Abu Dhabi - Full list of categories of residents who can get long-term visas.
Illustrative image; credit: Alamy.com/ae
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.
DON'T MISS:
>> UAE citizenship for expats: Who can apply and how
>> UAE citizenship: Can I become an Emirati as my wife remains Indian?
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
- Must have a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy and own a patent that adds value to the Abu Dhabi economy
> Executive Directors
- Must have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience.
- Minimum salary of Dh50,000 per month.
- Valid employment contract in Abu Dhabi.
> 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.
> Sports
- 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
> PhD Holders
- Must hold a PhD in one of the priority sectors for Abu Dhabi, accredited by the Ministry of Education
> 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
(Information sourced from here.)