In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Golden Visa program, offering long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors in Dubai. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the costs, benefits, and procedures involved in acquiring a UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment in Dubai.
Real Estate Investment: A Pathway to the Golden Visa
Investing in UAE real estate is one of the most popular pathways to obtaining the Golden Visa. The government has introduced several initiatives to encourage investment in the property market, making it an attractive option for investors worldwide.
Key Considerations for Real Estate Investors
- Property Selection: Choose properties in strategic locations with high rental yields and potential for capital appreciation.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with UAE laws and regulations regarding property ownership and investment.
- Financial Viability: Conduct thorough due diligence to assess the financial viability of the investment and potential returns.
- Visa Eligibility: Verify eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa program, including minimum investment thresholds and other requirements.
- Professional Assistance: Seek assistance from reputable real estate agents, legal advisors, and financial consultants to navigate the investment process smoothly.
Amount of Real Estate Investment for Dubai Golden Visa
To qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, individuals must invest a certain amount in Dubai’s real estate market. The minimum investment threshold for obtaining a Golden Visa through property investment is AED 5 million. This investment can be made in residential, commercial, or even off-plan properties, providing flexibility for investors.
Benefits of UAE Golden Visa
Acquiring a UAE Golden Visa offers many benefits, making it an attractive option for investors seeking long-term residency there. Some key advantages include:
- Golden Visa holders enjoy long-term residency in the UAE, providing stability and security for themselves and their families.
- Golden Visa holders have access to various services in the UAE, including healthcare, education, and banking facilities.
- With residency secured, investors can explore business opportunities in the UAE without the constraints of short-term visas.
- Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including spouses, children, and parents, for residency in the UAE.
- In addition to residency, the Golden Visa may eventually lead to citizenship, offering a pathway to permanent settlement in the UAE.
Who can apply for UAE’s Golden Visa?
As previously stated, the Golden Visa is only issued to persons who match certain conditions set by the UAE government. Only individuals who have made great contributions to the country, are highly skilled, or operate in specialized fields are considered qualified.
If you want to apply for the Golden Visa, you must fall into one of these categories:
- Public Investors
- Real Estate Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Executive Directors
- Physicians and scientists
- Lawyers
- Students
- Athletes
- Creative individuals in the domains of culture and art
- Engineers and scientists
UAE Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria through Real Estate Investment
- The cancellation of the AED1 million ($272,000) minimum down payment requirement: This typically means that investors no longer need to put down a specific amount of money upfront when investing in property to qualify for the Golden Visa. This change makes it easier for investors to obtain the Golden Visa based on their property investments, regardless of the initial down payment amount.
- Updated Qualification Standards: Investors are now eligible for the Golden Visa if they own a property worth AED2 million ($545,000) or more, regardless of down payment or status (off-plan, completed, loaned out, or not).
- Diverse Property Options: Under this amendment, investors who purchase homes for AED2 million ($545,000) or more can obtain long-term residency of 5 to 10 years in the UAE.
- 10-Year Residency: The Golden Visa, valid for ten years and renewed under the same circumstances, gives investors more time to integrate into the UAE community and grow their assets.
Cost of UAE’s Golden Visa via Real Estate Investing & Other Sectors
The cost of a UAE Golden Visa varies according to the type of visa you apply for. However, the general 5 and 10-year Golden Visa UAE costs are as follows:
- A real estate investor visa costs AED 2 million.
- A public investor visa costs AED 5 million.
- An entrepreneur and startup owner visa costs AED 500,000.
- Exceptional Talent Visa: AED 500,000
- A scientist visa costs AED 500,000.
- The skilled professional’s visa costs AED 250,000.
- A student visa costs AED 100,000.
- A humanitarian pioneer visa costs AED 100,000.
- Doctors and nurses visa: AED 100,000.
- Exceptional coder visa: AED 100,000.
UAE Golden Visa Requirements
The eligibility conditions for the UAE Golden Visa differ according to the type of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general Golden Visa UAE eligibility conditions are:
- You must possess a valid passport.
- You must have a clear criminal record.
- You must meet the Dubai Golden Visa UAE conditions or the visa category you are applying for.
- You must buy a property valued at least AED 2 million. The property must be located in the UAE and be freehold.
The Golden Visa UAE requirements for a 5-year UAE Golden Visa are similar to those for a 10-year visa, except for the investment barrier. The investment requirement for a UAE five-year visa is AED 1 million.
How to get a UAE Golden Visa? A Step-by-Step Method to Get a UAE Visa for Five or Ten Years
The process of applying for a UAE Golden Visa is rather simple. Here are the steps involved.
- Collect the required paperwork.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fees.
- Submit your application to the UAE government.
The processing period for a UAE Golden Visa varies according to the visa type you request. However, the average processing time is 3 to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long may Golden Visa holders stay outside the UAE?
Golden Visa holders in the UAE can stay outside the country indefinitely, unlike other visa holders who are limited to six months.
Where can I apply for the Golden Visa UAE?
You can apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE through the ICP smart portal or app.
How long does it take to approve a Dubai golden visa?
The Golden Visa acceptance process can take 2-5 days. You will receive the results in 30 days if you apply for nomination.
Can Pakistanis obtain a UAE golden visa?
Yes, Pakistanis can obtain a UAE Golden Visa. The UAE government has modified the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa. Pakistanis can now apply for real estate investor visas, Public investor visas, & Entrepreneur and startup owner visas (by establishing a firm that employs at least ten UAE nationals).
Contact our real estate expert at +971 54 778 5841 to learn more about getting a UAE golden visa by investing in Dubai real estate sector. Whether you are looking for your next or second home or a viable investment with incremental returns, Dubai is the right destination for you and your family.
Choose from thousands of ready-to-move properties or invest in Dubai off-plan properties with a 20% deposit and pay the rest in flexible instalments.
Call/WhatsApp at +971 54 778 5841 to consult with one of our Real Estate experts now to book your dream home in Dubai.
