If you are a highly qualified individual living and working in Abu Dhabi, you may soon be able to apply for a golden visa, which offers long-term residency options in the emirate.
The “Thrive in Abu Dhabi” programme promotes long-term Golden Visas and a pathway to citizenship for international talent working, creating, studying, excelling and investing in key sectors and specialties in Abu Dhabi.
Who is eligible for the ‘Thrive in Abu Dhabi’ golden visa programme?
The following categories can apply for the golden visa:
1. Investors (includes real estate)
2. Entrepreneurs
3. Student with Promising Scientific Ability (includes high school students and university graduates)
4. Special Talent
• Doctors
• Scientists
• Creatives (Art and Culture)
• Innovators
• Executive Directors
• Educators (in priority fields)
• Sports
• PhD Holders
• Engineers
Eligibility
Each category within the Golden Visa – Thrive in Abu Dhabi programme has its own set of criteria for the 5- or 10-year visa options. Here are the eligibility criteria for each category.
Investors
There are two types of golden visas available to investors:
• Investor visa - for those who invest in non-real estate projects and companies in Abu Dhabi
• Real Estate Investor visa - for those who invest in real estate in Abu Dhabi
Investor Visa
Investors in Abu Dhabi are eligible for a 10-year visa if they fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
• A minimum Dh2 million capital deposit in an investment fund/bank account inside Abu Dhabi
• Established a company of Dh2 million or more in Abu Dhabi or a partner in an existing or a new company with a financial contribution of at least Dh2 million
• Own a company that regularly pays federal government taxes of Dh250,000 per year or more
• Be a partner in a company that pays federal taxes, with a financial contribution of at least Dh250,000 in taxes per year or more
Investments must be retained for at least two years after the visa has been issued.
The Investor Visa includes visas for spouses, children, one advisor and one executive director.
The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Documents required
Applicants for the investor visa should provide:
• Official bank statements of the last six months (bank can be in the UAE or outside the country)
• Trade Licence
• Tax Clearance Certificate
Real Estate Investor Visa
Real estate investors are eligible for a five-year visa if they fulfil the below criteria:
• Invest in a property of a gross value of not less than Dh2 million
• If the property or portfolio of properties are mortgaged, a minimum cash down payment of Dh2 million of the value is required to be eligible for the visa.
• The investment must be retained for at least two years after the visa is issued.
The Real Estate Investor Visa includes visas for spouses and children.
The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Documents required
Real Estate Investors should provide:
• Proof of real estate worth Dh2 million or more for single/aggregate investment profile.
• Proof of Mortgage Status (Mortgaged or Released).
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are eligible for a five-year visa if they fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
• An existing project with capital of at least Dh500,000.
• Approval of an accredited business incubator in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
• The Entrepreneur Visa includes visas for spouses and children.
The visa holder can sponsor employees to work in the company; these visas will be valid only while employed by the company.
The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Documents required
Entrepreneurs should provide:
• Proof of enterprise status (purchase of existing business worth Dh500,000 or approval from a recognised business incubator).
• Trade Licence.
Students
For top performing high school students, with promising scientific ability, a five-year visa option is available.
Students are eligible if they fulfil the below criteria:
• Achieved high grades from a high school in Abu Dhabi.
• Have a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
The High School Student Visa includes visas for parents and dependent siblings.
For highly qualified university graduates, Abu Dhabi offers a 10-year visa. Graduates are eligible if they fulfil the below criteria:
• Must be a graduate of an accredited university in Abu Dhabi
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8
The University Graduate Visa includes visas for parents, dependent siblings, spouses and children, if the graduate has the financial means to do so and is able to provide accommodation.
Special Talent
Abu Dhabi offers a 10-year visa for talented individuals in nine categories including:
1. Doctors
2. Scientists
3. Creatives (Art and Culture)
4. Innovators
5. Executive Directors
6. Educators (in priority fields)
7. Sports
8. PhD Holders
9. Engineers
Eligibility requirements for doctors
• Must be licensed to practice as a consultant or specialist physician by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health. Licence number is required.
• Must have clear professional records, with no history of clinical investigations or allegations or having been disqualified or suspended – evidence is required.
• Must have obtained qualifications ranked in Tier 1 or licensed as a consultant and have been effective to the healthcare delivered services.
• Must have been practising as a consultant or specialist physician for more than 10 years.
• Provides healthcare in a rare specialty, with the total number of professionals practising in the same field not exceeding five per cent of the total number of licensed physicians – aligned with criteria set out by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
• Additionally, doctors must fulfil one of the following criteria and provide relevant evidence:
- Has been certified or awarded as a distinguished professional by any of the relevant government authorities.
- Is a member of the effective clinical research team.
- Has published relevant articles in an international scientific journal.
- Is an active member of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health committee or an active member of an international medical education programme.
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for scientists
Must have a recommendation from Emirates Scientists Council or be a recipient of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinguishment.
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for creative professionals (arts and culture)
Must have a recommendation from one of the specialised governmental cultural agencies in Abu Dhabi
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for innovators
Must have a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy and own a patent that adds value to the Abu Dhabi economy.
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for Executive Directors
• Must have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
• Minimum of five years of work experience
• Minimum salary of Dh50,000 per month
• Valid employment contract in Abu Dhabi
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for educators in priority fields
Must be specialised in one of the rare fields or specialties of priority for the country, and determined by the relevant authorities.
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements sportspersons
Must obtain a recommendation from the General Sports Authority or the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Must be in one the following categories:
• Outstanding sports talent
• Achieved athletic excellence
• Holds a leadership position in international sports federations, committees or organisations
• Specialised in sports medicine
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for PhD Holders
Must hold a PhD in one of the priority sectors for Abu Dhabi, accredited by the Ministry of Education.
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Eligibility requirements for engineers
Must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, accredited by the Ministry of Education, in one of the following fields, and must also work in this field in Abu Dhabi:
• Epidemiology and Virology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Genetic Engineering
• Biotechnology Engineering
The visa includes visas for spouses and children. The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Application process
According to the Abu Dhabi government’s official website, the application process is being finalised at the federal level, and will be communicated as it becomes available.
