How To Obtain a UAE Residency Permit by Buying Property: Requirements Explained

Due to its growing real estate market and zero-tax regime, the UAE, and particularly Dubai, has become a popular destination for high-net-worth expats and foreign investors. Expatriates are allowed to both purchase property in the UAE and obtain a residence permit through a qualifying real estate investment.

In this guide, we will explain the terms for obtaining a UAE residency permit by buying property. More specifically, we will outline:

• Rules and requirements for getting a 2-year Investor Visa in Dubai
• Other visa options that provide UAE residency through property purchase
• Advantages of securing a UAE residency by buying property

Do You Get Residency if You Buy Property in Dubai?

You can get long-term residency in Dubai and, by extension, the UAE, provided you buy a qualifying property and meet specific eligibility criteria. 

The type of property purchase that grants you a residence permit depends on the visa you apply for. The UAE offers several visas that allow foreigners to secure residency by purchasing a property of a certain value. 

The most popular route is the Investor Visa, as its minimum investment requirements are lower than those of other visas and it’s accessible to a wider range of applicants.

How Does the 2-Year Investor Visa in Dubai Work?

The UAE Investor Visa offers a two-year renewable residence permit to foreign investors who purchase a property in Dubai valued at a minimum of AED 750,000. The property can be residential or commercial, and it must be: 

• Built and ready for occupancy
• Fully owned by the investor (including the land)
• Registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Additionally, the real estate has to be located in a freehold zone, a designated area that allows foreign nationals 100% ownership of the property and the land.

Under the two-year Investor Visa, you can sponsor your family members, including your spouse and children, to obtain a UAE residence permit. The visa is indefinitely renewable upon expiry, provided you continue to own the qualifying property.

However, the property-based residence does not grant permission to work in the country. If either you or your family wishes to work in the UAE, you must obtain an employment visa.

What Are the Dubai Property Investment Visa Requirements in 2025?

In addition to the minimum property investment of AED 750,000, you are required to provide: 

• A valid passport and a personal photo
• A property title deed
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• A copy of the current residence
• A certificate of good conduct issued by the Emirate of Dubai and addressed to DLD

In case the property is mortgaged, you must submit proof that 50% of its value has been paid. A no-objection certificate from the bank is also required to confirm that the lending bank approves moving forward with the visa application.

You are also allowed to purchase a property jointly with your spouse. The minimum investment requirements remain the same, but you must provide a copy of the marriage certificate.

If you intend to bring your family to the UAE under the Investor Visa, they will need to provide their personal information and documents, including a passport, a recent personal photo, and health insurance coverage. For unmarried daughters over 18, you must also submit proof of marital status from the Dubai Courts.

To maintain the visa, both the main applicant and any sponsored family members are required to visit the country at least once every six months.

How Much Does the UAE Investor Visa Cost in 2025?

The total service fees for obtaining a two-year UAE Investor Visa are AED 10,212.50 for the main applicant. The fee typically covers expenses like medical examination costs, government visa issuance charges, and the issuance of an Emirates ID.

The fees for family members depend on their relationship with the main applicant as follows:

Family Member	Visa Duration	Cost
Spouse	Two years	AED 7,382.25
Children under 18	Two years	AED 6,482.25
Daughter over 18	Two years	AED 7,182.25
Son over 18	One year	AED 7,182.25
Parents	One year	AED 8,882.25

As the main applicant, you are also required to pay a sponsorship file opening fee of AED 318.75 for each family member.

Other Visas That Allow You To Buy Property in Dubai and Get Residency

Besides the two-year Investor Visa, which is the most affordable option, you may purchase a UAE property of a higher value in exchange for a five-year residence permit. The visas that include these terms are:

1. Retirement Visa
2. Golden Visa

Retirement Visa

The UAE Retirement Visa grants you a five-year residency if you have either worked in or outside the country for a minimum of 15 years or are at least 55 years old at the time you retire. However, you also must meet one of the following three criteria:

1. Own property or properties in Dubai worth at least AED 1 million
2. Have a minimum of AED 1 million in savings
3. Earn a monthly income of AED 15,000 in Dubai or AED 20,000 outside of Dubai

The visa is renewable as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, and it supports family sponsorship.

The application requirements depend on the route you choose. In addition to general documentation, such as your passport and a copy of the current visa, opting for the property ownership option requires you to prove that the property is located in Dubai and owned by you (the applicant) or a company you own. It must also be fully paid, or if mortgaged, the paid amount must be at least AED 1 million.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers several routes for obtaining a residency permit, one of which is property ownership. 

To qualify for the Golden Visa real estate investment option, you must own property or a group of properties worth at least AED 2 million and obtain a letter from the land department of the respective emirate as confirmation. If the property is mortgaged, the loan must be from a local bank approved by the UAE authorities.

There is a common misconception that the UAE Golden Visa grants a ten-year residency to real estate investors. However, the ten-year permit is only issued to those who apply for the visa under the special talent or the public investment route. The property investment option grants a five-year renewable residence permit.

Like the other UAE visas, the Golden Visa also supports family sponsorship, but unlike the other visas, it doesn’t include any physical stay requirements to maintain the visa.

What Are the Benefits of a Dubai Residence Visa for Property Owners?

Obtaining a UAE residency permit by buying property allows you to move to Dubai or another Emirate without a visa sponsor and bring your family along. 

Once you secure long-term residence, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Benefits of UAE Residency by Buying Property	Overview
Favourable tax regime	The UAE has a zero-tax regime, which means there is no tax on property, personal income, capital gains, or inheritance. However, to benefit from this tax system, you must obtain UAE tax residency, typically by spending at least 183 days in the country over a 12-month period
Low or no physical stay requirements	Depending on the real estate purchase visa you choose, you may be required to visit the country once every 180 days to maintain the visa. The Golden Visa has no such requirements, making it suitable for wealthy investors who don’t intend to move to the UAE immediately
High-quality health care and education	Those holding a UAE residence permit have access to the country’s local clinics, as well as international schools and universities that conduct lessons in English
Various investment opportunities	The UAE, and especially Dubai, provides access to a wide selection of investment options across sectors such as real estate, technology, and retail
Access to the Esaad Privilege Card	Investors who apply for the property purchase route under the UAE Golden Visa can benefit from the Esaad discount program, which provides discounts of up to 70% on various goods and services

While obtaining residence through purchasing a property offers compelling advantages, the access to these benefits depends on choosing the right property, meeting strict eligibility criteria, and following the correct procedures. Many investors underestimate the complexity involved, which is why professional guidance can be critical. To avoid complications and potential delays and leverage all the benefits your chosen visa provides, work with Nomad Capitalist.

Nomad Capitalist: Expert Guidance in Obtaining a Dubai Residence Visa by Buying Property

Nomad Capitalist is an advisory firm that provides professional guidance for all your relocation needs. We have helped over 1,500 high-net-worth clients obtain residency abroad through personalized plans, which align with their unique financial and lifestyle needs.

Instead of providing universal advice, we create a 360-degree Action Plan based on your goals and circumstances, ensuring a smooth and tax-efficient transition to a new jurisdiction. As a part of the Plan, we offer assistance with:

• Obtaining a suitable visa and a residence permit overseas
• Applying for citizenship or securing dual citizenship
• Setting up an offshore bank account
• Minimizing cross-border tax liability

To get started with your own Action Plan, complete a quick online questionnaire to help us determine whether we are a good fit. Once approved, we will:

1. Schedule and conduct a one-on-one onboarding call to gain a better understanding of your relocation goals
2. Prepare and present a comprehensive Plan based on your personal and financial needs
3. Handle the administrative work and implement the Plan over a 12-month period
4. Provide ongoing support with questions and renewals

Partner with Nomad Capitalist to get expert guidance on obtaining a UAE residency permit by buying property, or explore other relocation options that better align with your plans and objectives.