Residency in Dubai: Real Estate Purchase and Beyond

Dubai is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors five times its population every year. Besides its impressive sights, the city offers top-notch education, a thriving business scene, and a high standard of living in one of the world’s most developed regions. So it’s no surprise that many tourists want to make this megapolis their home. This guide looks at how you can get residency in Dubai.

Top advantages of having a residency status in Dubai

There are two main ways for foreigners seeking extended stay in Dubai: permanent residency and long-term visas. Both options offer similar benefits, so for simplicity, we will refer to them collectively as “residency” throughout this guide. 

Now, let’s dive into the advantages of this status in Dubai:

• Tax-free income. Dubai boasts a 0% personal income tax rate, making it particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals. With tax residency in Dubai, they can maximize their earnings and retain a more significant portion of their income.
• Unmatched security. Residents and visitors feel safe in Dubai thanks to the effective work of law enforcement agencies and a comprehensive video surveillance system. 
• Superb quality of life. Dubai offers exceptional medical services, world-class educational institutions, and advanced infrastructure, ensuring convenient living for children and adults.
• Thriving business hub. As a leading global center for business and trade, Dubai offers all the necessary conditions for companies to thrive in various sectors, including finance, tourism, real estate, and technology. The city attracts investors and entrepreneurs worldwide, facilitating valuable networking and collaborative opportunities.

These advantages solidify Dubai’s position as a successful business hub and a wonderful city to live and pursue personal interests.

Common types of Dubai residency visas

Dubai offers various long-term residency visas. The best option depends on your goals and resources. Here’s an overview:

• Residency through the property purchase. Buying real estate, whether ready-made or under construction, allows you to live, work, and receive medical care in Dubai. The length of the visa depends on the value of the property. For a 2-year visa, you must purchase a property worth at least AED 750,000. If you invest AED 2 million or more in real estate, you are eligible for a 10-year visa. Both residence permits can be extended to family members.
• Investor visa. This option is suitable for individuals willing to invest in the UAE economy. You can establish a company within the country or partner in an existing one with a substantial share portfolio. The investment amount determines the visa duration. For instance, a 10-year Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of AED 10 million. It offers excellent prospects of living in a vibrant metropolis and getting Dubai residency for the applicant’s relatives.
• Freelance visa. It is a relatively new option that is available to highly qualified specialists. It can be conditionally divided into two categories. The green residence is issued for five years. You must have a higher education degree and a minimum income of AED 360,000 for the past two years to qualify. Alternatively, you can obtain a freelance license in one of Dubai’s free zones, available to individuals in IT, media, design, science, or education. This license is issued for one year with the possibility of an extension.
• Student visa. Dubai boasts universities offering world-class education. Some popular options include the American University, the University of Wollongong, and the Canadian University. Individuals enrolled in these or other accredited institutions are eligible for Dubai residency status for one year with the possibility of an extension upon continuing their studies. Students with high academic achievements may qualify for a five-year residence permit.

An applicant must meet all Dubai residency requirements and provide the documentation to qualify for a long-term visa. Among the options considered, the residence permit through the property purchase is the most attractive and universal option. Therefore, we will consider it in more detail below.

How to get residency in Dubai through property purchase

Purchasing an apartment or villa offers a sound investment and a straightforward path to residency. However, the process can be pretty complex and requires careful consideration of the following factors:

• Minimum investment. You must purchase a property worth AED 750,000 or more to qualify for a residency visa.
• Property location. The property must be in a freehold zone. Popular location options include Dubai Creek Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Old Town Dubai, and International City.
• Purchase process. It involves selecting a qualifying property, finalizing the sale agreement, and registering the transaction with the Dubai Land Department.
• Applying for residency. Finally, you must prepare the necessary documents, like passport copies, proof of property ownership, a health insurance policy, etc.

Do you still have questions about how to get permanent residency in Dubai by purchasing real estate? Then contact Seven Lands. Our team of licensed brokers and lawyers offers comprehensive services, from finding a suitable property from a reliable developer to navigating legal complexities. Fill out an application on our website, and we will help you realize your dream of Dubai residency!