Dubai
The real estate sector has always been one of the most important drivers of Dubai's economic growth. The emirate's government has been persistent in introducing and implementing various policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the sector, which has helped in preserving investor confidence and ensuring a steady increase in foreign investment inflow.
An investment visa obtained from the purchase of real estate can be issued in several types of validity, which are mentioned below:
- A 2-year period if the total investment of the property (up to 3 units) is AED 750,000 (USD 205,000) or higher.
- A 10-year period if the total investment in real estate (up to 3 units) is valued at AED 2,000,000 (USD 545,000) or more.
- A 5-year UAE retirement visa if the total real estate investment (up to 3 units) amounts to AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,000) or more. The applicant must be over 55 years of age.
- A 1-year period if the construction of the property is not completed. This option is only possible with confirmation from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), depending on the readiness of the project.
As a result of the amendments to the visa legislation which came into effect on 3rd October 2022, the threshold for the Golden Visa has been lowered to AED 2,000,000 (USD 545,000).
All types of visas can be renewed multiple times and now apply to your family members (husband/wife and children). Below we will outline the requirements and key features of visas for potential investors.
2-Year Visa
When you acquire a completed residential property worth at least AED 750,000 (USD 205,000) in Dubai you get the opportunity to apply for a 2-year investor visa. This, in turn, will enable you to apply for an Emirates ID card, which is required to open a local bank account, obtain a driving license and much more.
Expats who own 1 to 3 residential properties with a total value of at least AED 750,000 (USD 205,000) are also eligible for an investor visa.
If the property is mortgaged, 50% of the property value (or at least AED 750,000) must be paid at the time of application. You must also provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a mortgage bank statement to the DLD.
NBD! The holder of a 2-year visa is entitled to spend a maximum of 6 months per year outside the UAE.
Retirement Visa
This visa is granted for a period of 5 years and is available for investors who are at least 55 years of age. Applicants for this type of residency must have UAE medical insurance at the time of application and meet one of the criteria mentioned below:
- Savings of at least AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,000) in a deposit account with a local UAE bank OR
- Purchase real estate in Dubai worth at least AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,000). The purchase of the property must be done with their own funds only.
This type of visa can be renewed every 5 years provided the above requirements are met. The holder of the retirement visa is allowed to sponsor their spouses and children.
10-Year Visa or Golden Visa
If you own a property worth at least AED 2,000,000 (USD 545,000) in the UAE, you can apply for a Golden Visa.
The 10-year investor visa allows its holders to sponsor visas for their family members (children regardless of age, parents and domestic staff). In addition, under the latest amendments, family members are allowed to remain in the UAE for the duration of the Golden Visa in the event of the death of the principal holder. In contrast to previous regulations, where the stay abroad was limited to 180 days, the Golden Visa remains valid even if you are out of the country for over six months. It takes 7 to 10 working days to obtain this type of visa.
As an extra perk, Golden Visa holders can also apply for the Esaad card, which allows you to enjoy lucrative discounts on goods and services across 7,000+ brands.
NBD! When buying an off-plan property, an investor can also qualify for a 10-year visa, provided that the value of the unit is purchased for a minimum of AED 2,000,000 (USD 545,000), and the stage of construction of the project will allow doing so. In this case, prior approval will be required from the DLD.
Abu Dhabi
Investing in real estate in Abu Dhabi is a reliable and promising way to raise capital.
- Property prices in Abu Dhabi are lower than comparable cities worldwide.
- The return on investment is around 9%, depending on the area and the type of property.
- Property is not subject to an annual property tax.
The same as Dubai, the 10-year Abu Dhabi investor visa is available for real estate investments of at least AED 2,000,000. This is a perfect option for those looking to invest in a lucrative property market or live in the UAE with their family.
The Metropolitan Capital Real Estate team are ready to assist you in picking a property in Abu Dhabi for a 10-year investor visa.
Ras Al Khaimah
Property in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, which can safely be called the new business and tourist center of the UAE, has become an attractive target for the investment of financial assets. Today, the emirate is booming with construction, industry and specialized economic zones aimed at the promotion of stability and prosperity of the local economy.
Nestled just 40 minutes' from Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah still has a slight advantage over the latter, which is the relatively low cost of real estate.
Similar to Abu Dhabi, an investor visa in Ras Al Khaimah is available for real estate investments of AED 2,000,000 or more.
The highly qualified professionals at METROPOLITAN CONSULTING are ready to assist you in obtaining a long term visa upon real estate acquisition in the UAE.