UAE Golden Visa for Company Owners (2026): Full Guide — Audited Balance Sheet, Equity Rule & Documents

Rules as of October 2026: company owners can get the 10-year UAE Golden Visa when their partner's equity — their share of the company's equity in the audited balance sheet — is more than AED 2 million. The company must be more than 2 years old, because two years of audited balance sheets are required, and both the company and personal bank statements must be strong. Government fees are AED 4,137.

You will read online that VAT turnover, trade licence capital or other figures decide this visa. They don't: in practice the approval is based on the audited balance sheet. This guide explains what actually decides your application, the documents, the steps and the cost.

✅ The company owner Golden Visa rules today (October 2026)

• Partner's equity: more than AED 2 million — your share of the equity in the company's audited balance sheet.
• Proof: audited balance sheets for the last 2 years.
• Company age: more than 2 years.
• Bank statements: the company bank statement and your personal bank statement must both be strong.
• Company type: mainland or free zone.
• Visa: 10 years, renewable while you keep your share.

🔍 What decides approval — and what doesn't

The audited balance sheet is the document the decision rests on. Make sure your auditor shows your partner's equity clearly and that both years are audited.

📄 Documents required

🧭 Not there yet? What to do in your situation

🗺️ The 11 steps, from documents to Emirates ID

1. Documentation — company, personal and auditor documents.
2. Application with immigration — GDRFA Dubai for Dubai residents, ICP for the other emirates.
3. Pre-approval — for applicants already living in the UAE.
4. Cancel the existing visa — for applicants already living in the UAE.
5. Medical application — applicants aged 18 and over only.
6. Medical screening — in person.
7. Fitness report issued.
8. Golden Visa issued.
9. Emirates ID application.
10. Emirates ID biometrics — in person, only if required.
11. Emirates ID delivered — your 10-year card.

🚶 Only two in-person visits

• Medical screening at an approved medical centre — one visit, adults 18+ only; children don't need it.
• Emirates ID biometrics — one visit, only for first-time applicants aged 15+; not needed if your biometrics are already on file.

⏱️ How long it takes

The timeline is confirmed after we review your documents. Timelines are estimates, not guarantees.

💰 Company owner Golden Visa cost

Audit fees and attestation are separate. See Golden Visa cost 2026 for family totals.

👨‍👩‍👧 Adding your family

Your spouse, children and parents can get the same 10-year residency under you. See Golden Visa for family dependents.

📝 Quick recap

• Rules as of October 2026: partner's equity of more than AED 2 million in the audited balance sheet.
• Company more than 2 years old, with two years of audited accounts.
• Strong company and personal bank statements; VAT turnover alone does not decide approval.
• Government fees: AED 4,137; mainland and free zone companies both qualify.

Rules last reviewed in October 2026 by Razeeb Abdulla, CEO of FamilyVisa.ae, based on applications we process every week. Approval is always decided by the UAE authorities.

🔗 Related guides

• UAE Golden Visa 2026: routes, requirements and cost
• Golden Visa cost 2026: full fee breakdown
• Golden Visa for property owners
• Golden Visa for managers: salary & cost
• Golden Visa through a fixed bank deposit
• Golden Visa for family dependents
• Golden Visa for special talents

❓ Frequently asked questions

1. What are the Golden Visa requirements for company owners in 2026?

As of October 2026: your partner's equity — your share of the company's equity in the audited balance sheet — must be more than AED 2 million, the company must be more than 2 years old with 2 years of audited accounts, and both the company and personal bank statements must be strong.

2. Is VAT turnover enough for the company owner Golden Visa?

No. Many websites mention VAT turnover, but approval is decided on the audited balance sheet: your equity in the company must be more than AED 2 million. VAT returns are only a supporting document.

3. What is partner's equity?

It is the part of the company's equity in the audited balance sheet that belongs to you as a shareholder or partner. For the Golden Visa it must be more than AED 2 million.

4. How old must my company be?

More than 2 years, because the authorities ask for two years of audited balance sheets.

5. Does a free zone company qualify?

Yes. Mainland and free zone companies can both qualify, as long as your equity in the audited balance sheet is more than AED 2 million and the company has two years of audited accounts.

6. What documents does a company owner need?

From the company: trade licence, MOA, VAT returns, audited balance sheet, company bank statement and AECB credit report. From you: passport copy, Emirates ID copy, personal bank statement and photo. From the auditor: the auditor's trade licence and professional licence.

7. Why does the AECB credit report matter?

It shows the company's credit history. Together with the bank statements, it helps show that the business is genuine and financially healthy.

8. How much does the company owner Golden Visa cost?

Government fees are AED 4,137 for the main applicant: AED 2,710 immigration and visa, AED 1,154 for the 10-year Emirates ID and AED 273 for the medical test. There is no DLD fee.

9. How long does it take?

The timeline is confirmed after we review your documents, because audited accounts and bank statements differ from case to case. Timelines are estimates, not guarantees.

10. Is this the same as the UAE investor visa?

The 10-year Golden Visa for company owners is the long-term investor route. The regular 2-year investor or partner visa is a different visa with different conditions.

11. What if my company is less than 2 years old?

You will need to wait until you have two years of audited accounts, or use another route — for example property worth AED 2 million or an AED 2 million fixed deposit.