The UAE has become a top destination for investment, thanks to its strategic location, booming markets, and forward-thinking policies. Among these, the Golden Visa for real estate investors stands out as one of the most appealing opportunities for foreign investors. If you’re looking to buy a property in Dubai or other UAE emirates, this long-term residency option could be your entry point to numerous benefits.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Golden Visa real estate program: eligibility, requirements, application process, and the benefits of securing a Golden Visa in the UAE.
- Benefits for Golden Visa Real Estate Investors
- Who Is Eligible for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
- What are the requirements for a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa Through Real Estate Investment?
- How Can You Apply for a Golden Visa as a Real Estate Investor?
- What Are the Fees for Issuing a 10-Year Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors?
- FAQs
1. Benefits for Golden Visa Real Estate Investors
The UAE Golden Visa program is designed to attract investors, professionals, and talent from around the world. Real estate investment is one way to qualify for the Golden Visa program, and those holding investment visas in Dubai enjoy exclusive privileges that can greatly improve their opportunities in the UAE.
Investors can enjoy numerous benefits with a Golden Visa, including:
- 6-Month Entry Visa: An entry visa for 6 months with multiple entries, making it easier to proceed with residence issuance.
- Long-term Stability: A 10-year visa that’s renewable, offering investors a secure, long-term residency in the UAE.
- No Sponsor Required: Unlike traditional visas, the Golden Visa allows you to live and work in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor, providing greater flexibility.
- Family-Friendly: You can sponsor your spouse, children (of any age), and even domestic helpers, making it an ideal choice for families.
- Freedom to Stay Abroad: You can remain outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing your residency status.
2. Who Is Eligible for a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The Dubai Golden Visa program caters to a wide range of investors and professionals. Entrepreneurs, scientists, top-performing students, and graduates, as well as individuals recognized as humanitarian pioneers or frontline heroes, may be eligible for a Golden Visa in the UAE, with real estate investors also being a key focus.
A Golden Visa provides the opportunity to live, work, or study in the UAE, along with a range of exclusive benefits. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent across various sectors, contributing to its dynamic, multicultural community.
3. What are the requirements for a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa Through Real Estate Investment
The requirements for a 10-Year Golden Visa in the UAE through real estate investment, are the following:
- Minimum Property Value: You need to own one or more properties worth at least AED 2 million. This can include off-plan and mortgaged properties.
- Shared Ownership: The property can be a shared one – for example, between spouses, but the share of the applicant should be worth at least AED 2 million.
- Property Purchase with a Mortgage: If the property has a mortgage, you must obtain an NOC from the bank to support your application.
- Off-Plan Properties: For off-plan properties, you will need to prove the property’s value is at least AED 2 million and that it’s 50% completed. You must also pay 50% of the total property value upfront.
Important Note:
- You must be physically present in the UAE when applying for the UAE Golden Visa.
- The visa can be renewed upon expiration, provided the same criteria are still met.
- Conditions may vary by emirate. For example, the Abu Dhabi Residents Office requires maintaining the investment for at least 2 years after the real estate investment visa is issued.
Learn More About the Investment Visa
Below are the key documents required to obtain a 10-year Golden Visa through real estate investment.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is up to date and has at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Property Title Deed: This document, issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) verifies your ownership of the property.
- Recent Photo: A high-quality, recent photo that meets the specifications set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
- Emirates ID: If you are a UAE resident, include a copy of your Emirates ID.
- Health Insurance: A copy of your health insurance from a UAE-based provider.
4. How Can You Apply for a Golden Visa as a Real Estate Investor?
Here are the main ways you can apply for the real estate investor Golden Visa, depending on your location and preferences:
Online Application:
- Visit the ICP Smart Services website
- Select the Golden Visa services section.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay any applicable fees.
- You will receive your application via email.
Golden Visa Service Centres:
- Visit the Golden Cube at the Dubai World Trade Centre
- When you arrive, collect a queue ticket to reserve your spot for assistance.
- Complete the application form.
- Provide all the required documents.
- Pay any applicable fees.
Amer Service Centres:
- Visit your nearest Amer centre.
- When you arrive, collect a queue ticket to reserve your spot for assistance.
- Complete the application form.
- Provide all the required documents.
- Pay any applicable fees.
5. What Are the Fees for Issuing a Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors?
The total cost of obtaining a Golden Visa for real estate investors in Dubai is AED 9,684.75. Keep in mind, these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on your specific circumstances or any extra processing fees.
Here is a breakdown of the fees:
- Medical Examination: AED 700
- Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,153
- Residency Fees (10 years): AED 2,656.75
- Dubai Land Department Fees: AED 4,020
- Administrative Fees: AED 1,155
FAQs
The Golden Visa offers long-term residency, but it is not classified as permanent.
The visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed, provided the investor continues to meet the requirements.
The minimum property value required to obtain a Golden Visa through real estate investment is AED 2 million (approximately $545,000). This threshold ensures eligibility for the program.
Yes! If you are a real estate investor and own property in the UAE valued at AED 750,000 (approximately $204,000) or more, you may be eligible for a two-year renewable residence permit under the Taskeen Programme. This offers a shorter-term residency option compared to the 10-year Golden Visa.
The best areas to invest in real estate in Dubai depend on factors like your budget, investment type, and desired return, but some popular choices include:
Downtown Dubai
Dubai Marina
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Hills Estate
Arabian Ranches
Final Thoughts: Is Real Estate the Right Path to a Golden Visa for You?
Whether you’re drawn to the exciting potential of Dubai’s real estate market or the freedom and security of a long-term residency visa in the UAE, the Golden Visa real estate program is an excellent opportunity.
By meeting the Golden Visa UAE requirements, real estate investors can secure their place in one of the world’s most dynamic countries while enjoying the benefits of a flexible and family-friendly residency option. Ready to start your investment journey in the UAE? Explore our available properties for sale.
