How to Get UAE Residency via Property Ownership?

The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s premier destinations for both investment and residence, offering a unique blend of modern development and promising opportunities. Good news for Arab and international investors: they can now obtain residency in the UAE by purchasing real estate and investing in the property sector, provided that certain conditions are met. In this comprehensive article, we explore how to secure residency in the UAE through property ownership, covering every type of real-estate-based residence permit, the target categories, the requirements and procedures, and the key advantages that make this a golden opportunity for every ambitious investor.

Advantages of Real-Estate Investment for Obtaining UAE Residency

Before diving into the details, it is useful to highlight some compelling benefits that make gaining residency via property investment an attractive option:

• Luxurious, safe lifestyle: Residency in the UAE lets you enjoy an upscale standard of living in an environment of security and luxury.
• No personal income tax: The UAE levies no personal income tax, and even indirect taxes are very low, if any—ensuring better financial returns.
• Exceptional business and investment opportunities: The UAE boasts an investor-friendly environment and pro-business regulations, providing scope to grow your ventures and earn strong returns in a rising real-estate market.
• Family sponsorship: Real-estate residence visas allow investors to sponsor their spouses and children easily, offering family stability while living and investing in the UAE.
• Freedom of movement and long stays: Once you have a property-investor visa, you may enter and exit the country freely for the visa’s duration. Golden visas allow you to remain outside the UAE for more than six months without losing your residency—unlike standard visas.

These and other benefits make the UAE an ideal destination for those seeking both stability and investment potential.

Types of Residency through Property Ownership in the UAE

In recent years, the UAE government has introduced multiple options for granting residency to real-estate investors. The validity and conditions of these visas vary according to the investment value and other criteria. Below are the main types of property-based residency currently available:

1. Two-Year Property Investor Residency (Short-Term Renewable Visa)

This visa is designed for real-estate investors who own one or more properties in the UAE valued at no less than AED 750,000. Qualifying owners receive a two-year residency permit, renewable, with the ability to sponsor their spouses and children. Regulations require that the property be completed (not just vacant land) and that an official title deed from the relevant Land Department shows the paid value. If the property is mortgaged or purchased in installments, a no-objection letter from the bank or developer must specify the amount paid and outstanding.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD), through its Cube service center, allows online applications for this visa. Once the required property value is met, investors can apply and obtain the visa within roughly 7–10 working days. This residency permits multiple entries during its validity and lets the investor live, work and study in the UAE without a local sponsor, while fully owning the property under UAE law.

2. Long-Term Property Investor Residency – The Golden Visa (5 or 10 Years)

The most attractive program for investors today is the Golden Visa system, granting long-term residency of up to 10 years to certain foreign categories, including property investors. Current regulations allow a renewable Golden Visa when investing in real estate worth at least AED 2 million, which can be distributed over two or more properties under the same investor’s name. The property must be unmortgaged; if a loan exists, evidence of partial repayment is required. For example, in Dubai the bank must certify that AED 2 million of the property value has been paid before the Golden Visa is approved.

The Golden Visa gives the investor a 5- to 10-year renewable residency with no sponsor needed. Key benefits include long-term stability for the investor and family, and the visa remains valid even if they stay outside the UAE for over six consecutive months. Holders may sponsor their entire family (spouse, children and even parents) under certain conditions, making it ideal for those seeking semi-permanent residence.

Other requirements include the applicant being inside the UAE when applying. Off-plan properties also qualify if purchased from approved local developers for at least AED 2 million. In that case, the investor receives a one-year renewable visa until the project is complete, after which the full 5- or 10-year Golden Visa is issued.

3. Five-Year Retirement Visa (Age 55 and Above)

Besides traditional investor visas, the government offers a special option for retirees wishing to spend their retirement years in the UAE. Under the UAE Retirement Program, a foreign resident aged 55 or older with certain investments or savings may apply for a five-year renewable visa. One qualifying route is owning property worth at least AED 1 million. Thus, real-estate investors approaching retirement who meet the age and financial criteria can obtain a long residency, letting them live in the UAE during their retirement years. Most Golden Visa perks apply—such as freedom of travel and family sponsorship—making the UAE an appealing retirement haven with world-class healthcare and an active, secure lifestyle.

General Requirements and Application Procedures for Property-Based Residency in the UAE

After identifying the main types of real-estate visas, it is important to mention the general requirements and steps. All programs share essential documents when applying, including:

• Property title deed: The primary document proving ownership of UAE real estate at the required value, issued by the Land Department in the relevant emirate. For the two-year visa, the title must be in the UAE (note that Dubai does not accept title deeds from other emirates for this visa). The Golden Visa requires a letter from the emirate’s Land Registry confirming ownership and value.
• Valid passport and photo: The investor’s passport must be valid for at least six months, and recent white-background photos must meet UAE ID standards.
• Health insurance: UAE authorities require active health insurance for the investor and family before issuing residency; local or international coverage is accepted.
• Good-conduct certificate: Typically needed to prove a clean criminal record.
• Proof of UAE residence: Especially for the Golden Visa, applicants may need to show an address in the UAE (e.g., tenancy contract or owned residence).
• Additional conditions for specific visas: For the retirement visa, evidence of service years, age, and income/savings is required, in addition to property ownership. The Golden Visa demands the applicant’s presence in the UAE at submission. Always review each visa’s detailed checklist before applying.

The application process is now highly streamlined thanks to the UAE’s digital services. After gathering the documents, investors can apply through government online platforms. In Dubai, property-owner visa requests are submitted via the Cube Real Estate Services Center or the Dubai REST app from the Land Department. In other emirates, applications go through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or approved Tasheel service centers.

Once the form is completed, supporting documents uploaded, and the mandatory medical exam carried out, applicants pay the visa fees—currently AED 10,213 in Dubai for a new two-year investor visa, including medical, Emirates ID and administrative fees. Charges may differ slightly among emirates.

Skyline Real Estate Services for Facilitating Residency

Partnering with a reliable real-estate firm is a smart move to simplify the property investment journey and associated residency procedures. Skyline Real Estate boasts a team of experts specialized in the UAE property market, offering the best opportunities to investors seeking strong returns and successful investments. Skyline delivers end-to-end advisory and personalized support, from selecting the right property to suit your budget and goals, through completing purchase and transfer, to post-sale management for optimal returns.

This means investors working with Skyline receive professional, transparent guidance and make informed decisions based on deep market insight. The company also helps clients understand legal requirements, prepare documents and navigate the residency-visa steps—an integral part of property investment in the UAE. A trusted partner like Skyline provides peace of mind, saving time and effort while leveraging expert knowledge to achieve top-quality results.

You may also be interested in: UAE Real Estate Investment Returns 2025

In conclusion, obtaining residency in the UAE through property ownership is truly a golden opportunity that combines profitable investment with stability in a global hub offering top-tier facilities and services. Whether you aspire to diversify investments in a thriving country or benefit from the UAE’s secure environment and economic growth, real-estate residency programs are tailored to your ambitions. Study your options carefully, choose the city and property that best fit your needs, ensure all requirements are met, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.

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