Services in Abu Dhabi
Visa, Residency & Investment Services in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the UAE capital: calmer than Dubai, strong in finance, energy, research and education, with a growing freehold property market. This page explains the local authorities and how DXB.IST supports your move.
Short answer
Abu Dhabi residence is processed through ICP, businesses are licensed by the Department of Economic Development or ADGM, and freehold property is registered with the emirate's property authority. DXB.IST coordinates visas, company setup and relocation in the capital.
At a glance
- Residence authority
- ICP
- Financial free zone
- ADGM
- Business licensing
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development or a free zone
- Freehold areas
- Saadiyat, Yas, Al Reem, Al Maryah
- School regulator
- ADEK
Services in Abu Dhabi
InvestmentUAE Golden Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost & Steps
In Abu Dhabi the Golden Visa is handled through ICP, and property cases rely on a title deed registered with the emirate's property authority.
Property investors, entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, creatives and outstanding students
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InvestmentDubai 2-Year Property Investor Visa (AED 750k)
Abu Dhabi property visas depend on freehold areas such as Saadiyat, Yas and Al Reem, and we confirm the current value threshold before you buy.
Property buyers who want residence at a lower entry level than the Golden Visa
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BusinessDubai Company Formation: Mainland vs Free Zone Guide
Abu Dhabi offers mainland licences through the Department of Economic Development and free zones such as ADGM, Masdar City and KEZAD.
Entrepreneurs, consultants, traders and investors who want a UAE company and residence
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StudyUAE Student Visa: University Sponsorship & Documents
Universities such as Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi and Zayed University sponsor student visas, and ADEK oversees schools in the emirate.
International students and parents choosing a university or school in the UAE
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WorkUAE Employment Visa: Process, Documents & Timeline
For Abu Dhabi jobs the employer arranges the work permit through MOHRE or the free-zone authority, followed by ICP residence and Emirates ID.
Professionals with a UAE job offer and employers hiring from abroad
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WorkUAE Freelance Permit & 5-Year Green Visa Guide
Abu Dhabi freelancers often work under a free-zone permit, for example twofour54 for media, and Green Visa files go through ICP.
Freelancers, consultants, self-employed professionals and skilled employees who want independent residence
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FamilyUAE Family Sponsorship Visa: Spouse, Children, Parents
Abu Dhabi residents sponsor family through ICP with proof of income, accommodation and a registered tenancy or title deed.
UAE residents who want their spouse, children or parents to live with them
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ResidencyUAE Retirement Visa: Age 55+ Requirements & Steps
Retirees in Abu Dhabi file through ICP and may qualify through property, savings or pension income, with figures confirmed before applying.
Retirees aged 55 and over who want to live in the UAE
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ResidencyDubai Remote Work Visa: Income, Documents & How to Apply
The remote work visa suits professionals employed abroad who want Abu Dhabi's calmer pace, and it is filed through ICP.
Employees and business owners working for companies abroad who want to live in the UAE
View serviceStudyStudy in Dubai: University Admission in the UAE
Abu Dhabi hosts federal, private and international institutions, and we confirm each programme's accreditation with CAA and MoHESR before you apply.
School leavers, international students and their families
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Why do people relocate to or invest in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi attracts professionals in finance, energy, healthcare, research and government-linked sectors, and families who want space, green areas and a quieter pace than Dubai. It has no personal income tax, a strong university scene and a financial centre, ADGM, built on common-law courts.
Which districts and free zones matter?
Freehold and investment-oriented areas include Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, while Masdar City is known for technology and sustainability. Business owners choose between mainland licensing through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and free zones such as ADGM, Masdar City Free Zone, KEZAD and twofour54 for media. Each has its own activities, office and visa rules.
What does it cost to live in Abu Dhabi?
Housing is the main cost and is often somewhat lower than in comparable Dubai areas, though it varies by island and building. School fees matter for families, while groceries and transport are moderate and salaries carry no personal income tax. We compare neighbourhoods and budgets with you before you rent or buy.
What about schools and universities?
Schools are overseen by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and follow several international curricula. Universities include Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Zayed University, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
Which authorities and service centres will you deal with?
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security): residence visas, Emirates ID and Golden Visa files.
- ADGM: licensing and visas for companies in Abu Dhabi Global Market.
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development: mainland trade licences.
- The emirate's property authority and registry: title deeds and registration of freehold property.
- TAMM and approved typing centres: government services and transactions in Abu Dhabi.
- MOHRE: employment contracts and work permits.
DXB.IST coordinates these offices for you, from eligibility check and translations to appointments, medical tests and Emirates ID, and our travel desk arranges airport transfers and hotels.
Frequently asked questions
ICP handles residence visas and Emirates ID for Abu Dhabi residents.