Last Updated: August 9, 2022
There is this project launched by the Abu Dhabi government called “Thrive in Abu Dhabi.” Its goal is to attract more investors and business people to the emirate. Through “Golden Visas,” this initiative encourages long-term residence. International investors from across the globe are welcome to live, establish, and operate their own company in Abu Dhabi for a period of more than ten years.
With the additional advantages of more lenient ownership laws, lucrative incentives, and cost reductions recently implemented on the mainland and complete ownership in the Freezones, Abu Dhabi is fostering an environment that supports the success and growth of high-net-worth investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
This article will take you through the process of getting a golden visa in Abu Dhabi. Read on to find out more about the details of the process.
What Is The Golden Visa In Abu Dhabi?
Much like the investor visa in Dubai, the partner or investor visa in Abu Dhabi is available to anyone who is starting their own business or has invested in an existing firm in the free zones or mainland of Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi investor visa is valid for 5 – 10 years, which offers more time limits than a work visa. The holder of this visa is permitted to work, reside, and sponsor members of their family in the UAE. Real estate investors are now eligible for 5-year visas, while general investors can apply for 10-year visas.
These long-term visas will give Abu Dhabi’s property owners and investors a stronger sense of permanence, which could lead to increased investment.
To qualify for the 5-year or 10-year golden investor visa in Abu Dhabi, property owners and investors must fulfill a number of requirements. The criteria are discussed ahead in this guide.
Required Documents to Apply for Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
Investors who wish to apply for either a 5-year or 10-year Gold Visa in Abu Dhabi must give the following paperwork:
- Passport copy
- Copy of existing UAE resident visa and an Emirates ID
- Passport picture
Investors are needed to submit the following other documentation based on the assets they own and the type of visa they are applying for:
- Bank statements as evidence of worth and deposits in the UAE
- Evidence of investment
- Property valuation certificate from the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities
You may need to submit additional confirmation documents attesting to the absence of a mortgage or loan on the investment or property.
Categories for Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
| Visa Type | Specialty |
| Special Talent | Doctors
Engineers Sports Scientists Educators (In priority fields) Executive Directors Innovators Ph.D. Holders Creatives (Culture and Art) |
| Investors | Real Estate Investors
General Investors |
| Student with Remarkable Scientific Ability | University Graduates
High School Students |
| Entrepreneur | Entrepreneurs of different fields |
Eligibility for Getting Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
Following are the eligibility criteria for each category in order to obtain a golden visa in Abu Dhabi:
Special Talent
There are nine categories of visas available to talented people in Abu Dhabi, which are:
- Doctors
- Engineers
- Sports
- Scientists
- Educators (In priority fields)
- Executive Directors
- Innovators
- Ph.D. Holders
- Creatives (Culture and Art)
1. Eligibility Requirements for Doctors
The person should be licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to practice within the medical field and meet specific criteria.
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
2. Eligibility Requirements for Engineers
You must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the fields listed below accredited by the Ministry of Education. Plus, you must work in that field in Abu Dhabi:
- Biotechnology Engineering
- Epidemiology and Virology
- Big Data
- Electrical Engineering
- Genetic Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Sports
The applicant must get a recommendation from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council or the General Sports Authority. Furthermore, he/she must be in one of the categories listed below:
- Specialized in sports medicine
- Impressive sports talent
- Owns a leadership post in international sports organizations, federations, or committees
- Achieved athletic excellence
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
4. Eligibility Requirements for Scientists
The applicant must be a recipient of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinguishment or be recommended by Emirates Scientists Council.
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
5. Eligibility Requirements for Educators (In priority fields)
The applicant must have specialties of priority for the country, or be specialized in one of the rare fields and determined by the associated authorities
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
6. Eligibility Requirements for Executive Directors
The applicant must have
- Valid employment contract in Abu Dhabi
- a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum salary of AED 50,000 a month
- Minimum work experience of 5 years
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
7. Eligibility Requirements for Innovators
The applicant must own a patent that gives value to the Abu Dhabi economy and has a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
8. Eligibility Requirements for Ph.D. Holders
The applicant must hold a Ph.D., accredited by the Ministry of Education, in a priority sector for Abu Dhabi.
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
9. Eligibility Requirements for Creatives (Culture and Art)
The applicant must have a recommendation from a specialized governmental cultural agency in Abu Dhabi.
As long as the relevant regulations are followed, a visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker. The visa includes visas for children and spouses.
Investors
Investors can apply for two types of golden visas. These visas are:
- General investor visa
- Real estate investor visa
General Investor Visa
The general investor visa is for people who invest in Abu Dhabi projects and businesses other than real estate. Investors in Abu Dhabi who meet one or more of the following requirements are eligible for a 10-year golden visa:
- Founded a business in Abu Dhabi worth at least AED 2 million, or became a partner in an existing or new business with a minimum of AED 2 million financial investment.
- Invest at least AED 250,000 or more in taxes as a partner in a business that pays federal taxes annually.
- Own a business that consistently pays federal taxes of AED 250,000 or more annually.
- A capital deposit of no less than AED 2 million in an Abu Dhabi-based bank account or investment fund.
After the visa has been granted, investments must be kept for at least two more years. Visas for one executive director, one advisor, wives, and kids are also included in the Investor visa. The holder of the visa may sponsor a domestic worker as long as the requirements are met.
Investors should provide the following documents:
- Tax clearance certificate
- The last six months’ bank statements (the bank can be outside the country or in the UAE)
- Trade license
Real Estate Investor Visa
This golden visa is available to Abu Dhabi real estate investors only. If real estate investors meet the requirements listed below, they are qualified for a 5-year visa:
- Invest in a property with a minimum gross value of AED 2 million.
- If the property or portfolio of properties is mortgaged, the minimum cash down payment of AED 2 million of their value must be made to qualify for the visa.
After the visa has been granted, investments must be kept for at least two more years. Visas for wives and kids are also included in the Investor visa. The holder of the visa may sponsor a domestic worker as long as the requirements are met.
Real estate investors need to provide the following for getting the visa:
- Proof of Mortgage Status (Released or mortgaged).
- Proof of real estate valued at AED 2 million or above for single or aggregate investment profile.
Student
There are two categories of students that can obtain a golden visa in Abu Dhabi:
- High School Students
- University Students
High School Students
Abu Dhabi offers 5-year visas to best-performing students with excellent scientific aptitudes. A student is qualified for the visa if they fulfill the following conditions:
- Graduated with honors from an Abu Dhabi high school.
- Received recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
The dependent siblings and parents are also covered by the high school student visa.
University Students
Abu Dhabi offers highly qualified university graduates a 10-year visa as well. Graduates who fulfill the following criteria may apply for the visa:
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.8.
- Must have earned a degree from an accredited Abu Dhabi university.
The university graduation visa also includes visas for parents, dependent siblings, spouses, and children if the graduate has the financial means and is able to provide residence.
Entrepreneurs
An entrepreneur may be given a 5-year visa if they satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
- An existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000
- A reputable business incubator in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has been given approval.
The Entrepreneur Visa also includes visas for partners and children. Employees may be sponsored by the visa holder to work for the company; however, these visas are only valid while the employees are employed by the company. If the conditions are satisfied, the bearer of the visa may sponsor a domestic worker.
The required documentation is:
- Proof of a company’s legitimacy (approval from a recognized business incubator or purchase of existing business worth AED 500,000)
- Trade Permit.
The applicant must have the ability and willingness to migrate to mainland Abu Dhabi and establish a business there. Furthermore, he/she must have a thorough understanding and planning for the current business endeavor along with the availability of the necessary supporting documents.
Application Process for Getting a Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, investors can apply for long-term Golden Visas in two ways:
1. E-Channel System
The first way is to apply for a visa directly through the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) e-channel system in Abu Dhabi:
- Set up and get the pre-approval for the Golden Visa application
- Start the e-Channel portal service from the ‘Visit Visa for Investors’ section
- Select the required Golden Visa
- Upload the demanded documents and fill out the application forms
- Wait for the approval
- Upon approval, transfer of Visa onto the Golden Visa or undertake the standard New Visa process
2. ICA Smart Services
The second method to apply for Abu Dhabi golden visa is using ICA Smart Services. The ICA Smart Services website is where applicants can begin the procedure for the long-term property investor or general investor golden visa in Abu Dhabi:
- On the website, go to the Golden Services section
- Select the service for ‘Multiple Entry Golden Visa’
- Complete the application form and upload the required documentation
Similarly, you can visit a typing center in Abu Dhabi to receive assistance with your golden visa application process.
The cost of the Abh Dhabi golden visa application process varies from case to case. So, it is not possible to give a definitive quote. For a descriptive cost breakdown of the application, you can get in touch with a reputative business consultant in the UAE such as RIZ & MONA. They can also assist you with setting up a business in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Abu Dhabi a Desirable Location for Investing, Living, and Working?
Abu Dhabi is a desirable location for investing, living, and working because of its rich culture, unmatched lifestyle, and diversified people.
How to Get a Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, there are two methods to obtain a golden investor visa. For a 10-year golden visa, you can either invest at least AED 2 million in a public company. Another method is to invest in Abu Dhabi real estate sector to obtain a 5-year visa. Both types of visas provide multiple entries and departures.
What is the Additional Documentation Needed for a Real Estate Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi Apart from a Picture and Passport?
The additional paperwork needed is as follows:
- Bank certification is used as deposit proof
- Original Emirates ID
- Proof of investment (company establishment contract, title deed for the property)
- A certificate from the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities explaining the property’s valuation.
Can Dependents be Sponsored on a Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, Abu Dhabi residents with golden investor visas may sponsor their parents and dependent children during the visa application. The applicants are also qualified to apply for domestic worker visas, but there are some restrictions.
Get Your Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi with RIZ & MONA
Considering that the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is a very attractive policy that grants citizens a kind of residence permit in the emirate. More expatriates could invest in Abu Dhabi thanks to this plan, which would be extremely beneficial for both the country and the investor.
Our golden visa specialists at RIZ & MONA CONSULTANCY will work with you to obtain your golden visa for Abu Dhabi in a very small period of time. We can make the visa process hassle-free because of our involvement and experience in this area for more than 15 years. You can contact us to book a free appointment.
