 5-year Entrepreneur Visa approved in 6-10 weeks. We help with eligibility assessment, document preparation, company formation, and full PRO services.