How to Get an Abu Dhabi Golden Visa
To get an Abu Dhabi Golden Visa, you’ll need to:

• Meet eligibility criteria (e.g., AED 2M investment, AED 30,000+ salary, or 3.8 GPA).
• Prepare documents like a passport, health insurance, and attested degrees.
• Apply via the TAMM portal or ICP website, complete a medical test, and get your Emirates ID.
• Expect costs of AED 5,000–15,000 and 30–60 days for processing.

How to Get an Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

You’ve just landed your dream job in Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning artificial intelligence industry, or you’re thinking of buying a home in its flourishing real estate market. But how do you actually find a stable, long-term life in the UAE’s buzzing capital? Enter the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa, a residency visa that provides up to 10 years of freedom to live, work, or study in the emirate without a sponsor. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or student.. This Golden Visa in the UAE opens doors to a business-friendly environment and incredible infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.DO not miss This Unique Opportunity. In this 2025 guide to Golden Visa Abu Dhabi: requirements, application process, fees, and benefits, you’ll get all the answers you need with some tips to make your travel smooth.

Why Choose the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa offers more than a residency permit   it unlocks opportunity in the UAE’s capital, the #1 city on the Global Entrepreneurship Index 2022. Here’s why it stands out:

• Stability over the Long term: Get the peace of mind that comes with a 5-year visa or a 10-year visa, depending on the choose package, which can be renewed and conducted without a sponsor as compared to a conventional UAE residency visa.
• Flexibility: Be outside of the UAE for more than 6 months without losing your visa, ideal for business interests or international travel.
• Family Sponsorship: Spouse, children (maximum 30 for sons and no limit for daughters), and unlimited domestic workers.
• Economic Benefits: With 100% ownership and tax benefits in Abu Dhabi, it is very conducive to the establishment of a business in the UAE or property investment.
• Diverse Opportunities: With a burgeoning economy, Abu Dhabi, home to a range of opportunities in AI to healthcare, nurtures transnational talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Imagine you are a real estate investor looking to get your hands on one of the properties in Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure. The real estate investor Golden Visa allows you to obtain a residency that is valid for 10 years while increasing your portfolio in an investor-friendly market.

Who Can Apply for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is open to diverse talent, be it investors or students. Here is who is eligible, and the Golden Visa Abu Dhabi requirements for each group:

1. Investors:

• Public Investment: Deposit AED 2M in local fund or own firm paying AED 250,000 yearly to the Federal Tax Authority.
• Golden Visa Abu Dhabi Property: The value criteria are property worth AED 2M (not on a loan) as certified by the Real Estate Registration Department.

2. Entrepreneurs:

• Have a project valued at a minimum of AED 500,000, endorsed by an auditor in the UAE or a business incubator, ie, HUB71.
• Concentrate on futuristic markets such as big data, biotechnology, or software engineering.

3. Golden Visa for skilled professionals:

• Physicians/Scientists: Approval is required from the Ministry of Health or the Emirates Council of Scientists. Applicants require a Field Weighted Citation Index (FWCI) of 1.0 or above or a Scopus H index of 20 or above.
• Engineers: Possession of a computer engineering, electronics, or genetics degree with a work contract in place.
• Executive Directors: 5+ years of experience and a monthly salary of 50,000 AED+.

4. Golden Visa for healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi:

• Possess Abu Dhabi Department of Health license and minimum 5 years of experience in the UAE for technicians/assistants.

5. Creatives and Athletes:

• Creative Visa: Department of Culture and Arts approval for artists or creative thinkers who are enriching Abu Dhabi’s social and cultural scene.
• Visas for Athletes: For unique accomplishments recommended by the General Sports Authority.

6. Students:

• Secondary school: Obtain grades of 95% or more, as recommended by the Ministry of Education.
• University: A/B Class UAE or top 100 global universities, where the MoE gives equivalency for GPA 3.8+.

7. Others:

• Single women or pioneers: At least 5 years in an international humanitarian organization or humanitarian awards.
• Frontline Heroes: COVID-19 responders submitted by the Frontline Heroes Office.

If you’re a student who would like to study epidemiology in Abu Dhabi, and if you have long-term plans for it, the Golden Visa for students would be an excellent addition to your academic future, and also with the ability to sponsor certain family members.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa

I was in second position; in fact, I applied for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa (with adequate preparation, it’s manageable). Here is your Golden Visa Abu Dhabi application process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Make sure you are eligible based on category (i.e., AED 2 million investment, AED 30,000 salary, or GPA 3.8).

Step 2: Collect Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity).
• Medical insurance (1+ year, such as Daman).
• An equal or higher certification from the Ministry of Education is required.
• Evidence of investment, salary, or project value (e.g., bank statements, HUB71 approval).
• Special letters (e.g., Endorsement of Abu Dhabi Department of Health).

Step 3: Submit Nomination:

• Use the TAMM portal (tamm. abudhabi) or ICP website (icp) for most categories.
• Start-ups apply through HUB71 or AREA 2071; creatives require Department of Culture and Arts approval.

Step 4: Tests and Visas Medical Test and Visa Cancellation: 

• Cancel current visas, get a medical test from an authorised agent, and provide the results.

Step 5: Complete Residency:

• Gain approval (30–60 days), collect your Emirates ID, and activate 10 years of living in the UAE.

A colleague saved time on applying for a business setup in the UAE by utilizing PRO services because document attestation and submission were a walk in the park for them. Keep an eye on the ICP UAE Smart app for corrections.

How Much Does the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa Cost?

Concerned about the Golden Visa Abu Dhabi cost? Note: Prices differ in each category; we estimate some of these prices to commission percentages based on official information and both local and foreign community feedback (for example, the Golden Visa Abu Dhabi Reddit).

• Nomination and Processing: AED 2,000 – 5,000 per applicant.
• Medical Test: 700–1,000 per person.
• Health Insurance: AED 1,000-5000 per annum (varies according to age and selected plan)
• Emirates ID: AED 500-1,000 for the card.
• Attestation: AED 100-500 per document, e.g., (degrees, contracts).
• PRO Services: AED 1,000–3,000 if you select to have optional help—great if you plan to register a company in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Investment Cost: 2 Million AED – real estate visa, 500,000 AED – entrepreneur visa.

Total costs among most categories, except for investments, vary between AED 5,000–15,000.” The 10-year visa may be cheaper in the long run compared to renewing a 2-year visa several times.

Comparing Abu Dhabi and Dubai Golden Visas: Which is Right for You?

Abu Dhabi Golden Visa vs Dubai Golden Visa Dilemma: Which option is for you? Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

• Investment: Abu Dhabi needs AED 2M for real estate investors, and Dubai allows AED 1M for some properties.
• Abu Dhabi: The focus in Abu Dhabi is on healthcare workers, scientists, and creatives, while in Dubai, it is business setup in Dubai and high net worth individuals.
• App: Abu Dhabi employs TAMM and ICP, Dubai uses GDRFA platforms.
• Lifestyle: Besides the more family-oriented, cultural feel of Abu Dhabi, Dubai is high-octane and cosmopolitan.
• How long will my application take? Both take 30–60 days to process, but the support for entrepreneurs provided to HUB71 in Abu Dhabi is a unique offering.

Dubai’s visa may work for your hustle-and-bustle life, but Abu Dhabi’s tax advantages and stable economy are attractive to business operators, investors, and students.

Tips and Challenges for a Successful Golden Visa Application

The process of applying for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa can be tricky. Here are some Golden Visa Abu Dhabi Reddit highlights, along with tips and common challenges:

Tips:

• Verify documents correctly (recent salary bank statement for AED 30,000).
• Avail PRO services for Document Attestation and Submission through typing centers.
• Please consult directly with ICP or Amer Centers if you have any enquires regarding the visa nomination.
• You should apply early (at least 30-60 days ahead).

Challenges:

• Declines: Commonly caused by not having the right documents or not meeting the criteria (e.g., the Golden Visa Abu Dhabi salary limit isn’t there).
• Legalization of Documents: Without PRO services, it could be quite time-consuming.
• Category confusion: Make sure you are applying under the correct category (e.g., health specialist vs. scientist).

I have a friend who tried to apply for the Golden Visa (for entrepreneurs) and was dismissed because of a letter from an outdated auditor, but managed to reapply through HUB71.

Living in Abu Dhabi with a Golden Visa: What to Expect

Obtaining your Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is about living in a city that prides itself on a creative consciousness and economic development. Here’s what to expect:

• Cultural wealth: Partake in events such as the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, which is presented with the support of the Department of Culture and Arts.
• Family-Focused: Best schools in Abu Dhabi, according to the Abu Dhabi Education Department, serve family sponsorship.
• Business Opportunities: Start-ups at HUB71 or investing in real estate with 100% foreign ownership.
• Healthcare: Improve quality of life and avail state-of-the-art facilities, including a Golden Visa for healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi.

Living in Abu Dhabi seems to be a mix of the modern and the traditional, coupled with tax benefits and a healthy economy, and is a place for those with a global perspective to call home.

Answers to Common Golden Visa Questions

Q1: What documents are needed for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa?

You’ll need a passport, health insurance, attested degrees, bank statements, and category-specific approvals (e.g., the Ministry of Health for doctors).

Q2: How long does the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa take to process?

Expect 30–60 days for nomination, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance.

Q3: What are the Golden Visa Abu Dhabi salary requirements?

Professionals need AED 30,000+ monthly; executives require AED 50,000+.

Q4: Can I sponsor my family with the Golden Visa?

Yes, sponsor your spouse, children, and unlimited domestic workers.

Q5: What is the Golden Visa for healthcare workers in Abu Dhabi?

A 10-year visa for professionals with an Abu Dhabi Department of Health license and 5+ years of experience.

Conclusion

The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is your key to a vibrant life in the UAE’s capital, offering long-term residency, family sponsorship, and business ownership opportunities. Whether you’re a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or student, the TAMM portal or icp website makes applying accessible. With tax advantages and a thriving economy, Abu Dhabi is a hub for global talent. Start your visa nomination today at icp or TAMM  and embrace a future of stability and growth!