In the UAE, the prestigious Golden Visa UAE program offers long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and skilled professionals. But what happens if your business closes and you cancel trade license UAE—can you still apply for golden visa UAE? This guide unpacks the golden visa after company closure UAE scenario, covering golden visa eligibility UAE, golden visa requirements UAE 2025, and what you need to know to pursue residency even after business closure.
The Golden Visa UAE is a long-term, renewable residency (5 or 10 years) that grants independence from local sponsors and allows individuals to sponsor family members. Established under Cabinet Decision Resolution (56) of 2018, it’s designed to attract global talent and investment.
Categories include:
Investors: AED 2?million+ in public investment or businesses
Real estate investors: AED 2?million+ in property
Entrepreneurs: Projects AED?500,000+ with UAE incubator approval
Specialized talents, students, and more
To apply for golden visa UAE, applicants must meet specific golden visa requirements UAE 2025, such as minimum investment, project value, or outstanding academic/talent credentials.
When you cancel trade license UAE, you must also cancel residency visas issued under that license. The GDRFA and ICP require you to submit the original trade license cancellation certificate before processing visa cancellation. After the residency visa is cancelled, you receive a grace period to either exit the UAE or switch visa status.
Dubai generally grants a 60-day grace period after the cancellation of a residence permit. This aligns with the UAE golden visa grace period 2025, offering time to apply for golden visa UAE if you qualify under a relevant category.
1. Investor category: Maintain AED?2?million in public investment or business
2. Real estate investor: Hold AED?2?million+ in property
3. Entrepreneur: Own a qualifying project
4. Maintain eligibility under talent, student, or specialist categories.
Soft requirements, such as entrepreneurship or talent-based eligibility, allow entrepreneurs to still pursue a golden visa in the UAE even after a business closure.
1. AED?2?million investment (real estate or fund), certificate from Tax Authority
2. For entrepreneurs: AED?500,000 project with approval from UAE incubator/auditor
3. For investors: Trade license and financial statements
Applying After License Cancellation
1. To apply for the golden visa UAE post-license cancellation:
2. Cancel the trade license and residency visa
3. Maintain eligibility through investment, real estate, talent, or innovation.
4. Use the grace period to submit a new Golden Visa application in the UAE via the ICP portal.
Government platforms specify the steps to apply for a golden visa in the UAE, whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or specialist.
Benefits & Considerations
Long-term security: 5–10 year residency without needing a local sponsor
Family support: Eligible to sponsor spouse, children, parents
Flexibility: Switch categories (e.g., from entrepreneur to investor) post-closure
Ease of travel: Golden visa holders can stay outside the UAE for extended periods
The Golden Visa UAE remains accessible even after you cancel trade license UAE, provided you meet golden visa eligibility UAE and maintain investment, business, or professional criteria. The UAE golden visa grace period 2025 offers a vital window to transition smoothly into another category and apply for golden visa UAE within the regulatory timeframe.
Considering your options post-business closure? AMCA is here to guide you through every step. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, talent, or property owner, our experienced team helps you assess golden visa requirements UAE 2025, collect documentation, and submit a winning golden visa application UAE—even after you cancel trade license UAE.
Contact AMCA today to explore your pathway: resume residency, secure your family's future, and thrive in the UAE with confidence.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for a golden visa after trade license cancellation?
Yes. As long as you fulfil the golden visa eligibility UAE (investment, project, talent), you can apply within the grace period.
2. What happens to the golden visa after business closure UAE?
It remains valid as long as the renewal criteria are met. Otherwise, you may transition to another category or wind down once validity ends.
3. UAE visa after license cancellation
Cancelling the license cancels the residency visa; you must then exit or transition. The Golden visa is a prime option.
07 Jul 2025