Residence visa for purchase of real estate
One way to obtain long-term residency in the UAE is to purchase real estate and obtain a 10-year "golden" visa.
Its key difference from the regular one is that it allows an unlimited period of stay outside the UAE, while the regular visa is terminated if the resident has not visited the UAE for six months.
Investment amount and visa validity period
“There is no such thing as a residence permit or permanent residence in UAE law. Instead, foreigners have the right to reside in the country as residents. A residence visa is issued for a period of 1 to 10 years. After the expiration of the visa, it can be extended multiple times.” Alexey Romanov, юрист
- When purchasing real estate worth at least AED 750,000 (approximately USD 204,000), the visa is issued for 2 years. Mortgage is allowed, but the visa can be applied for if the mortgage payment is at least AED 375,000 (50% of the total cost).
- For property buyers of AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000), regardless of the amount of the down payment and the status of the property, a visa is issued for 10 years and is assigned the status of "golden".
When purchasing several objects, their total cost is taken into account.
Distribution of shares between spouses
A husband and wife may be joint owners of one property (a marriage certificate certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into Arabic is required). In this case, the shares in the property must be equal between the spouses. If the shares are not equal, the owner of the larger share can apply as the main visa holder and then sponsor the spouse.
If the property is jointly owned by a husband and wife but its value is less than AED 4,000,000, only one person will be eligible to apply for a Golden Visa, but the other person may be able to apply for a dependent visa, which will be linked to the Golden Visa.
What documents will be needed?
- Certificate of title to real estate (Title Deed).
- Document from the bank (if the property was purchased on credit).
- Provisional Title Deed (Oqood) and Statement of Payments from the Developer (SOA) – for Golden Visa (if a mortgage was taken out to purchase the property).
- Passport, current visa (if any).
- 2 photographs, 3x4 on a white background.
- UAE Criminal Record Certificate for two year real estate visas starting from AED 750,000 AED.
- Bank statements confirming income (upon request).
- Health insurance policy.
The process of obtaining a visa for the purchase of real estate
Stage 1
Buying real estate
Purchase of real estate worth at least AED 750,000 for a two-year visa or at least AED 2,000,000 for a ten-year Golden Visa.
Stage 2
Real estate registration
Register the property with the Land Department of the emirate where the property was purchased and obtain a Title Deed. In case of purchasing an apartment in installments or for a "golden visa", a preliminary title deed (Oqood) is required.
Stage 3
Certificate of No Offences
Obtain a certificate of no criminal record from the UAE police (for a two-year visa).
Stage 4
Medical examination
Undergo a medical examination at one of the certified medical centers of the UAE to confirm the absence of serious infectious diseases. Take a blood test for HIV and have an X-ray of the lungs for tuberculosis.
Stage 5
Application for a Resident Visa
Apply for a resident visa online or offline.
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