Investment Visa Thresholds
The UAE offers multiple investor visa categories, each with distinct minimum capital requirements. The 2023 visa reforms consolidated and simplified several pathways, creating a tiered structure linked to investment value and business type.
| Visa Category | Minimum Investment (AED) | Duration | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa (Mainland) | 72,000 | 2 years | Business licence required |
| Investor Visa (Free Zone) | 50,000 - 150,000 | 2-3 years | Varies by free zone |
| Golden Visa (Investment) | 2,000,000 | 10 years | Property or business investment |
| Golden Visa (Public Investment Fund) | 2,000,000 | 10 years | Approved fund deposit |
| Green Visa (Freelancer) | No capital requirement | 5 years | Proven income threshold |
Free Zone Minimum Capital Requirements
Free zone investment requirements vary significantly across the UAE’s 45+ free zones. The following table summarises representative minimums for popular zones.
| Free Zone | Minimum Capital (AED) | Licence Fee (AED/year) | Visa Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC (Dubai) | 50,000 | 15,000 | 3-6 |
| DIFC (Dubai) | 50,000 | 12,000 | Varies |
| ADGM (Abu Dhabi) | 50,000 | 10,000 | Varies |
| IFZA (Dubai) | 11,500 | 11,500 | 1-6 |
| SAIF Zone (Sharjah) | 15,000 | 12,000 | 3-6 |
| RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah) | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0-3 |
| KIZAD (Abu Dhabi) | 25,000 | 15,000 | 3+ |
| Ajman Free Zone | 12,500 | 10,500 | 2-6 |
Mainland Business Investment
Mainland company formation requires a Department of Economic Development (DED) trade licence, with costs varying by emirate and activity type. Following the 2020 reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, mainland investment has become increasingly attractive.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade licence (annual) | 10,000 - 50,000 |
| Initial approval | 1,000 - 5,000 |
| Office lease (annual, minimum) | 15,000 - 50,000 |
| Visa processing (per visa) | 3,500 - 5,500 |
| Establishment card | 2,000 - 3,000 |
Golden Visa Investment Route
The golden visa programme, expanded in 2022, provides a 10-year residency for investors meeting the AED 2 million threshold. Eligible investment categories include real estate (valued at AED 2 million or above), business ownership, and deposits in approved investment funds.
Practical Considerations
Minimum capital requirements represent only one component of total setup costs. Investors should account for office lease obligations, visa processing fees, bank account opening requirements, and ongoing compliance costs including annual licence renewals, audit fees, and economic substance reporting where applicable.
Outlook
The trend toward lower minimum investment thresholds is expected to continue as emirates compete for entrepreneurial talent and micro-enterprise formation, particularly in technology and creative sectors.