All About the Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi

• About Golden Investor Visa
• General Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi
• Real Estate Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi
• Documentation
• Application Procedure
• FAQs

The Abu Dhabi government offers numerous business investment opportunities for foreign nationals. One of the policies that has encouraged many investors and entrepreneurs to invest in existing businesses or establish their own companies is the “Golden Investor Visa.” We’ve put together everything you need to know about this unique visa, from eligibility to required processes.

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN INVESTOR VISA IN ABU DHABI?

The Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi is for individuals who have invested in an existing business or are establishing their own business in Abu Dhabi’s mainland or free zones.

The Abu Dhabi investor visa validity is longer than an employment visa and lasts for up to ten years. This visa authorises the holder to live and work in the UAE and enables them to sponsor members of their family.

These long-term visas allow investors and property owners in Abu Dhabi to feel a greater sense of permanence and potentially invest more in the emirate.

TYPES OF GOLDEN INVESTORS IN ABU DHABI

Before starting the application process, it is important to understand the different investment routes available for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa. However, there are certain requirements that investors and property owners must meet to be eligible for an investor visa in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI 10-YEAR GOLDEN INVESTOR VISA

Individuals who are investing in an existing business or establishing their own in Abu Dhabi’s free zones can apply for a 10-year Golden Investor Visa Public Sector in Abu Dhabi.

To qualify under the commercial/business stream, applicants must satisfy at least one of the following financial thresholds:

Financial Deposit

Provide an official bank or investment fund letter proving a fixed deposit of a minimum of AED 2 million in an accredited local bank within the UAE.

Company Capital/Partnership

Establish a new company in Abu Dhabi or buy shares in an existing enterprise where your individual financial stake or paid-in capital equals or exceeds AED 2 million.

Tax Settlement Route

Prove ownership or a partnership stake in a company that pays a minimum of AED 250,000 annually in taxes to the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA). This contribution must be active for at least two years before applying.

For example, if an investor owns 25% of a company, that company must pay at least 1 million in annual taxes for the investor’s share to meet the individual AED 250,000 requirement.

ADDITIONAL ABU DHABI INVESTOR VISA REQUIREMENTS

• The interested candidate is also required to submit official bank statements for the last six months. Please note that the bank can be within the UAE or in a foreign country.
• The candidate must submit a trade licence.
• A tax clearance certificate is also required.
• Commercial Registration Certificate providing evidence of the capital paid in by the company and each investor’s ownership percentage.

Please note:

• The investor must retain investments for at least two years after the issuance of the visa.
• This type of visa allows investors to sponsor their spouse(s), children, one executive director and one advisor.
• The investor visa holders can also sponsor domestic help. This is subject to relevant regulations and may vary on a case-to-case basis.

ABU DHABI 10-YEAR GOLDEN INVESTOR VISA FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

The 10-year golden real estate investor visa in the UAE is ideal for those looking to invest in the lucrative property market and settle in the UAE with family. Here are the eligibility requirements for a 10-year Golden Real Estate Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi:

• The candidate must invest in real estate with a gross value of no less than AED 2 million.
• For mortgaged properties, the minimum investment capital must be AED 2 million.
• The investment should be maintained for a minimum of 2 years after issuance of the Golden Visa.

Please note: A mortgage for investment is only allowed for properties worth more than AED 2 million.

Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi 

Applicants must submit documents based on the type of real estate they own or have invested in. Here’s a look at the documents required for fully owned, mortgaged and off-plan properties.

FOR FULLY OWNED REAL ESTATE

Applicants with fully owned property must provide one of the following documents:

• A Purchase Agreement registered with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) or any other competent real estate registration authority in the UAE. 
• The agreement must show the landlord’s details, property information and the value of the real estate unit at the time of purchase. The property value should not be less than AED 2M.
• A Real Estate Unit Value Certificate issued by the DMT or any other competent real estate registration authority in the UAE.

FOR MORTGAGED REAL ESTATE

Applicants with mortgaged property must submit these documents:

• A Real Estate Unit Value Certificate issued by the DMT or any other competent real estate registration authority in the UAE.
• A Search Certificate issued by the DMT or any other competent real estate registration authority in the UAE. 
• The certificate must confirm that the property is not subject to seizure by any judicial authority and has a value of AED 2M (minimum).

FOR OFF-PLAN REAL ESTATE

Applicants investing in off-plan property must provide these:

• A Purchase Agreement from an approved real estate developer showing the landlord’s details, property information and the value of the real estate unit at the time of purchase.
• Proof that payments of at least AED 2M have been made to the real estate developer to date.

ADDITIONAL ABU DHABI INVESTOR VISA REQUIREMENTS

• The candidate must possess proof of real estate investment worth AED 2 million or more for a single/aggregate investment profile.
• Proof of mortgage status (the document should specify whether the property is mortgaged or released) is also required.

Please note:

• The visa holder can sponsor their spouse(s) and children.
• This visa holder can also sponsor domestic help.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE GOLDEN INVESTOR VISA

Want to apply for the Golden Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi? Here is a list of documents you need to apply for a long-term visa in the emirate:

• Proof of investment
• Valid health insurance policy
• Copy of a valid passport
• Coloured photographs 
• Copy of UAE residence visa
• Copy of Emirates ID

The following additional documents are required for general investors

• Company Valuation Certificate/Business Valuation Certificate
• Proof of deposit/investment amount
• Proof of establishing a company or a partnership
• Tax settlement

Real estate investors would also need the documents listed below:

• Copy of the certificate issued by the concerned real estate entity
• Real estate unit value certificate
• Search for a certificate or any equivalent certificate issued by the competent body
• A copy of the purchase agreement
• Proof of property purchase

You may also need additional documents, such as a report from a certified financial auditor or the real estate registration department to prove your investments/property(ies) have not been loaned or mortgaged.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INVESTOR VISA IN ABU DHABI?

The Abu Dhabi investor visa application process can be completed online through the emirate’s digital services.

THROUGH TAMM’S WEBSITE

• Go to TAMM Abu Dhabi’s official website or app. You can also use the ADRO official website
• Scroll down to find the “Visa & Emirates ID” category and click it
• Choose the “Request for Golden Visa Nomination” option
• Wait to be redirected to a new page
• Click on the “Start” icon
• Sign in with the UAE Pass
• Upload the documents required
• Proceed to the completion of the process

FAQs

HOW DOES BUSINESS INVESTOR RESIDENCY DIFFER FROM PROPERTY INVESTOR RESIDENCY?

Business investor residency and property investor residency differ mainly in the type of investment required. Business investor residency is granted to those who deposit at least AED 2 million in a UAE bank, set up or invest in a company of equal value or pay AED 250,000 or more in annual federal taxes.

Property investor residency, by contrast, is based on owning real estate worth AED 2 million or more.

ARE MORTGAGED PROPERTIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROPERTY INVESTOR GOLDEN VISA?

Yes, mortgaged properties can qualify for the Property Investor Golden Visa when the property’s value exceeds AED 2 million. Applicants must also submit a Real Estate Unit Value Certificate and a Search Certificate confirming the property is free from any legal seizure.

WHICH FAMILY MEMBERS CAN AN INVESTOR SPONSOR?

Golden Investor Visa holders in Abu Dhabi can sponsor family members such as dependent children and parents when applying for the visa. The candidates are also eligible to apply for visas for domestic workers, but it’s subject to regulations.

WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INVESTOR VISAS IN ABU DHABI?

Besides the Golden Investor Visa, investors can also use the Green Visa pathway, which offers a 5-year residency.

That concludes our guide on how to apply for an Investor Visa in Abu Dhabi. Candidates who want to stay longer in the region must check the eligibility criteria for long-term visas in the UAE.