Investing through Purchase in Dubai

To stay in the Emirates for an extended period, it is necessary to obtain a residency visa. This permit is the local equivalent of a residence permit.

With a residency visa in hand, a foreigner receives::

• The right to reside freely in the UAE for a period ranging from six months to 10 years. The duration of stay is determined by the purpose of entry.
• Economic rights. The foreigner gains the opportunity to open and develop their own business, find employment, receive medical care, purchase real estate, and much more. With resident status, a foreign citizen gains economic security.
• Freedom of movement. The only condition to observe when crossing the UAE border is a short absence (no more than 6 months) from the Emirates.
• The opportunity to obtain a residency visa for all family members (official spouse and minor children).

The validity period of the permit can vary depending on the purpose of entry and the migrant's social status.

1. A 10-year residence permit is issued to highly qualified specialists and foreigners who have invested 3 million dollars or more in the UAE economy. The investment can be made by establishing their own company or forming an alliance with an existing enterprise.
2. A 5-year residency visa is issued to foreign citizens who have invested at least 1.5 million US dollars in real estate. If part of the funds for the property purchase was taken on credit or mortgage, obtaining a residency visa is not possible.
3. A residence permit for up to 3 years can be issued to investors who have purchased real estate worth at least 205 thousand dollars. To obtain resident status, the foreigner must confirm an income of at least 10 thousand dirhams per month. Obtaining a residence permit under this program involves purchasing real estate in Dubai, but the acquired property cannot be mortgaged in the future.
4. A 3-year visa will cost between 7 and 8.5 thousand dollars. This permit can be extended later.
5. A residence permit for six months allows multiple entries into the UAE. To obtain resident status, investments in real estate of at least 205 thousand US dollars in any locality of the country are required.

In addition to investors, highly skilled professionals who have obtained residency based on intellectual achievements can expect long-term residency in the Emirates. Residency rights are granted to outstanding programmers, IT developers, and doctors in the fields of virology and epidemiology. Long-term residency can also be arranged for spouses of highly skilled professionals and their minor children.

The category of the residence permit in the UAE depends on the method by which a foreign national has obtained the right to long-term residence. This can be achieved through purchasing real estate, establishing a private company, enrolling in a university, or employment in a local organization.


Investments in Real Estate

The main condition concerns the amount of funds invested: it must be at least 205,000 dollars. The residence permit is issued for a period ranging from 6 months to 3 years. In this case, it is possible to use a mortgage loan if the down payment exceeds 50% of the property’s value. For expensive properties, the resident visa is issued upon making a down payment of 205,000 dollars.


Establishing Your Own Business

By opening a company in a Free Economic Zone (FEZ), a foreigner not only receives tax exemptions and near-ideal business conditions but also resident status. To obtain a visa through entrepreneurial activity, it is necessary to invest at least 19,000 dollars in one’s company, and the resident is permitted to work only in their own organization.

If investments in real estate or starting a business are not suitable for you as a way to obtain a resident visa, there is the possibility of obtaining status through education or employment in a local organization.

• Students: Students enrolled in UAE universities can obtain the right to reside. To enroll in a university, a foreigner must have a sufficient level of English proficiency (tested by IELTS or TOEFL certificates). Most UAE universities admit students only after full payment of the annual course fee (approximately 5-10 thousand dollars). A foreigner residing in the UAE on a student visa cannot engage in employment.
• Employment Visa: The employment visa in the UAE is issued to individuals upon request from a local employer. The inviting company must be officially registered in the country. With a work permit, a foreigner can only work in the organization that issued the invitation. Only qualified specialists who have confirmed their professional skill level can obtain a work permit.