Property Visa: 2-Year Investor Visa (AED 750,000)
The two-year property visa is the most accessible route to a UAE residence permit. The requirements are clear:
Minimum property investment: AED 750,000 (approximately USD 205,000). The property must be fully paid (no mortgage against the minimum amount). Multiple properties may be combined to reach the minimum. The property must be located in a freehold zone and registered with the Dubai Land Department.
This visa is valid for 2 years and renewable for as long as you own the property. It entitles you to an Emirates ID, opening bank accounts in the UAE, applying for a driving licence, and sponsoring family members (spouse and children under 18, or under 25 if studying).
Note: this visa does not require you to live in the UAE. You must, however, visit the country at least once every 180 days to keep the visa active. Absence of more than 180 days may result in the visa being revoked.
The Application Process Step by Step
The application process for a property visa proceeds as follows:
Step 1: Purchase and registration of the property with the Dubai Land Department. You receive a Title Deed in your name.
Step 2: Application for an Entry Permit at GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). Cost: approximately AED 1,150. Processing time: 2-5 working days.
Step 3: Entering the UAE on the basis of the Entry Permit. You have 60 days to complete the following steps.
Step 4: Medical examination (fitness test) at an approved health centre. Cost: AED 320-500. This includes a blood test and a chest X-ray.
Step 5: Biometric registration and Emirates ID application at ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security). Cost: approximately AED 370 for 2 years.
Step 6: Visa stamp in the passport at GDRFA. Cost: approximately AED 1,020.
Total costs: approximately AED 3,500-4,500 (USD 950-1,230), excluding the property purchase. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks after arrival in Dubai.
Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready for your application:
Passport with at least 6 months' validity and blank pages for the visa Title Deed(s) of your property registered with the DLD Recent passport photos (white background, GDRFA specifications) Proof of ownership (copy of Title Deed, no mortgage against the minimum investment) Tenancy contract or proof of residential address in Dubai (if applicable) Proof of health insurance (mandatory for all residence visa holders)
For sponsoring family members, you additionally need: Marriage certificate (legalised and translated into Arabic) Birth certificates of children (legalised and translated) Payslip or proof of income of at least AED 4,000/month or equivalent
All non-Arabic documents must be translated by a sworn translator and legalised via apostille. Augusta Properties can put you in contact with specialised visa service agencies that handle the entire process on your behalf.
Sponsoring Family Members
With your property visa, you can sponsor the following family members:
Spouse: full sponsorship possible, regardless of nationality Children: up to age 18 as standard, up to 25 if in full-time education. Unmarried daughters can be sponsored without age limit Parents: sponsorship possible with an additional deposit or insurance
Each sponsored family member receives their own residence visa and Emirates ID. The costs per family member amount to approximately AED 3,000-4,000, including the medical examination, Emirates ID and visa fees.
Sponsored family members enjoy the same rights as the principal sponsor: access to bank accounts, a driving licence, and use of all UAE services. Children can be enrolled in international schools in Dubai. Health insurance is mandatory for all sponsored family members.
Benefits of UAE Residency
A UAE residence permit offers numerous advantages that extend well beyond the right to live in the country:
Banking: access to the UAE banking system with international accounts in AED, USD, EUR and GBP. This facilitates property transactions and receiving rental income.
Driving licence: you can apply for a UAE driving licence, which is recognised in many countries.
Travel convenience: UAE residents enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 100 countries. In addition, UAE residency is a valuable reference when applying for visas to other countries.
Tax advantages: if you move your tax residence to the UAE (after residing there at least 183 days per year), you may qualify for 0% income tax on your worldwide income. This requires careful planning and advice from a specialised tax adviser.
For many international investors, the property visa is a first step towards a more international lifestyle, without any obligation to relocate immediately.