Abu Dhabi 10-Year Golden Visa for Scientists and Researchers Announced

Abu Dhabi just unlocked a major opportunity for the world’s brightest minds. If you’ve been publishing groundbreaking research, innovating in science and tech, or leading R&D labs—this is your golden moment. Literally. The capital of the UAE is offering a 10-Year Golden Visa for Scientists and Researchers, giving you a decade to live, work, and thrive in one of the world’s most advanced innovation hubs.

Let’s decode this exciting update, shall we?

Who’s Eligible? (Calling all brainiacs ‍‍)

If you’re working at the cutting edge of Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences, or Natural Sciences, and you’ve got the academic creds to match, Abu Dhabi wants you. Here’s how to know you’re a good fit:

Option 1: Education + Research Metrics You must:

• • Hold a Master’s or PhD in a relevant scientific field (recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education).
  • Your degree should be from:
    • A top 500 university globally for PhD holders
    • A top 250 university for Master’s holders
    • OR from a top 100 field-specific university
  • Have a Field Weighted Citation Index (FWCI) of 1.0+
  • An H-index of 10+.

Option 2: Scopus-Savvy Scientists

• • Got a Scopus H-index over 20? You’re golden.

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Option 3: R&D Achievers

• • Have a track record of establishing or leading Research and Development sectors inside or outside UAE?
  • A Master’s or PhD in a relevant field is required.
  • Even better if you’ve got a Scopus H-index to show off.

What You’ll Need (a.k.a. Proof You’re Brilliant)?

Depending on which route you’re applying through, here’s your paperwork checklist:

For Master’s/PhD Applicants:

• • Degree (Engineering, Tech, Life/Natural Sciences)
  • Equivalency certificate (Ministry of Education, UAE)
  • FWCI 1.0+ screenshot or link
  • H-index 10+ screenshot or link
  • Updated CV.

For Scopus H-index Route:

• • Screenshot or link showing Scopus H-index > 20
  • CV

For R&D Wizards:

• • Degree in a relevant field
  • Documentation of achievements in research sector development
  • Optional: Scopus H-index screenshot/link
  • CV

✳️ Note: All applications go through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office and are reviewed by the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology for final nomination.

Apply: https://www.added.gov.ae/en/live/long-term-residency/abu-dhabi-golden-visa/for-specialists/for-scientists-and-researchers

Why This Matters (Spoiler: It’s a Big Deal)

Here’s what a 10-year Golden Visa gives you:

• A decade of residency in the UAE—no renewals, no stress.
• Access to the innovation ecosystem of Abu Dhabi, with R&D incentives and collaboration opportunities.
• Prestige and stability for you and potentially your family.
• An elite status that opens doors—both professionally and socially.

So if you’ve been hunting for a research-friendly nation that appreciates your brainpower—and backs it up with world-class infrastructure—Abu Dhabi just gave you the green light.

Now’s the time to step forward and take your place among the world’s top-tier innovators. Golden Visas don’t just unlock doors—they open worlds.

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