With its status as one of the world’s most affluent cities and a geographic location that places one-third of the global population within a four-hour flight, Abu Dhabi has rightfully emerged as a highly sought-after destination for UK expatriates over the past two decades.
Coupled with world-class infrastructure and exceptional amenities, it is little wonder that the UAE’s capital has doubled its population since 2011. As the number of new arrivals, including property investors, entrepreneurs and non-real estate investors, continues to grow and this trend shows no sign of slowing, the demand for reliable, expert guidance on the immigration process is greater than ever. This guide outlines the essential information needed for High-Net-Worth Individuals planning a move from the UK to Abu Dhabi.
Why Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi boasts an exceptionally strong economy and, as the capital of the UAE, offers a high standard of living within a diverse and welcoming expatriate community. Residents enjoy the benefits of a tax-free lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and access to some of the finest healthcare professionals globally. Alongside its close neighbour Dubai, Abu Dhabi consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world.
The city also presents outstanding career prospects, with many of the world’s leading companies establishing a strong presence in the city – and the wider region. Complementing this professional appeal is an exceptional lifestyle: from fine dining and luxury hotels to premier shopping destinations and five-star beach resorts, the city offers an enviable quality of life.
Combined with its strategic position as a major global travel hub, Abu Dhabi stands out as one of the most desirable places in the world to live and work.
Entry Requirements:
Real-Estate Investors
While many people move to the city having been relocated through work, others have decided to move in order to advance their investment opportunities. An employment visa through a company is the most common visa to acquire, but investors are also eligible to move to the city without an offer of employment.
Buying property in the city automatically qualifies one for an investment visa, also known as a Golden Visa. Investors are required to own a property of no less value than AED 2 Million or purchase a property with a mortgage from a specific lender approved by the local authority. This will qualify you for a 5-year visa, renewable on the same conditions without a sponsor.
Entrepreneurs
There are a range of other ways of obtaining a Golden Visa, including being an entrepreneur or possessing an outstanding specialised talent.
Entrepreneurs are eligible for the same five-year Golden Visa as property investors if they own an economic project that is innovative, future-focused, and involves a degree of risk. To qualify, applicants must also obtain official approval letters from each of the following authorities:
- A UAE-based auditor stipulating that the endeavour is valued at more than AED 500,000
- A government entity from the emirate in question guaranteeing that the project is of a technical or future nature
- An accredited UAE-based business incubator willing to establish the venture
Non-Real Estate Investors
It is also possible to obtain a Golden Visa as a non-real estate investor who focuses on investing in companies. This visa covers family, in addition to an advisor and an executive director. Those who are eligible will have a minimum investment value of AED 2 million in the form of a deposit or a company. Alternatively, evidence of tax payments totalling a minimum of AED 250,000 per year for the two years preceding the application. For instance, if the applicant holds a 25% ownership stake in a company that pays AED 1,000,000 in annual taxes, they must provide documentation confirming their individual tax contribution of AED 250,000 per year to meet the visa eligibility criteria.
Required Documents
There are a number of different documents required to obtain a Golden Visa, depending on your specific situation.
Fully Owned Real Estate
For those who fully own a real estate property, a purchase agreement registered with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), or another authorised real estate registration authority in the UAE, must be provided to verify the details of the property, the landlord, and the purchase value. The documented value of the real estate unit at the time of purchase must be no less than AED 2,000,000.
Alternatively, persons must obtain a real estate unit value certificate from the same authority or any other competent authority in the UAE responsible for real estate registration.
Mortgaged Real Estate
If your property was purchased using a mortgage, a Real Estate Unit Value Certificate issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), or another authorised real estate registration authority in the UAE, confirming the current assessed value of the property is required.
On the other hand, a Search Certificate issued by the DMT – or any other competent real estate registration body in the UAE – confirming that the property is free from any judicial seizure and holds a minimum value of AED 2,000,000 is also acceptable.
Off-Plan Real Estate
For those purchasing off-plan (yet to be built) property, a Purchase Agreement issued by an approved real estate developer, confirming the details of the property, the landlord, and the purchase value at the time of acquisition is needed.
Otherwise, documented proof that payments made to the developer to date amount to no less than AED 2,000,000 is acceptable.
Non-Real Estate Investor
Those who are investing in a company or a partnership must provide a valid trade license as evidence of the company's incorporation or to verify the investor’s ownership of shares. An up-to-date Commercial Registration Certificate (CRC) must also be submitted to confirm the paid-in capital of the company and the percentage of ownership held by each investor. Additionally, a letter from a bank or investment fund is required to demonstrate that the capital or value of the investor’s share, amounting to no less than AED 2 million, has been duly deposited. A copy of the commercial register must also be included, confirming that there are no precautionary or executory attachments affecting the company or the investor’s share, within the legally prescribed limits.
Upon Arrival
Once you arrive in Abu Dhabi, the process of acquiring your residence permit will begin. A medical examination is required to receive a health certificate, which includes blood tests for infectious diseases, as well as an X-ray.
Upon passing your health check, you then need to submit all required documents, including your passport and the aforementioned documents as per your Golden Visa category, to be verified by the Abu Dhabi government office. Investors will also need to provide the required documents mentioned above.
Once your documents have been confirmed, you will then be required to complete biometric verification (i.e. fingerprint registration) before receiving your Golden Visa – usually within one to two weeks upon completion of the process.
Moving With Family
For those who are moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK with family, there are additional considerations. Golden visas include dependents, so you will not need to worry about acquiring individual visas for family members.
Schools are one of the biggest things families need to think about, and there is an abundance of top-class private schools in the city. Most schools offer either the British or International Baccalaureate curriculum, so moving to the city from the UK will not disrupt your child’s education.
Another thing to consider is health insurance. UAE law dictates that having valid health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all residents. Different providers offer different services, so finding a plan to suit your needs is essential.
Arguably, the biggest consideration when moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK is housing. The city represents one of the most robust property markets in the GCC region, meaning there is an abundance of properties to suit every need. Areas such as the exclusive Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island and Raha Beach are all outstanding choices for high-net-worth individuals making the move from the UK to Abu Dhabi.
Legal and Cultural Considerations
Moving to a new country represents a few cultural considerations which need to be taken into account. Culturally, Abu Dhabi is a little different from the UK, and while the city – and wider UAE – have become slightly less conservative in recent years, it is still imperative to observe the local customs and traditions, as well as understanding differences in the legal system for those investing.
Public behaviour and decency laws are in place throughout the UAE. As such, public displays of affection and public intoxication are generally not accepted and can land you in trouble with the law. It is important to note that alcohol consumption is legal in licensed venues – which are widespread throughout the country – so there is really no need to ever be in a situation where this might come into play.
Adherence to the local dress code should also be taken into account. While it is not necessary for Western expats to dress in local traditional clothing, dressing modestly in public should be observed, meaning covering shoulders and knees in public, as well as in government buildings is the general rule of thumb.
Respect for elders and those in positions of authority is also taken seriously in the UAE. Understanding and respecting Islamic practices such as designated prayer times, as well as the culturally and religiously significant holidays like Ramadan, where people should not eat, drink or smoke in public, can also help you better integrate into life in the city.
New residents should be aware of photography restrictions in and around government buildings, while business etiquette dictates that formal relationships should be maintained to ensure successful interactions. English is the dominant language throughout the UAE, but learning some basic Arabic phrases will also help make your transition a smoother one.
