UAE Residence Visa
Real Estate Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
The UAE Residence Visa by Real Estate Investment offers a 10-year renewable visa to investors who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million. It provides long-term residency, tax advantages, and the right to live, work, and open a business in the UAE.
UAE Residence Visa Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- 10-year residence permit, renewable
- Right to live, work, study
- Spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21 could be sponsored
- Right to establish a business in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor
Travel and Quality of Life
- Attractive tax regime
Ease of Access
- No physical residency requirement
- No language requirement
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be of good character
- Must have medical insurance
- Must make a qualifying real-estate investment, to be held for the entire duration of the residence permit
UAE Residence Visa Investment Requirements
Investment Conditions
- Purchase one or more properties within the same emirate, with a total minimum value of AED 2 million (approx. USD 550,000), in an approved real estate project
- Possibility of renting out the investment property
UAE Residence Visa process
Processing time 4-6 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Pre-vetting and due diligence checks
- Visit UAE to submit the application, complete medical checkup and biometric data collection
Approval And Investment
- Purchase qualifying property
UAE Residency
- Issuance of UAE golden visa, freelance work permit, Emirates ID
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UAE Real Estate Investor Visa (Golden Visa) – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAE Real Estate Investor Visa (Golden Visa)?
The UAE Real Estate Investor Visa, commonly known as the Golden Visa, is a 10-year renewable residence permit granted to investors who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000) in an approved UAE real estate project. It provides the right to live, work, study, and establish a business in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor, along with an attractive tax regime and no minimum physical residency requirement.
Who is eligible for the UAE Real Estate Investor Golden Visa?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be of good character with no criminal record, hold valid medical insurance, and make a qualifying real estate investment of at least AED 2 million in one emirate. The property must be held for the entire duration of the residence permit. Most nationalities are eligible, though certain nationalities may face restrictions or receive a shorter visa duration.
What is the minimum property investment required for the UAE Golden Visa?
The minimum qualifying investment is AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000). Investors may purchase one or more properties within the same emirate, provided the combined value reaches this threshold. The property must be within an approved real estate project and held for the full duration of the visa.
Can I combine multiple properties to reach the AED 2 million threshold?
Yes. The combined value of multiple properties located within the same emirate can count towards the AED 2 million minimum investment requirement. Each property must be part of an approved real estate project.
Can I use a mortgage to qualify for the UAE Real Estate Investor Visa?
Yes. A mortgaged property can qualify provided the combined value of the down payment and outstanding mortgage totals at least AED 2 million. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the financing bank is required as part of the application.
Can I rent out my investment property while holding the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. Rental income from the qualifying property is permitted and does not affect the validity of the residence visa. Investors commonly use rental returns to offset holding costs, provided tenancy contracts comply with UAE visa regulations.
Is there a minimum stay requirement to maintain the UAE Golden Visa?
No. The UAE Real Estate Investor Visa carries no minimum physical residency requirement. Holders can reside abroad indefinitely and still renew their visa, provided the qualifying property is retained and renewal conditions are met.
Can family members be sponsored under the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents, and domestic helpers. Each family member is processed as a separate file and must meet standard UAE health and documentation requirements.
What happens if I sell my investment property during the visa period?
If the qualifying property is sold without an equivalent replacement, the Golden Visa will be cancelled. To maintain residency, the investor must transfer the qualifying investment to another property worth at least AED 2 million before completing the sale. Careful timing of the property transfer is essential to avoid a gap in visa status.
How long does the UAE Golden Visa application process take?
Initial approval typically takes 3 to 4 working days after application submission. Full visa issuance — including the medical check-up, biometric data collection, Emirates ID, and freelance work permit — is completed within 4 to 6 months. Applicants must visit the UAE in person to complete the medical and biometric steps.
Can I establish a business in the UAE with the Real Estate Investor Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders have the right to establish a mainland or free zone company in the UAE with 100% foreign ownership, without requiring a local sponsor. This makes the visa particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to operate a business alongside their property investment.