In recent decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a global center for business, trade and tourism. In addition to a strategically favorable location and a booming business environment, the UAE offers entrepreneurs from all over the world attractive opportunities for setting up a business. Particularly attractive is the so-called "lifetime visa", which can be granted in connection with the establishment of a company in the UAE. In this article, we take a comprehensive look at what this lifetime visa is all about, how it can be obtained and what advantages it offers for entrepreneurs, investors and business people.

What is the lifelong visa in the UAE?

The lifelong visa in the UAE is a form of residence visa that allows almost unlimited residency for foreign nationals. Traditionally, the UAE did not offer permanent residency to foreign nationals, as the country relied heavily on a system of temporary work and residence visas. In recent years, however, this has changed as the government has accelerated the transition from a heavily oil-dependent economy to a diversified knowledge and service economy.

As part of this strategy, the lifetime visa was introduced, which allows entrepreneurs and investors to live and work in the UAE without constant extensions. This visa category is often offered in connection with investments in companies, real estate or special sectors such as technology, research and development.

Requirements for the lifetime visa when founding a company

Obtaining a lifetime visa is closely linked to setting up a company in the UAE. There are several ways in which entrepreneurs or investors can benefit from this visa:

1. Investor visasThis visa is for people who are starting a business or making significant investments in the UAE. The capital invested in the business is assessed and there is a minimum investment requirement. For the investor visa, entrepreneurs must invest a minimum of AED 10 million (approx. EUR 2.5 million) in a company or project in the UAE.
2. Golden Visa (Golden Visa)The so-called "Golden Visa" was introduced in 2019 and offers a long-term residence permit of up to 10 years, which can be extended if certain conditions are met. It should be emphasized that this visa is not only for investors, but also for highly qualified professionals in fields such as science, technology and medicine, as well as for outstanding students and researchers. Companies involved in the fields of technology, science and innovation qualify for this visa and this can lead to lifetime residency if they establish themselves as long-term investors.
3. Foundation in the free trade zonesEstablishing a business in a free zone in the UAE is another important way to obtain a visa. Free zones offer numerous benefits, such as 1001TP3 business ownership rights for foreigners, tax-free business activities and full repatriation of profits. Entrepreneurs operating here have the opportunity to obtain a long-term visa, which is sometimes considered "lifelong" as it can be renewed regularly without major obstacles.

Advantages of the lifelong visa in the UAE

The lifelong visa offers a number of advantages that make it particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and investors:

1. Stable livelihoodThe lifetime visa allows the holder to live and work in the UAE permanently without having to worry about constantly renewing residence permits. This creates a stable basis for planning and implementing long-term business strategies.
2. Free access to the marketThe UAE offers one of the most developed and accessible economies in the entire Gulf region. With a lifetime visa, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to operate in the UAE without restrictions, trade and benefit from the extensive trade agreements and investment opportunities.
3. Family friendlinessThe UAE is known for its high quality of life, modern infrastructure and security. A lifetime visa allows entrepreneurs to bring their families and provide them with access to quality education and healthcare. Family members of the visa holder also have the opportunity to live and work in the country.
4. Tax advantagesThe UAE is known for its very favorable tax environment. There is no personal income tax, and corporate taxes are also minimal or non-existent in many cases, especially in the free zones. This means that entrepreneurs operating in the UAE can benefit from significant tax breaks, boosting their income and profits considerably.
5. Access to international marketsThe UAE's strategic location offers companies the advantage of easy access to international markets. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major transportation hubs and companies can easily do business in Europe, Asia and Africa from here.

The process of applying for a lifelong visa

Applying for a lifetime visa in the UAE involves several steps that must be carried out thoroughly and accurately. The process begins with setting up a business or investing in a project in the UAE. Here it is particularly important to work with a local sponsor or a specialized company such as Setupco to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the company formation process runs smoothly.

Once the company has been founded and the necessary investment has been made, the visa application is submitted to the relevant authorities. They check the applications for viability and long-term economic prospects of the company. Once approved, the lifetime visa is issued, allowing the entrepreneur and their close family members to live permanently in the UAE.

Why a lifetime visa to the UAE is a worthwhile option

For many entrepreneurs and investors, a lifetime visa to the UAE is an extremely attractive option. Not only does it provide access to one of the world's most dynamic business centers, it also offers a high degree of security and stability for the future. With the lifetime visa, entrepreneurs can run their businesses freely and long-term without having to worry about bureaucracy or constant visa renewals. Combined with the economic benefits, tax attractiveness and excellent quality of life, the UAE makes the lifetime visa one of the best options for foreign investors.

In summary, the UAE Lifetime Visa offers a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the region and achieve long-term success. With the right planning and a strategic approach, this visa can pave the way to sustainable business success and personal quality of life in one of the world's most emerging markets.