The UAE Golden Visa by real estate investment has emerged as an attractive opportunity for wealthy individuals seeking long-term residence in the United Arab Emirates. To get the 10-year UAE Residence Visa by investment, you need to buy real estate for $545,000.
We will examine the progressive business environment and infrastructure development projects shaping the future of UAE. Learn the steps involved in investing towards obtaining a golden visa while outlining eligibility criteria and necessary documentation required for successful application.
UAE Golden Visa Program Overview
The UAE Golden Visa program offers a 10-year residency visa to wealthy individuals who invest at least AED 2 million in real estate. This option has become increasingly popular among investors due to its unique blend of residency benefits, tax advantages, and relatively affordable property prices compared to European countries.
Key requirements for obtaining the UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment:
minimum investment of AED 2 million ($545,000) is required in purchasing real estate within the UAE;
six-month entry visa — investors must first obtain a six-month entry visa before applying for the long-term residence permit. This allows them time to explore various investment options;
the total investment value of all investments should be maintained throughout the duration of the golden visa’s validity period;
using a mortgage in a UAE bank with a down payment of 50% is permitted.
The main applicant must be over 18 and be able to prove the legality of their income. The investor may add to the application:
their spouse,
unmarried daughters of any age,
unmarried sons under 25 years old,
disabled children of any age and sex,
any number of household helpers such as nannies, housekeepers and butlers.
All applicants over 18 must have no criminal records or socially dangerous diseases.
In comparison with other countries offering similar golden visa programs, such as Portugal and Greece, investing in UAE properties presents several advantages. These include no income tax or capital gains taxes on rental income from commercial properties, and an attractive business environment supported by world-class infrastructure development projects like Dubai Expo 2023 and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.
The UAE Golden Visa does not require investors to reside in the country for a specific period each year.
Benefits of Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa
Investing in real estate within the United Arab Emirates presents an excellent opportunity for wealthy individuals seeking long-term residency options with numerous financial advantages.
By meeting key requirements and exploring investment opportunities available across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, potential investors can secure their future within this thriving Middle Eastern nation while enjoying unparalleled lifestyle benefits offered by its world-class infrastructure developments.
Long-term residency. The 10-year residence visa offers stability and security for real estate investors and their families.
No income tax or capital gains tax. Investors can enjoy tax-free rental income from their property investments within the UAE.
Mobility benefits. With a multi-entry visa, golden visa holders can travel freely between all seven emirates without needing additional permits. They also have access to travel visa-free to several countries using their UAE passport after obtaining citizenship through naturalisation processes.
Real Estate Investment Opportunities in UAE
Dubai and Abu-Dhabi property market stands out as an attractive destination for investors seeking the UAE Golden Visa. The city offers innovative real estate projects, high rental returns, and no property taxes while providing exceptional quality living experiences alongside safety assurances for residents.
Types of Properties Available for Investment
Only in Freehold Zones may applicants purchase real estate. For this visa type, there are residential flats, hotel rooms, villas, townhouses, and offices accessible.
Factors contributing to strong returns on investment:
Tax advantages. The United Arab Emirates does not impose any income tax or capital gains tax on individuals investing in real estate. This allows investors to enjoy maximum profits from their investments without worrying about additional financial burdens.
High rental yields. Dubai’s rental market is known for its high yields, with average returns ranging between 6‑8% per annum. This makes it an attractive option for investors seeking regular income from their property investments.
Appreciation potential. The city’s ongoing infrastructure development and economic growth create a favourable environment for property appreciation over time. Investors may gain from capital appreciation as their assets experience growth along with market trends.
Stable Currency. The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar, ensuring stability against currency fluctuations and providing a secure investment environment for foreign investors.
UAE offers a diverse range of real estate investment opportunities that cater to various investor profiles. By carefully selecting the right type of property and considering factors such as tax advantages, rental yields, appreciation potential, and currency stability, investors can maximise their returns while securing long-term residency through the UAE Golden Visa program.
Business Environment and Infrastructure Development in the UAE
The progressive business environment and commitment to infrastructure development make the UAE an appealing location for long-term investments. Recent legislative changes have removed local sponsorship requirements when starting businesses within its borders, making it easier for foreign investors to establish a presence in this thriving market.
The UAE authorities have been investing in a number of large-scale infrastructure plans, with the intention to enhance economic development and diversify their economy beyond oil.
Dubai Expo 2023 site. A massive exhibition centre that will host the world’s largest trade fair, expected to attract millions of visitors from around the globe.
Economic free zones. The establishment of numerous free zones across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering attractive incentives such as tax exemptions and simplified regulations for international companies looking to set up operations within their boundaries.
Mega transportation projects. Investment into state-of-the-art transport systems like Etihad Rail, which aims to connect all seven emirates by rail; expansion of airports; and construction of new highways are examples of how the country is enhancing connectivity both domestically and internationally.
In recent years, several key legislative reforms have been introduced by the UAE government with an aim to improve ease-of-doing-business rankings while attracting more foreign investment into the real estate sector. These measures include:
UAE is an ideal destination for real estate investors seeking long-term returns on their investments while securing a stable future through its attractive residence permit programs such as the Golden Visa initiative
How to Invest in Real Estate for a UAE Golden Visa?
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence check
The applicants undergo an initial check to identify possible issues and raise the chances of obtaining a visa. The process is entirely confidential. A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer verifies the investor’s documents.
The applicants undergo an initial check to identify possible issues and raise the chances of obtaining a visa. The process is entirely confidential. A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer verifies the investor’s documents.
5—7 weeks
Preparing the documents and getting a short-term visa
The investor prepares all of the documents that are required for application. Before they are submitted, the documents must be translated, notarised and legalised by the consulate. The applicant receives a 6-month visa to enter the UAE, see the properties they plan to buy, pass a medical checkup and apply for a Golden Visa.
The investor prepares all of the documents that are required for application. Before they are submitted, the documents must be translated, notarised and legalised by the consulate. The applicant receives a 6-month visa to enter the UAE, see the properties they plan to buy, pass a medical checkup and apply for a Golden Visa.
5—6 weeks
Buying real estate
The investor chooses the property they want to purchase, buys it and registers ownership. For this step, the investor’s presence in the UAE is not required so the lawyer can act on their behalf.
The investor chooses the property they want to purchase, buys it and registers ownership. For this step, the investor’s presence in the UAE is not required so the lawyer can act on their behalf.
1—5 days
Medical checkup
The investor and their family come to the Emirates to pass a medical examination in a UAE clinic. They get a blood test to check for infectious diseases and undergo fluorography. After that, they receive a health certificate.
The investor and their family come to the Emirates to pass a medical examination in a UAE clinic. They get a blood test to check for infectious diseases and undergo fluorography. After that, they receive a health certificate.
Up to 30 days
Due Diligence and receipt of the UAE Golden Visa
The last step is to apply for the Golden Visa and submit biometrics to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. This is when the Due Diligence procedure starts.
The last step is to apply for the Golden Visa and submit biometrics to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. This is when the Due Diligence procedure starts.
In most cases, the application processing takes five to seven days. However, some additional information about the investor can be requested, and in this case, the procedure can take up to 30 days. After the application is approved, the investor and their family obtain Golden Visas.
Conclusion
Investing in real estate for a UAE Golden Visa is an attractive option for wealthy individuals. Dubai’s progressive business environment and major infrastructure projects make it a prime location to invest in property with strong ROI potential and high rental yields. The UAE Golden Visa program offers tax advantages, and eligibility criteria can be met through investing in various types of properties.
Due to the absence of taxes on income, capital gains, inheritance, gifts, and real estate, the UAE is regarded as a tax haven. The company will enjoy the most advantageous conditions, including unique tax and custom regimes, if it is registered in one of the several Free Zones. It is not subject to company tax, VAT, or customs charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
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