golden visa in abu dhabi

Application Requirements

 

• 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

OR

• A copy of purchase agreements, registered with DMT or any other body in charge of real estate

OR

• A certificate issued by DMT or any other body in charge of real estate 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

AND

• Search certificates or any other certificates issued by DMT or any other competent entity in charge of real estate registration, 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

 

Additional notes:

• 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
• Mortgage is allowed on any amount that is over AED 2 million if the property value exceeds it
• Coverage: Spouses and children
• Duration: 5 years

Golden Visa FAQs

 

What is the Golden Visa?

Launched by the UAE government, the system for long-term residence visas enables successful applicants to reside in the UAE without a UAE national sponsor.

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

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 and upon meeting the eligibility criteria.

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.

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.

Eligibility

Who can apply for the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is available to various categories of applicants. The categories for the Golden Visa include: Investors, Real Estate Investors, Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Scientists, Creatives (Art & Culture), Inventors, Executive Directors, Specialists in priority educational fields,  Sports Professionals, PhD Holders, Specialized in engineering or science, High School Graduates and University Graduates.

Are there any age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions. An applicant can apply for any of the categories of the Golden Visa as long as they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.

 

The Application Process

How can I apply for the Golden Visa?

You can visit any Golden Visa processing centre including one of the following centres to apply in person:

TAMM Centre: Baniyas Tower, 40 Al Sough Street - Zone 1, E11.

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

TWASOL Tas-heel Centre: Post Office Towers, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St.

         For any further inquiries, you may contact us via email on:
         ADGoldenVisa@adro.gov.ae

        Or you may call Abu Dhabi Government Services (TAMM) via phone:

For local calls: 800 555

For international calls: +971 2 666 4442

How long will the Golden Visa application process take?

For applicants within the UAE (existing UAE residents):

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.

For applicants outside the UAE (non-UAE residents):

Kindly contact us on ADGoldenVisa@adro.gov.ae for more details.

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.

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 type.

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

Who will process the Emirates ID for Golden Visa applicants?

The Golden Visa processing centre that is handling the Golden Visa applications will also handle the Emirates IDs issued by The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship for the applicants.

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.

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.

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.

 

Family and Dependants

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.

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.

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.

Can Golden Visa holders sponsor domestic helpers?

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

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 The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship approval.

 

Renewal and termination

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.