The department you should select for your UAE Golden Visa application—Abu Dhabi or Dubai—depends on your personal circumstances, location, and the emirate where your visa-related processes will be handled. Here's how to decide:
1. Based on Your Location or Sponsorship
- If you live in Abu Dhabi or have a sponsor based there:
Choose Abu Dhabi's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) for your application.
- If you live in Dubai or have a sponsor based there:
Select Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to process your visa.
2. Based on Your Golden Visa Category
Some emirates have tailored their systems to specific Golden Visa categories. Consider the following:
Abu Dhabi:
- Known for offering streamlined processes for professionals, scientists, and researchers.
- Suitable for healthcare workers, scientists, and academics.
- Authority: ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security).
Dubai:
- Often chosen by entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals seeking business opportunities.
- Dubai has a robust infrastructure for startup founders and investors.
- Authority: GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
3. For Foreign Applications
If you're applying from outside the UAE, the location depends on where you plan to reside or invest:
- If your investments, work, or residency will be in Abu Dhabi: Choose Abu Dhabi (ICA).
- If your focus is on Dubai for business or personal reasons: Choose Dubai (GDRFA).
4. Consider Application Timelines and Services
- Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer similar Golden Visa categories and services, but the processing times and methods may vary slightly.
- Dubai's GDRFA offers an online portal and app-based services that are highly efficient.
5. Summary Table
| Criteria | Abu Dhabi (ICA) | Dubai (GDRFA) |
|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Location of Residence | Living in Abu Dhabi | Living in Dubai |
| Category Focus | Scientists, specialists, and academics | Entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners |
| Investment Location | Investments in Abu Dhabi | Investments in Dubai |
| Authority | Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship | General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs |
| Processing Efficiency | Streamlined for federal categories | Highly efficient for business and startups |
Recommendation
- Choose Abu Dhabi: If your work, investment, or sponsorship is based in Abu Dhabi.
- Choose Dubai: If your business or long-term plans are centered in Dubai.
If you’re unsure, consider the emirate where your primary activity (work, business, or residence) will take place. Let me know if you'd like further clarification! 😊