The Dubai investor visa is one of the top ways people from around the globe make the UAE their home and business location.
It was implemented in 2019 as a means of granting long-term residence visas. This is to help foreign nationals study, work and live in Dubai with 100% ownership of their properties and without the need for a national sponsor.
The highly beneficial business conditions and favorable government policies have made Dubai one of the best commercial hubs preferred by entrepreneurs and investors.
To further encourage foreign investment and help people live legally in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai created the investor visa.
What is an investor visa?
Dubai Investor Visa was created for foreign nationals interested in investing in properties or an established business in Dubai. It is also known as Dubai Partner Visa.
The visa provides the holder an opportunity to live in the UAE, visit and leave whenever they want before the expiration of their visa.
A Dubai Investor Visa holder can have a bank account, sign up for home packages or Du mobile and Etisalat, UAE ID card, Dubai driving license, and enjoy other essential services.
The Investor Visa also offers the holder an opportunity to sponsor their parents, children, and spouse to Dubai.
Dubai investor visa in Real Estate
The Dubai real estate market has many options for investors. From modern and sleek apartments, beautiful grand villas, and townhouses to different types of commercial buildings, you have a wide variety of options.
When you invest in a property in Dubai either as a short-term investor, or long-term investor, you can enjoy hitch-free and flexible payment plans, little or no service charge, and relaxed DLD fees, especially in off-plan projects.
- Three-Year Residence Visa
The three-year residence visa can be requested by subscribing to the Taskeen Programme by DLD. You must meet the following criteria to qualify for Dubai’s three-year residence visa. If found eligible, you can then apply for the visa.
Eligibility Criteria
- The value of the property should be at least AED 750,000 at the time of investment.
- For a mortgaged property, the investor must have paid a minimum of AED 750,000 or 50% of the asset value to the bank. A paid amount letter and NOC letter will be required in such cases.
- The amount invested should not be based on credit.
- For joint ownership, the share of each contributor is at least AED 750,000.
- A marriage certificate will be required if a married couple is investing in one property having a value of AED 750,000 or higher.
How To Apply For A Three-Year Residence Visa
- Visit DLD’s Cube Centre to apply for a three-year residence visa.
- Submit the required documents and pay the fees.
- Take a medical examination in the Cube Centre.
- Now, wait for the application to be approved and get notified accordingly.
Note: The service time is usually 7 – 10 working days.
- Five-Year Golden Visa For Investors
Investors must comply with the following eligibility criteria to obtain a five-year golden visa:
Eligibility Criteria
- A minimum of AED 200,000 value asset or share ownership in a property must be under the name of the applicant.
- For a mortgaged property, the investor must have paid a minimum of AED 200,000 of the value of the asset. A paid amount and NOC letter will be required in such cases.
- If an investor is buying property on the mortgage and off-plan properties, the combined total investment should be AED 200,000 or above.
- A marriage certificate will be required if a married couple is sharing one property.
- Five-Year Golden Visa For Retirees
To obtain a five-year golden visa for retirees, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
Eligibility Criteria
- The age of the applicant must be 55 years or more.
- There should either be a property worth a minimum of AED 100,000 under the applicant’s name or a deposit of AED 100,000 in a local bank for three years.
- The asset should be fully paid and not mortgaged.
- A marriage certificate will be required if a couple is sharing one property.
Cost Of Services
Five-year Golden Visa for Investors or Retirees:
- Medical (VIP) – AED 753
- New (5 Years) Visa – AED 2288.75
- EID (5 Years) – AED 573
- Management Fee – AED 100
A total of AED 3715.75 is the required service fee.
How To Apply For A Five-Year Golden Visa For Investors Or Retirees
- For application and payment, the customer has to visit DLD’s Cube Centre.
- Submit the required documents.
- Pay the service fees.
- Take a medical examination in the Cube Centre.
- Now, wait for the application to be approved and get notified accordingly.
Note: The service time is usually 7 – 10 working days.
Dubai Property Investor Visas Through Ica
- GDFRA’s 10-Year Golden Visa
The 10-year residence visa by ICA can be issued to athletes, inventors, doctors, scientists, retired foreigners, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and property investors. Since this guide covers the real estate investor visa in Dubai, we will only discuss the requirements for that type.
Applying for a ten-year residence visa through GDRFA allows the investor to enjoy some added benefits like:
- Sponsoring domestic helpers and family members, including spouse and children.
- Self-sponsored visa.
- Entry visa valid for 6 months to proceed with residence issuance.
- In case of the visa holder’s demise, family members of the Golden visa holder are allowed to stay in Dubai till the visa is valid.
- Allows visa holders to stay outside the UAE without endangering visa validity.
Eligibility Criteria
Property investors who own either one property or more can apply for a Golden Visa for a five-year duration. This visa can also be renewed if the same conditions are met, without the need for any sponsor. To get this visa you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Letter submission from the Real Estate Registration centre in Dubai quoting that the property investor owns one property or more whose value is no less than AED 200,000 and that the asset is not subjected to a loan.
- If an investor is buying property on the mortgage and off-plan properties, the combined total investment should be AED 200,000 or above.
Note: A Golden Visa for five years of duration can be granted to the family members of the property investor, including the husband or wife and unmarried children.
Cost Of Services
Ten-year Golden Visa for Investors cost:
- AED 2790 – Residency fees
- AED 1070 – ID fees
Five-year Golden Visa for Investors cost:
- AED 2280 – Residency fees
- AED 575 – ID fees
How To Apply For A 10-Year Golden Visa
Property investors who meet the above eligibility criteria can submit visa applications either online (through the ICA website or Dubai Smart App) or by visiting an AMER centre.
ICA can also issue an entry permit, valid for 6 months, in case you are based outside the UAE. Moreover, the permit can be extended for a similar duration to ensure the completion of procedures for getting a golden visa in Dubai.
Visa Application Procedure by ICA
- Download the UAEICP application or open the ICA website.
- Under the ‘Services’ section, click on ‘Golden Visa’, then select ‘Start Service’ under Investors, and finally select ‘Visa to Finalize the Procedures of Golden Residency’.
- Now, submit all the required documents and information.
- Submit the service fee.
- Now, wait for the application to be reviewed and get notified accordingly.
Visa Application Procedure by GDRFA – Dubai Smart App
- Open the GDRFA Dubai Smart Application.
- Register a new user account if not already registered.
- Select the required service, i.e. Golden Visa and then ‘Investor Residency Visa/Golden Visa’.
- Submit all the required documents and information.
- Pay the due service fee.
- Now, wait for the application to be reviewed and get notified accordingly.
Visa Application Procedure by Amer Centre
- Visit any nearest service branch of Amer Centre.
- Select the required service at the reception counter.
- Submit documents to the service employee.
- Pay the due service fee.
- Now, wait for the application to be reviewed and get notified accordingly.
