How to Get an Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

To get an Abu Dhabi Golden Visa, confirm your eligibility (e.g., investors with AED 2M, professionals with AED 30,000+ salary, or students with a 3.8 GPA), gather documents (passport, degree, bank statements), apply via the TAMM portal or ICP, complete a medical test, and receive your Emirates ID. The process takes 30–60 days and costs AED 2,000–5,000, depending on the category.

Ready to spend as long as 10 years living, working, or studying in Abu Dhabi without a sponsor? Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is the access pass you have been waiting for to secure long-term residency in the UAE’s dynamic capital. Whether financier, businessman, professional, or student, your residency visa provides flexibility second to none, from family sponsorship to business ownership. I’ve dabbled in the process personally, and it seems smooth but intensive, so I’m giving you all the info you need to know right here so you too can get in on the action. This guide goes through the nitty-gritty of eligibility, how to apply, Golden Visa Abu Dhabi requirements, costs, and perks. Let’s dive in!

What is the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is a long-term visa platform between five and ten years covering all members of the community, including investors, entrepreneurs, high specialised individuals, students, athletes, and authors. Unlike typical UAE residency visas, it doesn’t need a sponsor, which will free you up to live, work, or study in the UAE. Introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), the programme seeks to attract global professionals to Abu Dhabi, where they can take advantage of its flourishing economy, business-friendly environment, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Listed as No. 1 in the Global Entrepreneurship Index 2022, Abu Dhabi is an innovation centre in areas such as AI, big data roles, and healthcare.

Who is Eligible for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

Curious to know if you’re eligible for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa? The initiative is aiming at different profiles with restrictions on eligibility in each case. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Investors:

• Public Investment: Deposit AED 2M in a UAE investment fund, or own a company that contributes to the economy by paying AED 250,000 annually to the government.
• Real Estate Investors: Possess properties worth AED 2M (unencumbered by a loan), confirmed by the Real Estate Registration Department.

2. Entrepreneurs:

• Own a project worth at least AED 500,000 approved by a UAE-based auditor or a business incubator such as HUB71 in Abu Dhabi.
• Project must be technical or forward-looking ( AI, biotech, etc.)

3. Skilled Professionals:

• Physicians and Scientists: Approval needed from the Ministry of Health or the Emirates Council of Scientists. Researchers have an FWCI (Field Weighted Citation Index) of 1.0+ or a Scopus H-index of 20+.
• Engineers: Possess qualifications in the likes of computer engineering/electronics/software engineering, having a valid work contract.
• Executive Directors: With a minimum of 5 years’ experience, the monthly salary would be AED 50,000 +.

4. Golden Visa for Healthcare Professionals in Abu Dhabi:

• Must have a valid DHCC License and 5 + years of experience in the UAE (if applying for technicians/assistants).

5. Creatives and Athletes:

• Creative Visa: Accreditation at the Department of Culture and Art for the artist or a person engaged in creative intellectual activity.
• Athlete Visa: An approval granted by the General Sports Authority as recognition for exceptional performance.

6. Students:

• Secondary School: Minimum 95% where recommended by the Department of Education.
• University: A B class UAE university, a top 100 global university, which is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, with a GPA of 3.8 and above.

7. Humanitarian Pioneers and Frontline Heroes:

• 5+ years with international organizations or experience that demonstrates recognition for humanitarian work (e.g., COVID-19 responses).

In looking into the Golden Visa Abu Dhabi requirements, it was interesting to see how inclusive it was, from real estate investors to students starting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pathways.

How to Apply for an Abu Dhabi Golden Visa

Ready to apply for your Abu Dhabi Golden Visa? The process of applying is not that difficult if you are prepared. Here’s what it’s like and how to do it, from my experience getting around the TAMM portal:

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Make sure you’re eligible in your category (2M investment, 30,000 AED for professionals or 3.8 GPA for students).

Step 2: Gather Documents:

• Copy of a valid Passport (Minimum 6 months).
• You will need your health insurance card (expiry date: minimum of 1 year).
• Degree certificate or equivalent certificate with the seal of the Ministry of Education.
• Bank statement or investment receipt (e.g., AED 2M for real estate visa).
• Letters of approval (e.g., approval from the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, or HUB71).

Step 3: Submit Nomination:

• Log in the TAMM portal or ICP website (icp. gov.ae) for most categories.
• Abu Dhabi Entrepreneurs apply through HUB71, and creatives may require the Department of Culture and Arts’ approval.

Step 4: Full Medical Examination:

If successful at the nomination stage, cancel a visa if you have one, and do a medical examination at a nominated centre.

Step 5: Get Emirates ID:

Upon approval (30-60 days), apply for your Emirates ID card to finalize residency.

PRO services made my documentation process (specifically business setup in UAE) very easy, as they make the attestation and submission process very easy by doing it in person! For the latest status of your visa nomination, visit the ICP UAE Smart app.

Benefits of the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa

The Golden Visa Abu Dhabi advantages so far make it a game-changer for the residents. Here’s why it’s worth pursuing:

• Long-Term Residence: Benefit from a renewable 10-year visa (or 5 years in some cases) without the need for sponsorship.
• No sponsor required: You can change jobs or start up a company without having to find an employer, which is required for the UAE’s standard residency visa.
• Sponsored Family: Bring in your wife, children (30 is the age cut-off for sons, with no limit for daughters), and domestic workers in an unlimited number.
• Long-Term Overseas Stay: You can reside outside the UAE for more than 6 months while maintaining your status.
• Ownership: Ownership of 100% of the business is offered, most suitable for Dubai or Abu Dhabi incorporation.
• Real Estate Investment Options: The Golden Visa for real estate investment gives you the ability to invest in a booming Abu Dhabi economy with tax benefits.

One of my friends got the Golden Visa for entrepreneurs; he said it gave him the freedom to start building the technology business he has been planning for years in HUB71 without the concern of having to renew his visa.

Costs and Fees for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa

Although precise Golden Visa Abu Dhabi costs differ by category, the following is just a rough breakdown based on official sources and community posts (such as Golden Visa Abu Dhabi Reddit threads):

• Application Fees: AED 2,000-5,000, which includes Nomination and processing fees; plus, AED 30 Issuance Fees for the prepaid card.
• Medical Test: AED 700–1,000 / person.
• Health insurance: Compulsory, AED1,000-5,000 per year per person depending on age and plan (eg, Daman insurance has family-specific plans).
• Emirates ID: Dhs500-Dhs1,000 for issuance.
• Extra Charges: Attestation fees (AED 100–500 per document) and PRO services (AED 1,000–3,000) for premium application.

Total costs vary but are usually between AED 5k-15k, which is about the same as renewing a 2-year visa 2 or 3 times. The AED 2M investment in real estate is the largest financial outlay for property investors, but it’s an investment for the future in Abu Dhabi’s high-quality infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi Golden Visa vs. Dubai Golden Visa

Interested in Abu Dhabi Golden Visa vs Dubai Golden Visa? Both provide long-term residency, but here’s the difference:

• Threshold of Investment: Abu Dhabi needs AED 2M for a visa on real estate, and Dubai gives at least AED 1M for some properties.
• Categories: Abu Dhabi includes healthcare workers, scientists, and creatives, while Dubai is themed around business setup in Dubai and celebrities.
• Applications for Abu Dhabi via TAMM or ICP are more efficient, while Dubai uses GDRFA platforms.
• Lifestyle: Abu Dhabi is a more child-friendly and quieter option, while Dubai draws in people who want the high-rise cosmopolitan life.

For business setup consultants Dubai side might make more sense with the Dubai Golden Visa, but the tax benefits in Abu Dhabi, combined with an inclusive creative community, is the place to be for the diverse ones.

FAQs About the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa

Here are answers to common questions:

Q1: What documents are required for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

You need a valid passport, health insurance, attested degrees, bank statements, and category-specific approvals (e.g., the Ministry of Health for a health specialist visa).

Q2: How long does the Golden Visa application take?

The process takes 30–60 days, including Nomination, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance.

Q3: What are the common reasons for Golden Visa rejection?

Rejections often stem from incomplete documents, outdated salary certificates, or unmet criteria (e.g., AED 30,000 salary not reflected in bank statements).

Q4: Can I sponsor my family with the Golden Visa?

Yes, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic workers, with no age limit for daughters.

Q5: What is the Golden Visa for healthcare workers in Abu Dhabi?

It’s a 10-year visa for professionals with an Abu Dhabi Department of Health license and 5+ years of UAE experience.

Conclusion

The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is a golden door to live, work, and thrive in the capital of the UAE. If you’re an investor or entrepreneur, or if you’re a student who’s looking for guaranteed residency with family sponsorship benefits for 10 years, no sponsor required! Simply review your eligibility on the TAMM portal or ICP website, prepare your documents, and apply now! In Abu Dhabi, you’ll not only get an enriching academic experience, but also experience living in a city with a bustling business district and economy. Ready to unlock your future? Visit icp or tamm. Abu Dhabi to initiate your visa nomination!