Abu Dhabi 5- and 10-year visas: Find out if you are eligible

Abu Dhabi recently announced a programme that offers talented professionals, students and investors 5- and 10-year visas.

Called Thrive in Abu Dhabi, the scheme also offers UAE citizenship to some. Authorities will announce the eligibility criteria for citizenship soon.

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Each category within the Golden Visa – Thrive in Abu Dhabi programme has its own set of criteria, according to the official website of the initiative.

>> Investors

There are two sub-categories: Investors and real estate investors.

> 10-year 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.

> 5-year real estate investor visa

Real estate investors are eligible for a 5-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.

>> 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 Dh500,000.

- Approval of an accredited business incubator in Abu Dhabi.

>> Student

There are two sub-categories: High school students and university graduates.

> High school student

Abu Dhabi offers a 5-year visa for top-performing students with promising scientific ability:

- Achieved high grades from a high school in Abu Dhabi.

- Have a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.

> University graduate

Abu Dhabi offers a 10-year visa for highly qualified university graduates:

- Must be a graduate of an accredited university in Abu Dhabi.

- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8

>> Special talent

Abu Dhabi offers a 10-year visa for talented individuals in nine categories.

> Doctors

- Must be licensed to practice as a consultant or specialist physician by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.

- 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 practicing in the same field not exceeding 5% of the total number of licensed physicians.

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.

> Scientists

- Must have a recommendation from Emirates Scientists Council or be a recipient of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinguishment

> Creatives (Art and Culture)

- Must have a recommendation from one of the specialised governmental cultural agencies in Abu Dhabi

> Innovators

(Information sourced from here.)