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How to get a 10-year Golden Visa as a founder

In 2026, the UAE residency landscape has shifted from “temporary” to “visionary.” For entrepreneurs, the most coveted asset is no longer just a prime office in Business Bay, but the 10-year Golden Visa.

Unlike standard two-year investor visas that are tied to a specific trade license, the Golden Visa is a self-sponsored, long-term residency that gives you the ultimate freedom to pivot, scale, or even take a sabbatical without losing your right to live in the Emirates.   

As a founder, navigating the 2026 criteria requires a strategic choice between three distinct “tracks.” Here is the definitive FounderX guide on securing your decade-long stay.   

1. The Three Primary Tracks for Founders

To qualify for the 10-year residency as an entrepreneur in 2026, you generally need to meet one of the following criteria set by the Ministry of Economy and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).   

Track A: The Revenue Powerhouse (The AED 1 Million Rule)

This is the most common route for established SMEs. To qualify:

  • You must be an owner or partner in a startup registered in the UAE.   

  • The business must be classified as an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise).   

  • The company must generate an annual revenue of no less than AED 1 million.   

  • Proof required: Audited financial statements from a UAE-accredited auditor and a valid trade license showing your shareholding.   

Track B: The Incubator/Innovation Route

Ideal for pre-revenue tech founders or those in “Future Industries” (AI, Biotech, Green Energy), this track prioritizes potential over current profit.

  • You must have an “Innovative Project” approved by an accredited business incubator (such as Hub71 in Abu Dhabi or Dubai Future Foundation/Area 2071).   

  • Alternatively, you can get a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy or a competent local authority stating that your project is of a “technical or futuristic nature.”   

  • The 2026 Update: In 2026, the UAE has expanded the list of “Accredited Incubators” to include specialized AI-hubs, making this route easier for deep-tech founders.

Track C: The Successful Exit (The AED 7 Million Rule)

If you are a serial entrepreneur who has already “made it,” this is your fast track.

  • You must be the founder of a previous project that was sold for a total value of not less than AED 7 million.   

  • The sale must have been officially documented and approved by the Ministry of Economy.

  • Benefit: This allows you to secure your 10-year visa based on your past success, giving you a decade of stability to build your next unicorn.

2. The Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a Golden Visa in 2026 is a fully digital, multi-stage process. At FounderX, we simplify it into four key milestones:   

Stage 1: Nomination (The “Golden” Ticket)

Before you apply for the visa itself, you must be “Nominated.” You submit your business profile, revenue proof, or incubator endorsement to the relevant authority (e.g., Dubai Future Foundation for Dubai-based founders).   

  • Timeline: 1 to 3 weeks.

  • Outcome: You receive a “Letter of Nomination” or an electronic approval on the ICP portal.

Stage 2: The 6-Month Entry Permit

Once nominated, if you are outside the country, you apply for a 6-month multiple-entry visa. This allows you to enter the UAE, settle your business affairs, and complete the residency medical tests. If you are already in the UAE, you skip this and move to “Status Change.”

Stage 3: Medical and Biometrics

You must undergo a standard fitness test at a government-approved center (checking for communicable diseases). Simultaneously, you will provide your biometrics (fingerprints) for your new Golden Emirates ID.   

Stage 4: Visa Issuance

After the medical clearance, your 10-year residency is stamped digitally. You will receive an electronic version of your visa via the UAEICP or GDRFA app, and your physical Golden Emirates ID will be delivered to your doorstep.   

3. Why the Golden Visa is the Ultimate Founder Tool

Why go through the extra paperwork for a Golden Visa instead of a standard 2-year partner visa? The 2026 benefits are unparalleled:

  • Unlimited Stay Abroad: Standard visas expire if you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months. Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for any length of time without losing their residency. This is critical for founders managing global teams.   

  • Family Security: You can sponsor your spouse and children of any age (in 2026, the age limit for sons was effectively removed for Golden Visa holders).   

  • Sponsorship of Staff: You can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers (drivers, maids, etc.).   

  • The “Esaad” Card: Golden Visa holders are eligible for the Esaad Privilege Card, offering massive discounts on healthcare, flights, and luxury brands, a perk once reserved for government employees.   

4. Avoiding the “Audit Trap”

One of the biggest reasons for rejection in 2026 is unverified financial data. The ICP has become very strict about which auditing firms they accept.

FounderX Pro-Tip: Do not use “draft” accounts or unofficial spreadsheets. To hit the AED 1 million revenue threshold, your audit must be conducted by a firm registered with the Ministry of Economy and uploaded via the official portal.

5. Costs and Maintenance

While the Golden Visa offers long-term savings (fewer renewals), the upfront cost is higher:

  • Government Fees: Approximately AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 depending on the Emirate.

  • Health Insurance: You must maintain a “Comprehensive” health insurance plan throughout the 10 years.   

  • Ownership: You must maintain the investment or the business activity that qualified you. If you close your company, you have a grace period to switch to another category (like Real Estate or Exceptional Talent).

The FounderX Strategy: Your 10-Year Roadmap

Securing a Golden Visa is a marathon, not a sprint. At FounderX, we don’t just “apply” for you; we help you qualify.

  • We align your trade license activities to “Innovative” sectors.

  • We connect you with accredited incubators for the mandatory endorsement.

  • We coordinate with top-tier auditors to ensure your revenue proof is bulletproof.