- Abu Dhabi has outlined seven categories of foreign nationals eligible to apply for its 10-year Golden Visa, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and outstanding students
- The long-term residency programme also covers humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria
- Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouses and children regardless of age, as well as domestic support workers without a fixed numerical limit under the scheme's stated benefits
Abu Dhabi has published details of the foreign nationals who may qualify for its 10-year Golden Visa, a long-term residence permit designed to attract international talent, investment and specialized skills to the emirate.
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According to the Abu Dhabi government's official website, the programme offers eligible foreign nationals a longer-term basis for living and pursuing opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The scheme covers several groups, from investors and business founders to researchers, students and individuals recognized for humanitarian contributions.
The emirate identifies seven broad categories of applicants who may qualify for the long-term residency programme:
- Investors: Foreign nationals who meet the relevant investment requirements.
- Entrepreneurs: Individuals who satisfy the scheme's criteria for entrepreneurship.
- Brilliant talents: People with exceptional abilities or achievements in eligible fields.
- Scientists: Researchers and scientific professionals who meet the applicable requirements.
- Outstanding students: High-achieving students who qualify under the programme's education-related criteria.
- Pioneers of humanitarian work: Individuals recognized for significant contributions to humanitarian causes.
- Frontline workers: Eligible workers whose roles and circumstances meet the relevant criteria.
Being part of one of these groups does not automatically guarantee approval. Applicants must meet the specific conditions and provide the required documentation for their category.
What benefits does Abu Dhabi's 10-year Golden Visa offer?
The Golden Visa provides eligible foreign nationals with long-term residence in Abu Dhabi, subject to the conditions of the programme.
One of its stated benefits is the ability to sponsor family members. The official website says:
"Golden Visa holders can include the spouse and children irrespective of their age, sponsorship of domestic support services staff without restrictions on the number of employees, and many more benefits."
This means eligible holders can sponsor their spouse and children, including adult children, under the scheme's family provisions. They can also sponsor domestic support workers without a fixed numerical cap under the stated benefit, subject to the applicable rules.
These provisions can be relevant to foreign professionals and investors who want to relocate with their families rather than move alone.
How does the Golden Visa application process work?
According to the information provided, eligible applicants applying from outside the UAE may initially receive a six-month entry permit to facilitate entry and the completion of residency procedures.
Applicants should confirm the entry permit available for their particular category and the steps required to obtain the final residence permit through official Abu Dhabi government channels.
Although the programme is described as having no general age or nationality restrictions, eligibility still depends on the requirements for the applicant's chosen category. Prospective applicants should check the official criteria before making relocation plans or paying an intermediary.
Abu Dhabi's Golden Visa is one of the UAE's long-term residency options for foreign nationals who meet specific investment, professional, academic or contribution-based requirements.
UAE launches online tool for foreigners to check Golden Visa eligibility
TUKO.co.ke reported that the UAE launched an online portal allowing foreigners from any country to check whether they may qualify for its Golden Visa.
The renewable residency permit is valid for five or 10 years and allows eligible holders to live, work or study in the UAE without a national sponsor.
Applicants can use the eligibility checker as guests without creating an account or already holding UAE residency.
Source: Legit.ng
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