Golden Visa BROCHURE

Golden Visa

Overview for

government entities

A place everyone loves to call home

1. Thrive in Abu Dhabi

2. How your entity can support the programme

3. How this programme benefits you

4. About the Golden Visa

5. Golden Visa categories and criteria

6. FAQs

Thrive in Abu Dhabi

• Ranked as the most liveable and

the happiest city in the Middle East.

• With a culture of openness, inclusion and

tolerance, Abu Dhabi is one of the most

diverse global destinations with 2.2m

expatriates from over 200 nationalities.

• In just 50-years,

a progressive city

has emerged from

the desert built

upon a foundation

of innovation and

diversity.

• Through incredible collaborative efforts, Abu Dhabi has established high-impact

sectors where talent from overseas can thrive, including AgTech, FinTech,

Ecotourism and Financial Services.

• From education, talent, business to scientific research and sustainability, the

emirate’s vision for an inclusive society ensures that everyone can help shape

the future of the emirate.

About the Golden Visa

A place for talented

individuals to grow,

achieve and succeed.

The UAE offers long-term residence visa

options, enabling foreign nationals to live,

work and study in Abu Dhabi without the

need of a national sponsor and with 100

percent ownership of their business on the

UAE’s mainland.

The Golden Visa is

available for up to

10 years for certain

categories, subject

to conditions.

This includes people and researchers

in the fields of science and knowledge

such as doctors, specialists, scientists

and investors.

It is also open to talented, creative and

sporting individuals, as well as

business, start up and real estate

investors in the emirate.

The wide range of visa options are

available to all those who are working,

creating, studying, excelling and

investing in the emirate’s key sectors.

How you can support the programme

How you can support the programme

Your entity can support the programme by raising

awareness about the Golden Visa and its benefits.

Consider:

The Golden Visa is the

perfect avenue for expats

to consider Abu Dhabi as

their home.

The Golden Visa comes

with fresh opportunities

for those who are

eligible.

It is a substantial step

towards making talented

expats a part of the UAE’s

social and economic

fabric.

How this programme benefits you

How this can

benefit you

The new initiative and the

Golden Visa aim to retain

talent and attract talent to

invest in Abu Dhabi's

long-term development

and add value to the

emirate's economy.

Golden Visa categories and criteria

Golden Visa categories:

Investor Visa

• Real estate investors

• Non-real estate investors

Entrepreneur Visa

• Entrepreneurs

Outstanding Student Visa

• High school students

• University graduates

Special Talent Visa

• Doctors

• Inventors

• Scientists

• Creative intellectuals and artists

• Executive directors

• Specialists in priority educational areas

• Specialists in the field of early childhood

and child development education

• Sportsmen

• PhD holders

• Specialists in engineering and science

Investor Visa

Investor Visa

Non-Real Estate Investor

Duration: 10 years

The Investor Golden Visa is ideal for investors in non-real

estate projects and companies in Abu Dhabi.

Eligibility:

• Must have one of the following: a deposit or a business or a company or a

share in a company or a business with a minimum investment of AED 2

million

• Must maintain the investment for at least 2 years after the Golden Visa has

been issued

• Must provide evidence of paying taxes

Coverage:

• Spouses, children, one advisor and one executive director

Application material:

• Proof of deposit:

• A bank account statement from a bank or an investment fund licensed in the UAE, proving the deposit of

at least AED 2 million. The investor must undertake to serve a notice in the event of cashing the deposit

• A letter of guarantee or a letter of continuity from a bank or an investment fund licensed in the UAE,

guaranteeing that the deposit will continue for 2 years

• Proof of establishment of company or proof of partnership:

• A valid copy of the company’s trade licence, proving the incorporation of the company or proving the

investor’s share in the company, established in Abu Dhabi

• A letter from a bank or an investment fund licensed to operate in the UAE, proving that the investor’s

capital in the company or partnership is deposited in an amount no less than AED 2 million

• For companies whose capital has not been updated in the Memorandum of Association:

• A certificate of the company value must be issued by an auditor that is accredited by the Abu Dhabi

Department of Economic Development (ADDED), serving as proof that the minimum value of the

investor’s share in the company is at least AED 2 million

• For the tax payment proof:

• A proof of tax payment for the minimum amount of AED 250,000 per year for 2 years prior to the

application. For example, if the investor owns 25% of shares in a company which pays annual taxes

amounting to AED 1 million, then the investor needs to provide proof of paying AED 250,000 per year in

order to qualify for the visa

• Regarding Investors in Companies:

• A copy of the commercial registration of the establishment or a company, proving that there is no legal

case against the company or against the share of the investor

• A written acknowledgement by the investor stating that the investor will maintain AED 2 million for at

least 2 years after the issuing of the Golden Visa. This acknowledgement applies to all investors or taxpayers

OR

• In the event that the investor fails to maintain the investment, the investor must provide proof of

transferring the residence to another visa category, subject to requirements

Investor Visa

Real Estate Investor

Duration: 5 years

The Investor Golden Visa is ideal for investors in real

estate projects and in Abu Dhabi.

Eligibility:

• Must fully own a property of a minimal value of AED 2 million

without a mortgage

• Must maintain the investment for at least 2 years after the

issuing of the Golden Visa


• A real estate unit value certificates issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) or

any other competent body in charge of real estate registration in the country OR a copy of purchase

agreements, registered with DMT or any other body in charge of real estate in the UAE OR certificate

issued by DMT or any other body in charge of real estate in the UAE with details of the landlord and the

assessed value of the property at the time of purchase, proving it is no less than AED 2 million

OR

• A certificate of an initial registration of the sale and purchase agreement of an off-plan real estate unit

issued by DMT or any other competent authority of real estate registration in the UAE, and submission

of a bank statement from a bank operating in the UAE or evidence that the value of the real estate has

been paid or a cheque cashed to prove payment of the value of the off-plan real estate unit is at least

AED 2 million. For property with a mortgage, the value has to be greater than AED 2 million AND

• Search certificates or any other certificates issued by DMT or any other competent entity in charge of

real estate registration in the UAE, proving that the property is worth at least AED 2 million and is not

subject to any mortgage or seizure AND

• A written acknowledgement by the real estate investor stating that the investor will retain the property

for at least 2 years after the issuing of the Golden Visa

Coverage:

• Spouses, children, one advisor and one executive director

Additional notes for investors:

• Mortgage is allowed on any amount that is over AED 2

million if the property value exceeds it

Additional notes for investors:

• If the property is under mortgage, its value has to be greater than AED 2 million in order for the investor

to qualify for the Golden Visa. For instance, for property worth AED 5 million, the outstanding mortgage

principal cannot exceed AED 3 million

• In the event that the investor sells the property, the investor must provide proof of purchase of another

property within six months from the sale

OR

• In the event that the investor sells the property, the investor must provide proof of transferring the

residence to another visa category, subject to requirements

Entrepreneur Visa

Entrepreneur

Duration: 5 years

Entrepreneur Golden Visa is for entrepreneurs

looking to set up a business in Abu Dhabi.

Eligibility:

• Have a successful project in the UAE of a value of at least AED

500,000

• The project must be in one of the following economic sectors:

Coverage:

• Information and telecommunications technology

• Financial services

• Health, medical and pharmaceutical industries

• Tourism

• Agriculture and manufacturing of food and agriculture products

• Aviation and defence

• Petrochemicals

• Industry

• Education

• Spouses, children and entrepreneur’s executive directors (up to 3)


• A business practice certificate from a competent authority

approved in the UAE

• A recommendation letter issued by a UAE-based business

incubator that is approved by the Abu Dhabi Department of

Economic Development (ADDED), proving the following:

• The project is in one of the approved sectors

• The project is of a leading, technological and futuristic

nature

• The project value is of a value of at least AED 500,000

Notes for entrepreneurs:

• The competent authority for entrepreneurs is the Abu Dhabi

Department of Economic Development (ADDED) or any

business incubator accredited in the UAE

• If the entrepreneur’s project is not in any of the indicated

sectors, the entrepreneur may obtain an approval by a

business incubator accredited by the Abu Dhabi Department of

Economic Development (ADDED)



High School Students

Duration: 5 years

The High School Student Golden Visa is for students with promising scientific ability.

Eligibility:

• Be one of the leading students in a UAE-based high

school

Coverage:

• Parents and dependent siblings

• Have a recommendation by the Abu Dhabi Department of

Education and Knowledge


• A certificate of graduation from a high school in the UAE

AND

• For students from private high schools: A recommendation

from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and

Knowledge

• For students from public high schools: A recommendation

from the UAE Ministry of Education


University Graduates

Duration: 10 years

The University Graduate Golden Visa is for students with top academic achievements.

Eligibility:

• Graduate from an accredited university in the UAE with at

least a Bachelor degree

Coverage:

• Parents and dependent siblings

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8 (on a 4.0 scale) or an

equivalent alternative


• A university degree issued by one of the accredited

universities in the UAE, attested by the Ministry of Education

• A recommendation from the UAE Ministry of Education

Special Talent Visa

Special Talent Visa

Doctors

Duration: 10 years

The Doctor Golden Visa is for healthcare professionals licensed to practice in Abu Dhabi.

Eligibility:

• Have a licence to practice medicine in the emirate or the country

Coverage:

• Spouses and children


• A licence to practice medicine in the emirate or the country

Special Talent Visa

Specialists in engineering and science

Duration: 10 years

For those advancing the world's knowledge and the

world around us.

Eligibility:

• Have a Bachelor or Master degree from a leading university,

accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, in one of the

following disciplines:

• Epidemiology and virology

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Big data

• Computer engineering

• Electronics

• Software engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Genetic engineering

• Biotechnology engineering


• A copy of the Bachelor or Master degree, accredited by the UAE

Ministry of Education

• An employment contract in one of the disciplines, attested by the

UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

Coverage:


• Practice in any of the priority disciplines

Special Talent Visa

Scientists

Duration: 10 years

For those who seek to develop the world

around us.

Eligibility:

• Have a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists

Council


• A recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council

OR

• Proof of receiving the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific

Distinction

• OR

• Be a recipient of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for

Scientific Distinction

Coverage:


Special Talent Visa

Creative intellectuals and artists

Duration: 10 years

The Creative Golden Visa is for those looking to enrich

the art and culture of the emirate, the country and the

world.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must be talented in one of the following fields of art and

culture:

• Visual arts, such as drawing, calligraphy, sculpture, handicrafts and

photography

• Publishing, such as poetry, literature novel, criticism, translation and

public knowledge

• Performance arts, such as singing, music, theatrical performance,

dance, films and cinema

• Designs and crafts, such as product design, clothes, graphic design,

interior design, jewellery design and game design

• Heritage design, such as archaeology, museum organisation, records

management, restoration, collections management and library

management

• Electronic games and sports, including production of games,

programming and games design

• Media, such as production, journalism, editing and publishing, event

management and photography

Additional criteria:

• Must meet at least 3 of the following criteria:

• Minimum art-related experience is 10 years

• Must provide a distinctive and tangible artistic production in the area of speciality in

the UAE or abroad

• Must have unique artistic abilities, documented by production forms in the specialty

area or through a cover letter

• Must have activities reviewed by critics, mass media or government or private

establishments in the UAE or abroad

• Must have remarkable contributions in improving the level of the creative economy OR

a sponsorship/grant through which they can do specific creative work

• Must have obtained an artistic award or a recommendation letter from renowned and

approved entities OR the artist must have received a recognition medal in their field

from a specialised authority that is accredited in the field

• Must have artistic and creative works and act as a member in an international artistic

organisation or association in their field of specialty

• Must submit a letter of intent issued by a company or organisation whose

headquarters are located in the emirate OR a grant through which they can do their

work

• Must have high-value artistic work published and distributed locally and globally


• A certificate from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), proving that the

artist has met the Golden Visa Conditions

Coverage:

• Spouses and children.

Special Talent Visa

Inventors

Duration: 10 years

The Inventor Golden Visa is for those bringing innovation and ideas to the emirate and the world.

Eligibility:

• Have a patent with an added value to the country’s economy

Coverage:



• A recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Economy,

confirming that the invention has an added value to the country's

economy

• A patent certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy

Special Talent Visa

Executive Directors

Duration: 10 years

The Executive Director Golden Visa is for senior

leaders striving for success in the emirate.

Eligibility:

• Have a Bachelor degree approved in the UAE

• Have a minimum work experience of 5 years as an Executive

Director

• Work as an executive director

• Have a salary of at least AED 50,000

• Work in a government entity or a company that is accredited by

the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)

Notes for Executive Directors:


• A Bachelor degree approved in the UAE

• A certificate providing that the Executive Director has at least 5 years of work

experience as an Executive Director

• An employment contract attested by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources

and Emiratisation, or any other employment contract accepted by the Federal

Authority for Identity and Citizenship, proving the Executive Director job title

• A salary certificate issued by the employer, proving the monthly salary amount

of minimum AED 50,000

• Bank statement or an account statement, proving the payment of monthly

salary of minimum AED 50,000

Coverage:


• The executive director role applies to any employee who

assumes the position of an executive director and performs

similar duties or holds a position in the executive management

Special Talent Visa

Specialists in priority educational areas

Duration: 10 years

The Educator Golden Visa is for specialists, teachers and professors in priority educational fields.

Eligibility:

• Have an attested degree certificate in one of the rare educational

specialties with high priority in the UAE, including education, training

and managing and caring for people with special needs.


• An attested Bachelor degree as a minimum, proving the scientific specialty

• A recommendation letter of from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education

and Knowledge, confirming that the applicant is specialised in a rare

educational field of priority in the emirate

Coverage:


Special Talent Visa

Specialists in early childhood and child development education

Duration: 10 years

The Specialist Golden Visa is for specialists and professionals in priority fields in the emirate.

Eligibility:

• Work in one of the early childhood and child development disciplines:

• Childhood-related psychological consultancies

• Family support related social consultancies

• Speech and language therapy

• Breastfeeding and delivery consultancies

• Child haematology and oncology (for applicants who are not licenced to

practice medicine)

• Child pulmonary diseases (for applicants who are not licenced to practice

medicine)


• A letter of recommendation by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood

Authority (ECA), confirming that the applicant has met the

Golden Visa conditions

Coverage:


• Hold an approved certificate in the specialised field AND

• Have at least 3 years of work experience

OR

• Provide significant achievements in the field of early childhood and child development,

such as an invention or a comprehensive solution to an early childhood development

related issue or a community contribution in the childhood field

• Submit at least 2 letters issued by leading individuals or establishments working in the

field of early childhood, confirming that the applicant is qualified

Special Talent Visa

Sportsmen

Duration: 10 years

The Sports Golden Visa is for elite athletes

and talent within the sports field.

Players:

You are eligible if you fulfil the following criteria:

• Must be free of any sports sanctions related to doping that resulted in

suspension

• Must have achieved outstanding excellence in the athletic field locally or

regionally or globally OR must have received a local, regional or international

sport achievement

• Must submit evidence of a local or regional or an international medal

• Must be a member of a local or international sports body or organisation

Eligibility:

• Belong to one of the following categories:

Coverage:

• Players

• Trainers

• Referees

• Sports therapists and physicians

• Sports talents

• Sports celebrities and local and international

public sports figures


You have to provide the following documents:

• A letter of recommendation from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council

Trainers:


• Must have trained a local or international player or team with a tangible and

remarkable role so that the player or the team made a significant achievement

• Have a certificate of experience, approved by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council


• A letter of recommendation from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council

Special Talent Visa

\ Sports Continuation

Sports therapists and physicians:


• Have a scientific degree, Master or PhD, in sports sciences, accredited by the

UAE Ministry of Education

• Have received an award or certificates of appreciation

• Have made contributions in scientific research

• Have a membership with an international sports organisation

Sport talents:


• Have an award in any sports field

• Have showed outstanding sports excellence or has assumed a sports

leading position


• A recommendation letter from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council



Referees:


• Have managed matches in local and international championships

• Have an award in the sports referee field

• Have a certified membership with an international sports organisation

Sports celebrities and local and international public sports figures:


• Have a long service in sports clubs

• Have assumed a leading position in a club in Abu Dhabi or International

Sports Federations, Committees or Organisations





Special Talent Visa

PhD holders

Duration: 10 years

The PhD holders Golden Visa is for those who hold a doctorate in the emirate’s priority fields.

Eligibility:

• Have a doctorate degree attested by the UAE

Ministry of Education in one of the following

disciplines:

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Arabic

• Law

• Finance

• Early childhood

• Application material:

• A copy of a PhD degree certificate, attested by the

UAE Ministry of Education in one of the high-priority

disciplines

• An employment contract attested by the UAE

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in

one of the high-priority disciplines

• Coverage:


• Work in one of the above disciplines

FAQs

FAQs – About the Golden Visa

1. What is the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa programme was introduced in 2019. Launched by the UAE government, the system for long-term residence visas enables

successful applicants to live, work, study and invest in the UAE without an Emirati or UAE national sponsor.

Golden Visas present the additional benefit of enabling bearers to attain 100% ownership of their business on the UAE mainland.

These visas are issued for five or ten years — depending on the category — and are renewed automatically.

2. Does the Golden Visa offer permanent residency?

No: the Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is renewed every five or ten years depending on the visa category.

3. What are the key benefits of the Golden Visa?

Golden Visa holders benefit from long-term residency in the UAE, offering greater stability and peace of mind, enabling them to invest and

build fulfilling, long-lasting careers in the country.

The visa allows residents to live, work and study in the UAE without an Emirati or UAE national sponsor.

It also empowers investors with the ability to take full ownership of their business ventures on the UAE mainland.

Golden Visa holders are able to sponsor family members, dependents, as well as senior employees, depending on the nature and eligibility

of sponsorship determined by each visa category.

FAQs – Eligibility

1. Who can apply for the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is available to various categories of applicants. These include investors, educators, executive directors, high-performing

students and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge.

The Golden Visa is also open to talented creatives, sporting individuals and outstanding contributors to the UAE’s key sectors.

2. Are there any age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions: applicants of any age can apply for the Golden Visa.

FAQs – The Application Process

1. How can I apply for the Golden Visa?

Applicants can visit one of the following Centres to apply in person:

• TAMM Centre, located at Baniyas Tower, 40 Al Sough Street - Zone 1, E11.

• YAS Tas-heel Centre, located at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation building, Musaffah Industrial area, 14th street.

Applicants may also contact ADRO with enquiries by emailing ADGoldenVisa@adro.gov.ae or calling +971 2 403 1834.


2. How long will the Golden Visa application process take?

Once all required documents are successfully submitted, the initial approval will take up to 48 hours.

After the cancellation of the applicant’s current visa and a completed medical assessment, the Golden Visa will be issued within three to five

working days.

3. How much does it cost to apply for a Golden Visa?

For applicants currently in the UAE, the Golden Visa will cost between AED 2,800 and AED 3,800.

For applicants outside of the UAE, the Golden Visa will cost between AED 3,800 and AED 4,800.

Cost will depend on visa category and type of service.

4. Does the Golden Visa application fee include the cost for medical assessment, current visa cancellation and the

Emirates ID?

The Golden Visa application fee only includes the cost for a new/replacement Emirates ID.

Medical assessment fees are not included and may range between AED 150 and AED 500, depending on the service category.

Current visa cancellation fees are not included. Arrangements need to be made by the applicant’s existing sponsor.


5. Who will process the Emirates ID for Golden Visa applicants?

The Tas-heel Centre who is handling the Golden Visa applications will also process the Emirates IDs for the applicants.

6. Who is responsible for cancelling the applicant’s existing visa upon the approval of the Golden Visa application?

The applicant’s sponsor is responsible for cancelling existing visas.

The Golden Visa Applicant is expected to liaise with his/her sponsor to ensure the existing visa is appropriately cancelled.

7. When a UAE resident is sponsoring his/her family members and other dependants, he/she must provide a

financial guarantee for the period of the residency visa. Does this rule apply to Golden Visa holders?

No: Financial guarantees are not required when Golden Visas are issued.

8. What are the requirements for medical insurance when applying for the Golden Visa?

Applicants within the UAE need to submit a valid medical insurance policy.

Applicants from outside the country need to contact Daman Health Insurance to arrange for a 6-month medical insurance policy. Please

email visitvisainsurance@damanhealth.ae for further details.

FAQs – Family and Dependants

1. Can the Golden Visa be extended to applicants’ family members?

The Golden Visa can be extended to include the sponsorship of spouses, children, parents and dependent siblings, depending on the visa

category.

There is no limit to the number of children who may be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder. Male children are sponsored until the age of

18. Female children are sponsored until marriage.

2. When can Golden Visa applicants begin to sponsor family members?

Upon receiving their Golden Visa, successful applicants may begin the process to sponsor family members.

3. What will happen to the visas of family members currently sponsored, once the applicant cancels his/her visa

during the Golden Visa application?

Golden Visa applicants may choose to either place family members on hold or cancel their visas.

• If placed on hold, a refundable financial guarantee needs to be submitted until their visas are issued.

• No financial guarantee will be required if their visas are cancelled.

4. Can Golden Visa holders sponsor domestic helpers?

Yes, Golden Visa holders are permitted to sponsor domestic helpers. Standard rules and regulations for sponsorship apply.

FAQs – Family and Dependants

5. Is there a limit to the number of people who can be sponsored?

The number of people (excluding dependent children) to be sponsored by the Golden Visa holder is subject to ICA approval.

FAQs – Renewal and termination

1. What is the validity of the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is issued for a period of either five or ten years, depending on the category.

2. Do holders need to renew their Golden Visa?

Yes: the visa must be renewed every five or ten years, depending on the category of the visa.

3. Do I need a sponsor to renew my Golden Visa?

No, you do not need a sponsor to renew the Golden Visa. However, the visa renewal is subject to you meeting related application

requirements.

4. Is the Emirates ID also renewed with the Golden Visa?

Yes, the Emirates ID will be renewed with the Golden Visa.

The validity of the Emirates ID will match the validity of the Golden Visa. If you hold a ten-year visa, your Emirates ID will be valid for ten

years. If you hold a five-year visa, your Emirates ID will be valid for five years.

FAQs – Renewal and termination

5. Do Golden Visa holders retain permanent residency if they resign from a job?

Golden Visa holders can remain in the country for the remaining duration of their Golden Visa if they have been employed for at least two

years.

If a Golden Visa holder has not completed two years of employment, he/she will have six months to secure a new employment of the same

position and job nature. For instance, an executive director needs to remain an executive director for at least two years to retain his/her

Golden Visa. The same applies for doctors, teachers and other Golden Visa categories.

If a Golden Visa holder is terminated from his/her employment for reasons of malpractice, misuse of position or other legally punishable

acts, he/she must leave the country.

6. In the event that an Investor Golden Visa holder’s business fails, how will his/her visa status in the country be

affected?

The circumstances of each Golden Visa holder will be reviewed by the UAE government on a case-by-case basis.

Golden Visa holders may change their Golden Visa category, subject to eligibility and conditions.

7. Are Golden Visa holders permitted to remain outside of the UAE for more than six months?

Yes: Golden Visa holders are exempt from the rule which states that residents cannot be outside of the UAE for more than six consecutive

months.

However, Golden Visa holders cannot stay outside of the country for more than one year.

Thank you

Golden Visa BROCHURE

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