Overview
The “UAE Thrive for the Best” 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.
The UAE’s Golden Visa is available in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah for international investors and top talent from around the world, providing them with visas for up to 10 years. This includes people and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge such as doctors, specialists, scientists and inventors. It is also open to talented creative and sporting individuals, and business, start-up and real estate investors in the emirate.
UAE boasts a number of high-growth areas that are creating opportunities for talented individuals to grow, achieve and succeed. These include creative industries, R&D, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and a thriving start-up ecosystem.
With its unparalleled lifestyle, rich culture and diverse population, UAE is a place to live, work and invest. A place to call home.
Visa Categories
Visa Type | Speciality |
Investor | Investors |
Entrepreneur | Entrepreneurs |
Student with Promising Scientific Ability | High School Students |
Special Talent | Doctors Scientists Creatives (Art and Culture) Innovators Executive Directors Educators (in priority fields) Sports PhD Holders Engineers |
Investor Visa
Eligibility
Each category within the Golden Visa – theprogramme has its own set of criteria for the 5-10-year visa options.
Investor
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
Investors in Abu Dhabi are eligible for a 10-year visa if they fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
- A minimum AED 2 million capital deposit in an investment fund/bank account inside Abu Dhabi.
- Established a company of AED 2 million or more in Abu Dhabi or a partner in an existing or a new company with a financial contribution of at least AED 2 million.
- Own a company that regularly pays federal government taxes of AED 250,000 per year or more.
- Be a partner in a company that pays federal taxes, with a financial contribution of at least AED 250,000 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.
Investors should provide:
- Official bank statements of the last 6 months (bank can be in the UAE or outside the country)
- Trade License
- Tax Clearance Certificate
Real Estate Investor Visa
Real estate investors are eligible for a 5-10year visa if they fulfil the below criteria:
- Invest in a property of a gross value of not less than AED 2 million.
- If the property or portfolio of properties are mortgaged, a minimum cash down payment of AED 2 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.
Real Estate Investors should provide:
- Proof of real estate worth AED 2 million or more for single/aggregate investment profile.
- Proof of Mortgage Status (Mortgaged or Released).
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are eligible for a 5-year visa if they fulfil one or more of the below criteria:
- An existing project with capital of at least AED 500,000.
- 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.
Entrepreneurs should provide:
- Proof of enterprise status (purchase of existing business worth AED 500,000 or approval from a recognised business incubator).
- Trade License
Student
High School Student
Abu Dhabi offers a 5-year visa for top-performing students with promising scientific ability.
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.
University Graduate
Abu Dhabi offers a 10-year visa for highly qualified university graduates.
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
UAE offers a 10-year visa for talented individuals in nine categories including:
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creatives (Art and Culture)
- Innovators
- Executive Directors
- Educators (in priority fields)
- Sports
- PhD Holders
- Engineers
Doctors
Eligibility requirements:
Must be licensed to practice within medical field from the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and meet specific criteria. Further information on the criteria will be communicated as it becomes available.
- The visa includes visas for spouses and children.
- The visa holder can sponsor a domestic worker, subject to relevant regulations.
Scientists
Eligibility requirements:
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.
Creatives (Art and Culture)
Eligibility Requirements:
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.
Innovators
Eligibility Requirements:
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.
Executive Directors
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience.
- Minimum salary of AED 50,000 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.
Educators (in priority fields)
Eligibility Requirements:
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.
Sports
Eligibility Requirements:
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.
PhD Holders
Eligibility Requirements:
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.
Engineers
Eligibility Requirements:
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.
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