Overview

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) recently released its entry and residency service figures for the first half of 2026.

According to the published data, Dubai issued more than five million entry permits and over one million new residence permits between January and June 2026, reflecting the emirate’s continued attractiveness to international talent, investors, business owners and long-term residents.

These figures demonstrate Dubai’s continued role as a global hub for business, investment, tourism and talent mobility.

Key Data from GDRFA Dubai

According to GDRFA Dubai, the following services were processed during the first half of 2026:

  • Entry permits issued: 5,078,078

  • New residence permits issued: 1,051,978

  • Residence permits renewed: 910,552

  • Golden Visas issued: Approximately 66,000

GDRFA Dubai also reported an overall customer satisfaction rate of 95%, with relevant services completed in approximately four minutes on average.

This figure represents an overall government service efficiency indicator and should not be interpreted as meaning that every visa application can be approved within four minutes.

GDRFA Dubai continues to advance smart transformation, innovative services and bureaucracy reduction initiatives to improve government efficiency and customer experience.

Dubai Continues to Attract International Talent and Investment

The issuance of more than one million new residence permits does not solely represent investors or entrepreneurs.

The figure covers multiple residency categories, including:

  • Employment;
  • Investment;
  • Family residency;
  • Other eligible residence categories.

Nevertheless, the overall growth in residency demand reflects continued activity in Dubai’s:

  • Employment market;
  • Business ecosystem;
  • Investment environment.

For international companies planning to enter the UAE market, Dubai’s continued population and residency growth indicates sustained demand for:

  • Global professionals;
  • Executives;
  • Business owners;
  • Their families.

This also supports the expansion of:

  • Local talent pools;
  • Consumer markets;
  • Business networks;
  • Professional service ecosystems.

Golden Visa Supports Long-Term Development Planning

During the first half of 2026, Dubai issued approximately 66,000 Golden Visas.

Golden Visa and other long-term residency options provide qualifying:

  • Investors;
  • Entrepreneurs;
  • Professionals;
  • Other eligible applicants;

with greater stability when planning their long-term presence in the UAE.

For businesses, long-term residency planning is not limited to individual visa applications.

It should also be considered alongside:

  • Shareholder and management arrangements;
  • Workforce planning;
  • Dependent residency requirements;
  • Long-term operational strategies.

Companies establishing a presence in the UAE may therefore benefit from considering:

  • Company formation;
  • Business licensing;
  • Employment visas;
  • Management residency arrangements;

as part of an integrated market-entry plan.

Digital Government Services Continue Improving the Business Environment

In addition to residency and entry permit volumes, the latest figures demonstrate Dubai’s continued focus on:

  • Digital government services;
  • Smart transformation;
  • Reduction of administrative procedures.

For businesses and investors, efficient and accessible government services can help reduce the time required for:

  • Visa procedures;
  • Residency management;
  • Employee arrangements.

This makes it easier for companies to:

  • Establish operations;
  • Manage workforce requirements;
  • Maintain long-term activities in the UAE.

How CA Supports Businesses and Investors Entering the UAE Market

For companies, investors and professionals planning to:

  • Establish a business;
  • Conduct operations;
  • Arrange long-term residency;

Corridors Advisory (CA) can assist in assessing suitable market-entry and residency solutions based on:

  • Business model;
  • Corporate structure;
  • Staffing requirements;
  • Long-term objectives.

CA Support Services Include:

  • UAE company formation, corporate structuring and business licensing advisory;

  • Shareholder, director, management and staffing arrangements;

  • Employment Visa, Investor Visa, Dependent Visa and Golden Visa application support;

  • Corporate bank account opening support and bank coordination;

  • Company licence renewal, visa renewal and ongoing compliance support.

CA Observation

As Dubai’s population, business activities and international talent base continue to grow, companies may benefit from planning their:

  • Corporate structure;
  • Business licensing;
  • Residency arrangements;
  • Banking arrangements;

before entering the market.

Early planning can help reduce future adjustment costs and establish a more stable foundation for long-term development in the UAE.