The UAE’s Golden Visa program has opened up a gateway for foreign investors, offering long-term residency to those who contribute significantly to the country’s rising economy, primarily through the real estate sector.
In this blog, LEOS Developments will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Golden visa through real estate investment, from eligibility and benefits to legal details and family sponsorship options.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE introduced its 10-year Golden Visa program in 2019 as a strategic move to draw in high-value investors, business innovators, and skilled talents. For real estate investors, it provides a long-term renewable residency permit, providing the right to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
Unlike traditional visas, the Golden Visa provides stability and access to a business-friendly ecosystem, which is especially attractive to those seeking investment in real estate.
Eligibility Criteria for Real Estate Investors
Investors must meet the following conditions to qualify for a Golden Visa from real estate investment in the UAE:
- Investments Value: Applicants must invest in one or more real estate assets with a combined value of no less than AED 2 million. This can be a mortgage or off-plan project.
- Property Ownership: The Property must be fully owned and registered under the investor’s name.
- UAE Presence: Being in the UAE is a requirement during the time of processing the application.
The Required Documents for Golden Visa Applications in Dubai
Here are the documents needed to apply for a Golden visa through real estate investment:
- Passport copy
- High-quality recent passport-size photo
- Property title deed
- Emirates ID (if already a resident)
- A copy of a valid residency permit (if available.)
- Medical fitness test results
- NOC from developer or bank (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Golden Visa Application Process in Dubai
- Secure the Property
Buy a property or more with a total worth of at least AED 2 million. - Gather all Documents
Prepare all necessary documentation listed above. - Submit Your Application
Apply through Dubai Land Department platforms or authorized service centers. - Medical Fitness and EID
Applicants are required to undergo a medical fitness test and register for their Emirates ID. - Paying Fees
The application, processing, and residency fees total approximately AED 9,900. - Receive the Visa
Upon approval, the residency permit will be issued within 7–10 working days if all requirements are met.
Golden Visa Benefits for Real Estate Investors
- Long-Term Residency:
Obtain a renewable 10-year residency in the UAE. - Family Sponsorship:
Sponsor your spouse, children, and parents under the same visa. - Extended presence outside the UAE:
Holders of Golden Visa do not need to continuously reside in the UAE to maintain their visa status. They can stay outside the UAE for unlimited periods, unlike regular residence visas, which expire if the bearer remains abroad for more than six months. - No Local Sponsor Required:
Maintain residency without needing a local sponsor or employer.
Considerations for Investors’ Golden Visa
- Joint Ownership:
Two or more investors can apply for individual Golden Visas if each owns a share worth at least AED 2 million. - Freehold Areas:
Foreign investors can buy property in specific freehold areas, granting full ownership rights. - Property Types:
Owners of residential and commercial properties are eligible for Golden Visa. - Legal Compliance:
Ensure that all property transactions follow UAE laws and regulations. - Renewals and revocations:
Visa is renewable every 10 years as long as the investor maintains eligibility. However, revocation may occur if the property is sold and the investor no longer meets the AED 2 million threshold.
The Golden Visa provides long-term residency and a strategic path for serious investors looking to secure their future in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. With the flexibility to invest in various property types and the ability to sponsor family members, the Golden Visa program is an attractive option for those looking to establish a stable and prosperous life in the UAE.
Choosing a property by LEOS Developments, a certified real estate developer in Dubai, ensures you meet all the official Golde Visa requirements to make the most of your real estate investment in Dubai.
