Overview
The “Thrive in Abu Dhabi” programme promotes long-term Golden Visas and a pathway to citizenship for international talent working, creating, studying, excelling and investing in key sectors and specialties in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE’s Golden Visa is available in Abu Dhabi for international investors and top talent from around the world, providing them with visas for up to 10 years. This includes people and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge such as doctors, specialists, scientists and inventors. It is also open to talented creative and sporting individuals, and business, start-up and real estate investors in the emirate.
Abu Dhabi boasts a number of high-growth areas that are creating opportunities for talented individuals to grow, achieve and succeed. These include creative industries, R&D, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and a thriving start-up ecosystem.
With its unparalleled lifestyle, rich culture and diverse population, Abu Dhabi is a place to live, work and invest. A place to call home.
When thrive, we all thrive.
Categories
Investor
- Investors
- Real Estate Investors
Entrepreneur
- Entrepreneurs
Student with Promising Scientific Ability
- High School Students
- University Graduates
Special Talent
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creatives (Art and Culture)
- Innovators
- Executive Directors
- Educators (in priority fields)
- Sports
- PhD Holders
- Engineers
Eligibility
Each category within the Golden Visa – Thrive in Abu Dhabi programme has its own set of criteria for the 5-10-year visa options
For pathways to citizenship, eligibility criteria will be available soon
Investor
Social Investor
Social Investor
Social investor provides the minimum amount required by new golden visa laws to be invested directly to the social sector
Social investment diversification
Social investor attraction to diversify their investment portfolio based on new golden visa laws
Conditions:
Successful record of social investment portfolio
Track record in social sector activities (CSR, donations, venture philanthropy, impact investment etc.) locally or internationally UAE (3 - 5 projects) Recognize by MAAN social Fund
Invests a minimum of 5 - 10 percent of the total invested amount in Abu Dhabi social priorities (align with key stakeholders)
Clears all security checks (alignment with MOI)
Proof of sufficient funding budget (alignment with DED)
Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs
Established Social Enterprise
Existing and established Social enterprises that have been operating in Abu Dhabi
Conditions:
- Social enterprise recognition (as per DCD social enterprise policy and classification
- Tackles one or more Abu Dhabi social challenges 5 year of operational track record
- AED 500,00 cash capital
- Has a clear social impact based on DCD social enterprise and classification policy
Social start-ups
Social start-ups that went through Ma’an social incubator or accelerator program and successfully graduated
Conditions:
- Social enterprise recognition (as per DCD social enterprise policy and classification
- Tackles one or more Abu Dhabi social challenges
- A graduate of Ma’an Incubator or Accelerator Programs or other programs
- Operated 1 year after graduation
- Has a clear social impact based on Ma’an social impact measure based on DCD social enterprise and classification policy
- Innovative social solutions
- IP, novelty etc. -- Optional
Special Talent
Sports Professionals
Pro-Player
Conditions:
- Must have a general recommendation from the General Sports Authority or Abu Dhabi Sports Council
- The absence of any previous sporting penalties against the player related to sports doping that led to his cessation of playing
- To have a medal by one of the individual players at the Olympic Games regionally or internationally
- Directly contributed to his team winning the World Cup or the Asian Cup
- To be a participant in the Olympic Games for several Arab or regional tournaments
- He must have contributed to the team he was joining in regional or global championships
- To be an accredited member of an international organization in the field of sports
Pro-Trainer
Conditions:
- Coached a player or team locally or internationally for a period of not less than three consecutive sports seasons and has an influential role in achieving the player or team's achievement
- Must have participated in the training of a player or team that has achieved a continental or global success
Sports Medical Professionals
Conditions:
- Coached a player or team locally or internationally for a period of not less than three consecutive sports seasons and has an influential role in achieving the player or team's achievement
- He must have participated in the training of a player or team that has achieved a continental or global success.