The official rules that apply
- The Green visa is issued to investors establishing or participating in commercial activities in the UAE.
- The Golden visa is a renewable 5- or 10-year residence visa for categories including investors and entrepreneurs, and allows sponsoring family members.
- Entrepreneurs may get a 5-year Golden visa for a technical or future-oriented project with an auditor letter showing project value of not less than AED 500,000.
- Real estate investors qualify for a Golden visa with property worth no less than AED 2 million.
- An investor may obtain a 10-year Golden visa with a deposit of AED 2 million in an accredited UAE investment fund or company capital of not less than AED 2 million.
Registration basics in the UAE
| Company type | Company in ADGM, a free zone such as DMCC, or on the mainland |
|---|---|
| Registry | ADGM Registration Authority · free zone authorities · Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism |
| Government filing fee | Varies — Depends on the zone and licence type. ADGM: name reservation $200, licence fees by activity category. |
| Registration time | ADGM expects approval within 10 business days when all requirements are met. Other zones differ. |
| Resident director | ADGM does not state a general director residency rule; its Tech Startup licence needs a UAE-resident signatory. |
| Visit, notary or lawyer | DMCC offers fully remote setup with e-signing by video call; other authorities differ. |
| Registered address | A virtual office is not accepted for a licence. ADGM requires a physical office (at least a dedicated desk); DMCC requires a registered office in DMCC such as a flexi-desk; on the mainland the lease must be registered with Ejari. |
| Minimum capital | Not stated |
| Corporate tax | Federal Corporate Tax: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income. |
| Every year | ADGM: annual commercial licence renewal, data protection renewal ($300), annual return and accounts. |
Full step-by-step guide: company registration in the UAE.
Sources
- u.ae, checked 27 September 2026
- u.ae, checked 27 September 2026
- u.ae, checked 27 September 2026
- u.ae, checked 27 September 2026
- u.ae, checked 27 September 2026