All about real estate investor visas in the UAE

• Types of UAE Investor Visas
• Dubai Property Visa Rules
• Things to Consider
• Cost of UAE Long-term Visas
• FAQs

In 2019, the UAE launched Golden Visa to enable investors to apply for a long-term residency in the country. The implementation of this scheme, coupled with consistently high ROI and global appeal of the country’s property market, has proven to be a major draw in attracting real estate investors. Currently, there are two long-term visas for real estate investors. Want to apply for a UAE investor visa? We’ve compiled everything you need to know.

TYPES OF UAE INVESTOR VISA

With UAE Golden Visas in place, foreigners are eligible to work, live and study without the need of a national sponsor. Read on to find out all about the investor visa UAE requirements.

A 10-YEAR INVESTOR VISA UAE

It is mandatory for a foreign investor to have at least AED 10M public investment in the UAE to be eligible for the 10-year long term visa. This investment can be made in any of the seven emirates in the UAE without a sponsor.

Take a look below at the list of the investment types where one can attain a long-term real estate investor visa under the General Investor category.

• Upon establishing a new company in any of the emirates with a capital investment of equal to AED 10M.
• Upon establishing a partnership in an existing company with a share value of a minimum of AED 10M.
• Upon having deposits with an investment value of at least AED 10M in any emirate of the UAE.
• Upon ensuring that within the total investment of AED 10M, 60% of that amount or AED 6M of the total investment is made in sectors other than the real estate market.

CONDITIONS AND REQUISITES FOR A 10-YEAR INVESTOR VISA

• The investors will have to prove that the amount invested is not loaned.
• The investment must be retained for at least three years.
• There should also be financial solvency of the investment for the amount of AED 10M.
• Investors with a 10-year visa can include an executive director and an advisor apart from their children and spouse.
• This visa can also be extended to business partners if each contributes an investment amount of AED 10M.
• Foreign investors can apply for a multiple-entry permit for a six-month period.

The long-term residence is also applicable to persons with specialised talents in the field of art, culture or science. One of the many conditions for that is that they should be accredited by the ministry in their respective fields.

A 5-YEAR INVESTOR VISA UAE

Real estate investors can also apply for a 5-year residence visa in the UAE, given that they follow the conditions set for this type of visa.

CONDITIONS AND REQUISITES FOR A 5-YEAR PROPERTY INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI

• It is mandatory for the investor to make an investment in a property that is not less than AED 5M.
• The investors must ensure that the amount is not loaned.
• Another condition is that the property must be retained for at least three years.

5-YEAR REAL ESTATE VISA IN ABU DHABI

Real estate investors can also apply for a five-year visa to Abu Dhabi. The conditions for that are, however, different from the rest of the emirates.

CONDITIONS AND REQUISITES FOR A 5-YEAR PROPERTY INVESTOR VISA IN ABU DHABI

• Investors must invest in a property worth no less than AED 2 million
• If they have mortgaged properties, they must have at least a minimum cash of AED 2 million to apply for this visa.
• They must retain investments for a minimum of two years after getting a visa.
• The real estate investor visa allows residency for spouses and children in Abu Dhabi.
• The visa holder also has the right to sponsor a domestic worker, given that they follow the relevant rules and regulations.
• Real estate investors must show their investment profile (single/aggregate) or proof of property worth at least AED 2 million.
• Investors must also give proof of mortgage status (Mortgaged or Released).

Want to know more about the procedure, requirements and conditions to apply for this type of visa? Check our guide to the Abu Dhabi investor visa process.

DUBAI INVESTOR VISA RULES

Now you know about the basic requirements and conditions to attain a real estate investor visa. There are some micro details to this information that are applicable to real estate visa for Dubai:

• The investment value of AED 10M is the purchase value of your property and not the current market value. For instance, the property will not qualify for a visa if you purchased it for AED 9M a few years ago and it is currently worth AED 10M.
• Investment is also subject to property type. It’s recommended to contact the Dubai Land Department to find out which property types are eligible for long-term visas. 
• The investment should be made in a property that is in a habitable condition.
• Any property that is under construction, or there is a dispute or not ready will not be considered for granting an investor visa.
• In addition to this, the property should not be declared unsafe by the authorities for any reason to qualify for an investor visa.
• It is also necessary that the property should be in a freehold area in Dubai and you are the rightful owner. If the property is in a leasehold area then you are not the rightful owner. In such a case, it needs to specify for how many years you are leasing the property.
• The list of properties that are acceptable for an investor visa include apartments, serviced apartments, townhouse, villas, office, hotel rooms, hotel apartments and warehouse.
• The list of property that is not acceptable for a real estate visa includes off-plan property, leasehold property and disputed property.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT UAE INVESTOR VISA

Since the UAE investment visa rules keep changing rapidly, it is important to consider some visa rules update regarding investor visas.

• In March 2022, Abu Dhabi Residents Office launched exclusive commercial benefits for golden visa holders. Now investors will be eligible for discounts on cars, health care, property, hospitality, banking services and health insurance plans both in and outside the UAE.
• The UAE previously launched the “Thrive in Abu Dhabi” programme that encourages international investors to invest in key sectors in the capital city. Under this programme, investors can obtain a 10-year residency in Abu Dhabi.
• The UAE has made an unprecedented change in the immigration laws to pave way for investors to set up business operations in the country. As per the UAE new Citizenship law, investors can become citizens of the UAE after investing in the country.
• It is not necessary to make an investment in a single property worth AED 10M. You can invest in a maximum of three properties with a total worth greater than or equal to the required amount.
• You are also eligible for a real estate visa investor visa Dubai on the mortgaged property if you have paid off the mortgage value of AED 10M.
• In the case of joint ownership of a property, it is necessary that a person applying for an investor visa has a share of AED 10M.
• In the case of joint ownership of the husband and wife, an attested marriage certificate should be provided as proof along with other necessary credentials to apply for a real estate investor visa in Dubai. 
• Those who want to sponsor families also need to consider these UAE visa rules for the family as they are also applicable in attaining long-term visas.

UAE LONG-TERM VISA FEES

The real estate investor visa UAE cost differs based on the type of visa you’re applying for. Here is the list of charges you must deposit to apply for residence visas in the UAE:

• Above mentioned prices are for the popular visa processes. You can consider the list of applicable UAE investor visa fees on the official website of Amer 24/7.

FAQs ABOUT UAE INVESTOR VISA

HOW TO GET AN INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI?

Getting an investor visa in the UAE is contingent upon documentation, cost and application format. Aside from a 3-year investor visa, you can now apply for a 5 or 10-year residency. Check out our guide to investor visa requirements in Dubai.

WHAT IS A DUBAI BUSINESS GOLD VISA?

The Business Gold Visa is a gateway for global entrepreneurs who intend to set up businesses in the UAE. Under this visa, business magnates from all over the world can get a long-term visa for themselves as well as their dependents. It is one of the special types of visas in Dubai.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS THAT APPLY FOR A UAE GOLD BUSINESS VISA?

• You must have sufficient entrepreneurial experience.
• You must be a shareholder of a start-up or a senior role in a company.
• It is important for you to consider relocating to the UAE and setting up a business there.
• You must have a tangible business idea that you intend to bring to life in the country.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OR REQUISITES TO APPLY FOR A 5-YEAR BUSINESS VISA IN DUBAI?

• Entrepreneurs must have an existing project with a capital amount of AED 500,000 to apply for this visa.
• Investors can only avail of a multi-entry visa for six months. After the term expires, they can renew your visa for another six months.
• The entrepreneurs can include a partner and three executives apart from their spouse and children with this visa.

WHAT ARE THE INVESTOR VISA DUBAI BENEFITS?

The key benefits for investing in Dubai are as follows:

• You can reside freely in the country.
• You can open a bank account in Dubai as well as other emirates.
• You can obtain a driving licence in Dubai.
• You can teach in schools in Dubai.

That brings an end to our guide on the property investor visa in the UAE. Similar to investor visas, there are residence visas that ensure a long-term stay in the country. If you already have one, make sure to keep an eye out for the UAE investor visa validity. Here is how you can check your UAE visa status.

If you are looking for more investment options, take your bet on any of these bankable areas in Dubai. But before you make any investment, learn about the legal steps for buying property in Dubai.