Visas for Property Investors in Dubai

Dubai Property Investor Visa (Freehold Property), how to obtain it and types of visas granted to property investors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In order to be qualified to obtain Dubai Property Investor visa, the residential property value must be Dh1 million or more. This is based on the purchase price on the title deed rather than the current property value needed when applying for the visa.

If a property is jointly owned (example: husband and wife ownership), the shared value must exceed Dh1 million. This Dh1 million is also only applied to one title deed so you cannot consolidate all of your investments in order to try to obtain an investor visa.

Property Location and Status

The property must be completed as the title deed (in the name of the applicant) is one of the main requirements. Visas for off plan properties are not possible. The respective visas also only apply to freehold properties.

Property Type

Only residential properties are permitted for the purposes of the visas. Commercial projects are not allowed. In addition to this, the added requirement is that the property must be “habitable” – in other words, it must be in a good condition and suitable for someone to live in.

The types are :

(1) The Property Investor Visa and

(2) the Six Months Residency Visa.

There are some key distinctions to note:

(a) The Property Investor Visa is issued by the Dubai Land Department and is a two-year renewable visa. With this visa, you become a UAE resident meaning you can obtain an Emirates ID, UAE driving license and sponsor family as well. This visa is only available for Dubai property investments, however.

(b) The Six Months Residency Visa on the other hand is issued by the relevant Immigration authority and is a six months multi-entry visa. This is effectively a visitor visa that allows multiple entries to the UAE. The key benefit to this is that it applies to property purchases in all seven Emirates.

Other factors to consider in choosing the type of visas to be chosen:

Costs

The Property Investor Visa costs approximately Dh13,000-Dh15,000; with the higher end being inclusive of the police clearance letter (Dh220), administration fees (Dh420), application costs (Dh3,000), typing and entry permit (Dh1,100), DED license issuance (Dh 8,440) and stamping/Emirates ID/medical (Dh2,490). There are also additional costs for the renewal and for sponsoring any spouses or dependents (Dh5,000-6,000).

The Six Month Residency Visa costs considerably less (approximately Dh2,300). However, this visa must be renewed every six months (Dh1,100 each time) so it can still add up. Again, fees apply for sponsorship of family and renewals (Dh250).

Minimum Income

There is a minimum income requirement of Dh10,000 per month (or equivalent currency), which can be derived from inside or outside the UAE. The applicant must provide proof of income as part of the criteria.

Documents Needed

Provided you satisfy the above requirements, you will then be in a position to apply for your respective visa at either the Dubai Land Department or relevant immigration authority. These documents will be needed:

(1) Title Deed on the property

(2) Passport copy of the applicant

(3) Current visa status/copy

(4) Passport photos (x6)

(5) Certificate of Good Conduct (from Dubai Police)

(6) Bank Statements

(7) Utility Bill

Things to Note

Neither visa option provides citizenship to the UAE

An in-country medical examination is required

Employment is not possible as they are purely for residency purposes only

There is no maximum term - but the investor on the Property Investor Visa must not spend more than six consecutive months outside of Dubai

The Property Investor Visa is a much broader option and gives the investor much greater scope. It is valid for two years and doesn’t require the investor to exit before this period. It also grants residency, an Emirates ID and the opportunity to obtain a UAE driving license. This comes at a price however as this option is considerably more expensive, has a stricter application process, with more paperwork required as well as much lengthier processing times (can take more than one month).

Things that need to consider as well are: your nationality, your intentions, your budget, your property location etc. These are all factors to be taken into consideration. The Six Months Residency Visa is the cheaper option of the two, however, the Property Investor Visa does perhaps provide more bang for your buck as it affords much more extensive rights as a resident rather than those limited rights of a visitor under the Six Months Residency Visa. The choice however is yours.