For high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, there are two main ways to obtain a residence visa in Dubai for themselves and their family members: through property purchase or company registration. The procedure for obtaining a visa through company registration has already been reviewed by us earlier.
This overview provides up-to-date information on how to obtain a UAE residence visa in Dubai through real estate purchase, the requirements for the property, the visa's validity period, and its advantages and limitations compared to a residence visa obtained through company registration.
Property requirements for obtaining a residence visa
First of all, the property must fall under the category of residential real estate. This type of property traditionally grants the owner the right to obtain a residence visa. The property must be located in areas with permitted foreign ownership (freehold zones).
The minimum property value required to obtain a residence visa is at least AED 1,000,000. In the case of joint ownership of a property by several individuals, each owner's share must meet the specified minimum threshold.
In recent years, the legislation has been expanded. In particular, the aggregation of the value of several properties is permitted, provided that the total value of the assets meets the established minimum. In addition, in certain cases, a residence visa may be issued for the ownership of specific types of commercial real estate, provided this is expressly permitted by the migration authorities and registration bodies.
The property must be completed and fully commissioned. Off-plan properties, regardless of their final value, do not grant the right to obtain a residence visa until construction is completed and ownership is registered.
Validity period of the residence visa through property ownership
A residence visa obtained on the basis of property ownership in the UAE is generally issued for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal provided that ownership is retained and migration requirements are met.
Documents required to obtain the visa
To apply for this type of residence visa, a standard set of documents is required, including:
- certificate of property ownership;
- sale and purchase agreement (Title Deed/Sale and Purchase Agreement);
- copy of the property owner’s passport;
- copy of the current visa (tourist or visit visa);
- passport-size photographs.
Additional documents related to the medical examination, issuance of the Emirates ID, and medical insurance may also be required.
Advantages and limitations of this option
The main advantage of this type of visa is that it is directly linked to the purchase of real estate in the UAE. If property acquisition aligns with your investment and lifestyle plans, this option is a logical and relatively straightforward solution.
At the same time, the following points should be taken into account:
- The validity period of a property-based residence visa is 2 years, whereas visas obtained through company registration are generally issued for 3 years;
- A residence visa through property ownership does not grant the right to work or conduct business in the UAE;
- A visa obtained through company registration allows you to legally work and use the company as a full-fledged, tax-efficient business instrument.
If property acquisition is the primary objective and business activity in the UAE is not planned, a property-based residence visa may be a simpler and more cost-effective solution. In all other cases, especially where business activity is required, company registration and obtaining a visa through the company are more universal options.
Procedure for obtaining a residence visa through property ownership
There are two possible approaches.
- Option 1 – independent application. This route involves personally completing all stages of the procedure, including document submission, fee payment, medical examination, and issuance of the Emirates ID. The process is not overly complex, but it requires time, understanding of administrative procedures, and personal presence in the UAE.
- Option 2 – application through our company. In this case, your involvement is kept to a minimum. As a rule, only one personal visit to the relevant authority in Dubai is required, where the applicant’s presence is mandatory. All other stages of the procedure are handled by our specialists, ensuring accurate and efficient visa processing.
