The year 2021 seems to be a great year for investors, creative people, and qualified professionals who seek to move into the UAE. Abu Dhabi, the capital city, is now offering an innovative Golden Visa and a Creative Visa that offer long-term residency options for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals. Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi suggest you read the blog to understand the features and eligibility criteria of both Visas.
The Golden Visa is valid for five to ten years, while the Creative Visa is aimed at highly talented creative luminaries working in the culture & heritage sphere. Read ahead to get in-depth knowledge about the highly innovative visa programmes.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi’s FDI License: Start a Business with 100% Foreign Ownership on Mainland
Abu Dhabi Creative Visa: Who is Eligible?
The Creative Visa is a long-term visa issued by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. Talented individuals working in the following sectors are eligible for the Abu Dhabi Creative Visa
- Heritage
- Performing arts
- Visual arts
- Design and crafts
- Gaming and e-sports
- Media and publishing
The Creative Visa is being awarded only to those professionals who are endorsed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Professionals can clear the air on the eligibility criteria by consulting with business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi.
Who Issues the Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi?
The Golden Visa is being issued by Abu Dhabi Government under the Thrive in Abu Dhabi programme. The Thrive in Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is aimed at providing long-term residency solutions for qualified people living and working in Abu Dhabi. International investors and talented professionals from across the world can apply for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa. Consult with the best business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi to understand who all are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa.
Golden Visa for investors: Eligibility Criteria
Investors, including real estate investors, are eligible to apply for both five years and ten year Abu Dhabi Golden Visa. They must meet one or more of the following conditions to obtain the Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi,
- A capital deposit of at least AED 2 million in an investment fund/bank account inside Abu Dhabi
- Must have set up a company in Abu Dhabi which is worth AED 2 million or must be a partner in an existing or a new company with a financial contribution of at least AED 2 million
- Must be an owner of a company paying an annual tax of AED 250,000 or more to the Federal Government
Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors: Eligibility Criteria
A real investor must meet the following conditions to get hold of a long-term Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi:
- Minimum of AED 2 million (gross value) investment in a property
- A cash down payment of AED 2 million of the value of the property or property portfolio is mortgaged
- Must retain the investment for a minimum of two years after the visa issuance
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs: Eligibility Criteria
Entrepreneurs are allowed to apply for a five-year Abu Dhabi Golden Visa by meeting one or more conditions from the list given below:
- Existing business project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000.
- Must have approval from an accredited business incubator in Abu Dhabi
The five-year Abu Dhabi Golden Visa for entrepreneurs include visas for spouses or children. Get a consultation from the best business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi before applying for the Golden Visa.
Ten year Golden Visa for Students: Eligibility Criteria
Students applying for a ten-year Golden Visa,
- Must have completed graduation from an accredited university in Abu Dhabi
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8
The Golden Visa for University Graduate includes visas for parents, dependent siblings, spouses and children. However, the graduate must have the financial capability to take care of the dependents and must be able to provide accommodation for them.
Five-year Golden Visa for Students: Eligibility Criteria
High school students with exemplary scientific ability can apply for a five-year Golden Visa. The criteria for eligibility is given below:
- Excellent grades from a high school in Abu Dhabi
- Recommended by Ministry of Education
The High School Student Visa comes with the benefit of visas for parents and dependent siblings. Students who meet these criteria can seek the advice of the best business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi.
Golden Visa for Special Talents: List of Eligible Professionals
The following categories of professionals are eligible for a ten-year Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi,
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creative Professionals in Art & Culture
- Innovators
- Executive Directors
- Educators
- Sports Professionals
- PhD Holders
- Engineers
Eligibility Requirements for Special Talents
Talented professionals must be highly qualified in their respective areas of expertise. They should secure a recommendation from the related ministries, departments or agencies for obtaining the ten-year Golden Visa. For instance, creative professionals should be recommended by specialised government cultural agencies in Abu Dhabi.
Innovators must secure a recommendation from the Ministry of Economy, UAE, for obtaining the visa. Scientists must be recommended by the Emirates Scientists Council or be a recipient of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinguishment. For more information, contact business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi.
Are You Eligible for Abu Dhabi Golden Visa or Creative Visa? Consult with Us
The new long-term visa programmes introduced by the Abu Dhabi government is expected to boost foreign investments in the UAE. Once wealthy investors and talented professionals move into the UAE, the country’s key sectors will receive a fresh boost. Investors, students or professionals planning to apply for Golden Visa or Creative Visa must seek the advice of the best business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi, such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC), as the process involves extensive documentation. JBC has highly qualified consultants who will help the applicants navigate the UAE immigration laws. With JBC’s assistance, obtaining long-term residency in Abu Dhabi becomes a hassle-free process.