Types of Residence Visas in Dubai Through Real Estate Investment

In a strong, fast-growing real estate scene, the United Arab Emirates captures the attention of international investors who seek more than just financial returns; they look for a stable future and promising opportunities within a supportive economic environment and world-class infrastructure. As interest rises, fundamental questions emerge about obtaining long-term residency or even citizenship through real estate investment. We share the details below.

The United Arab Emirates offers a range of investor-linked residence visa options, and the Golden Visa is by far the most prominent choice for high-level real estate investors. Here is an overview of the types of residence visas available in Dubai through real estate investment:

Golden Residence Visa for Real Estate Investors

Under the UAE’s long-term residence framework, the Golden Visa grants qualified real estate investors a 10 years renewable residence, subject to all of the following:

• Ownership of property or a portfolio of properties worth at least AED 2,000,000 at the time of purchase.
• If the property is mortgaged, a “No Objection Certificate” from the lending bank and proof of payment of instalments covering AED 2,000,000 or more.
• Submission of an ownership certificate issued by the Land Department of the relevant Emirate.

Advantages of the 10 Years Golden Residence

Here is a summary of the benefits of the 10 years Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates:

• Renewable long-term residence for 10 years.
• No need for a local sponsor.
• Ability to remain outside the UAE for periods exceeding six months without visa cancellation.
• Eligibility to sponsor family members (spouse and children) and domestic staff under specified conditions.
• Issuance of a six-month multiple-entry pre-residence visa to complete the golden visa formalities. 

Five Years Residence visa for the retired via Real Estate Investment

Retired expatriates aged 55 or above may obtain a 5 years renewable visa through real estate investment to live and reside in the UAE.

To be eligible for this category of visas, the retired expatriate must meet the following UAE investor-residence requirements for retirees:

• The applicant must be at least 55 years old or have completed a minimum of 15 years of professional service (inside or outside the UAE) prior to retirement.
• Ownership of one or more properties with a combined value of at least AED 1,000,000.

Key Benefits of the 5 Years Retirement Visa

Retired expatriates enjoy a range of benefits under the five-year residence permit in the United Arab Emirates, including the following key advantages:

• Renewable long-term residence for up to 5 years.
• Full exemption from income tax, enhancing the UAE’s appeal as a financial hub.
• Eligibility to sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children under 18).

2 Years Real Estate Investor Residence

Investors owning property valued at AED 750,000 or more at the time of purchase may apply for a two-year renewable residence visa, with the right to sponsor spouse and minor children.

Note: If the property is mortgaged, at least 50 % of its value (minimum AED 750,000) must be paid to the bank, and the applicant must submit a bank “No Objection Certificate” alongside a mortgage statement.

Advantages of the Two-Year Investor Visa

Here are the benefits of the two-year real estate investor residence:

• Renewable 2 years residence.
• Eligibility to sponsor spouse and children.
• Joint ownership with spouse permitted, provided the combined property value meets or exceeds AED 750,000.

Can Real Estate Investors Obtain Emirati Citizenship?

The UAE Nationality Law underwent significant amendments in 2021, opening the door for certain categories of foreigners, and their immediate families (spouse and children), including real estate investors, to acquire Emirati citizenship, provided that the investor owns property in the United Arab Emirates.

It is important to note that, unlike the clear AED 2 million minimum property threshold for the Golden Residence Visa, no specific minimum property value has been stipulated for citizenship. This implies that the decision may depend on other, non-public factors or that the authorities retain discretion and flexibility in this matter. While property ownership remains a fundamental requirement, it is not, by itself, sufficient.

Real estate investors must clearly distinguish between UAE residency (even long-term visas such as the Golden Residence) and Emirati citizenship (nationality), as each status carries its own distinct legal framework, rights, and obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions