What the Golden Visa Is
The UAE golden visa is a 10-year renewable residency permit that does not require a national sponsor and is not tied to employment. Introduced in 2019 and expanded significantly in 2022, the programme allows qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent, and their families to maintain long-term residency in the UAE regardless of employment status.
For investors considering Abu Dhabi, the golden visa transforms the residency proposition from a temporary, employer-dependent arrangement into a secure, long-term base. The holder can enter and exit the UAE freely, sponsor family members, maintain domestic bank accounts and financial relationships, and retain residency even during extended periods abroad — a critical advantage over standard employment visas, which expire upon job termination and require departure within 30 days.
Investment Routes
Property Investment Route
Requirement: Own property in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2 million.
This is the most straightforward route for property investors. The property must be fully paid (no mortgage encumbrance on at least AED 2 million of equity) and registered with the relevant land department. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the AED 2 million threshold.
Eligible properties: Completed, ready properties in designated investment zones. Off-plan properties may qualify if sufficient value has been paid and the developer confirms ownership status.
Key conditions:
- The AED 2 million value is based on the purchase price or current valuation (whichever is applied by the authority)
- Properties can be jointly owned — the investor’s share must be at least AED 2 million
- Mortgaged properties qualify if the owner’s equity (value minus outstanding loan) meets the threshold
- The property must be residential
Business Investment Route
Requirement: Invest at least AED 2 million in a business or established fund, or own a business with a minimum capital of AED 2 million.
This route serves entrepreneurs and business owners who have established or invested in commercial operations within the UAE. The investment must be verified through audited financial statements, trade licence documentation, and evidence of capital deployment.
Key conditions:
- The business must be operational and licensed in the UAE
- A letter from an accredited audit firm confirming the investment value is typically required
- Frozen deposits or financial instruments with a value of at least AED 2 million in UAE-licensed banks also qualify
Specialised Talent Route
Requirement: Demonstrate exceptional talent or achievement in a recognised field.
Categories include scientists, researchers, physicians, engineers, creative professionals, athletes, and other specialists who meet criteria defined by the relevant federal or emirate-level authorities. This route does not require a financial investment but does require evidence of professional distinction — publications, patents, awards, senior positions, or endorsements from accredited institutions.
Key conditions:
- Applicants in science and research typically need endorsement from the Emirates Scientists Council or a UAE university
- Medical professionals require classification by the relevant health authority
- Specific criteria vary by profession and are updated periodically
Entrepreneur Route
Requirement: Own a startup or innovative project that is approved by an accredited business incubator or the relevant economic development authority.
This route targets founders of technology startups and innovative enterprises. The enterprise must have audited revenues of at least AED 500,000 or be approved by an accredited incubator or accelerator programme.
Application Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Confirm which route applies and assemble the required documentation. The most common error is insufficient documentation — particularly for the property route, where the ownership documentation, valuation, and mortgage status must align precisely with programme requirements.
Step 2: Apply Through ICP or GDRFA
Applications are submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Abu Dhabi. The application can be initiated online through the ICP smart platform or in person at a service centre.
Required documentation (property route):
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Current UAE visa (if applicable)
- Title deed(s) from Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre
- Property valuation certificate
- Mortgage statement (if applicable) showing equity position
- Personal photo meeting specifications
- Health insurance documentation
- Medical fitness certificate
Step 3: Medical and Security Clearance
All golden visa applicants must pass a medical fitness examination at an approved centre and clear security screening. The medical examination is routine — it tests for communicable diseases and general fitness.
Step 4: Visa Issuance
Upon approval, the golden visa is stamped in the passport or issued as a digital residence permit. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from complete application submission. The visa is valid for 10 years and renewable, provided the qualifying conditions continue to be met.
Costs
| Item | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 1,150 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370-570 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 500-700 |
| Health insurance | AED 3,000-10,000/year (mandatory) |
| Visa stamping | AED 500-1,000 |
| Total (excluding health insurance) | AED 3,000-4,000 |
These costs are for the primary applicant. Sponsored dependents (spouse and children) incur additional per-person fees, typically AED 2,000-3,000 each.
Benefits
Long-term residency security — 10-year visa removes the anxiety of employer-dependent residency. No need to exit the country upon job change or business closure.
Family sponsorship — Sponsor spouse, children, and in some cases domestic workers. Children can remain on the visa beyond age 18 if enrolled in education.
Extended absence allowance — Standard employment visas are cancelled if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 180 days. The golden visa permits longer absences without automatic cancellation.
Business and banking continuity — Maintain UAE bank accounts, credit facilities, and business relationships regardless of employment status.
Property ownership foundation — The golden visa and property investment are mutually reinforcing. The visa provides residency; the property provides the qualifying asset.
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai Golden Visa
The golden visa is a federal UAE programme — the qualifying criteria are the same regardless of which emirate the applicant resides in. However, the practical experience differs:
| Factor | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Processing authority | GDRFA Abu Dhabi / ICP | GDRFA Dubai / ICP |
| Processing time | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Property qualifying threshold | AED 2M (same federal rule) | AED 2M (same federal rule) |
| Property market entry point | Lower (Al Reem from AED 350K) | Higher (mainstream from AED 500K+) |
| Reaching AED 2M threshold | 2-3 properties possible | 1-2 properties typical |
| Rental yield on qualifying assets | 5-8% gross | 4-7% gross |
| Service centre experience | Generally faster, less crowded | Higher volume, longer waits |
The distinction is not in the visa itself but in the underlying investment. Abu Dhabi property at the AED 2 million level delivers higher yields and lower transaction costs (2 percent transfer fee vs Dubai’s 4 percent) than equivalent Dubai property. Investors whose primary motivation is the golden visa — rather than a specific location preference — will find Abu Dhabi offers a more capital-efficient path.
Practical Considerations
Tax residency: Holding a UAE golden visa and spending more than 183 days in the UAE generally establishes UAE tax residency for the purposes of most international tax treaties. This is significant for investors from high-tax jurisdictions who can legitimately restructure their tax position through UAE residency.
Property as qualifying asset: The AED 2 million property requirement creates a natural alignment between the visa and the investment opportunity. An investor purchasing property on Al Reem Island at 7 percent gross yield effectively funds the golden visa through rental income — the property generates returns while satisfying the residency requirement.
Renewal: The golden visa is renewable for additional 10-year periods, provided the qualifying conditions continue to be met. For property investors, this means maintaining ownership of at least AED 2 million in qualifying property.