About the Residence Permit in the UAE by Property Purchase 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a unique opportunity for investors and expatriates to obtain a residence permit by investing in property. This program is part of the UAE’s initiative to attract global investors and diversify its economy, turning it into a hub for international real estate investment.

Requirements for Residence Permit Applicants

To qualify for a UAE residence permit through real estate investment, applicants must meet the following criteria:

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• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• Legal Background: Applicants are required to have a clear criminal record. They should also have no history of visa rejections or unresolved financial liabilities in the UAE.

• Investment Threshold: A minimum investment of AED 750,000 (approximately $204,000) is required for a 2-year visa, while a 10-year visa demands an investment of at least AED 2,000,000 (around $545,000).

• Proof of Legal Income: Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate source of income.

• Medical Fitness: A medical examination in the UAE is mandatory.

The policy also extends to family members sponsored by the main applicant, under these conditions:

• Spouse: Must be over 18 years of age and possess a clean criminal record. They should also be free from any dangerous diseases.

• Children Under 18: Eligible for sponsorship without additional stipulations.

• Sons Aged 18 to 21: They should have no criminal records or dangerous diseases and must be enrolled as students in universities either in the UAE or abroad.

• Daughters Over 18: Eligible for sponsorship if unmarried, with no criminal records or dangerous diseases.

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Applicant’s Expenses

To successfully obtain a UAE residence visa as an investor, several expenses need to be covered, including fees for legal assistance, property acquisition, and various administrative costs. Additionally, the investor is required to undergo a medical examination in the UAE and ensure all family members are adequately insured. The process concludes with payment for the processing and issuance of essential documents.

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• Real Estate Purchase: Investors must invest in property valued at AED 750,000 or more (equivalent to over $204,000). This investment is a key criterion for qualifying for the residence visa.

• Property Registration Fee: A mandatory fee, typically starting from AED 160,000 (around $21,800+), is required for registering the purchased property.

• Document Translation and Legalization: Each applicant needs to allocate $1,000 for the translation, notarization, and consular legalization of documents. This is crucial for ensuring all paperwork complies with UAE legal standards.

• Health Insurance: It is mandatory to obtain health insurance for each applicant, generally costing about $500 per person. This ensures healthcare coverage in line with UAE requirements.

• Visa Issuance Fees: The combined fees for the visa issuance process, including medical examination, application processing, and the issuance of the visa and national ID card, start from AED 4,037 (approximately $1,100+).

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Timeframe for Processing

The processing time for obtaining a residence permit through property purchase typically ranges from 2 to 5 months, depending on the property and application details.

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Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining an UAE Residence Permit by Purchasing Property

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​Getting an UAE residence permit takes at least three months after application. Besides, at least two more months are required to prepapre all the documents, find and rent housing in UAE, and get medical insurance.

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1. Preliminary Check: A qualified Compliance Anti Money Laundering Officer meticulously reviews the investor's documents, evaluating potential risks. This process aids in preparing for governmental Due Diligence and preemptively identifying any concerns. The procedure maintains strict confidentiality, requiring only a copy of the investor's passport. Should any issues arise that might impede the visa application, we will propose alternative solutions or programs. By conducting this initial Due Diligence, we reduce our clients' chances of application rejection to a mere 1%.

2. Document Preparation: Our legal team will create a comprehensive checklist of necessary documents for the application, which the investor is then required to supply in their original form. Our lawyers will facilitate the translation and notarization of these documents. Following this, consular legalization of the documents will be required to complete the process.

3. Property purchase: You have the option to select and purchase property from a distance. Our Real Estate Department experts will handpick properties that align with your specific needs and preferences. They can conduct a virtual or in-person property inspection in the UAE, ensuring due diligence in reviewing the property's title and contract conditions. Following this, our legal team will assist in registering the property and securing an ownership certificate, which is essential for your residence visa application.

4. Health Checkup in the UAE: The investor and their family members, who are over 18 years old, are required to undergo fluorography and blood tests for infectious diseases at a certified clinic in the UAE. Following these tests, the clinic will provide a health certificate, which is necessary for the visa application process.

5. Providing biometric data and submitting a visa application: The investor and their adult family members are required to provide their biometric data at a designated typing center in the UAE. Following this, they will apply for a visa through either the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Throughout this process, from application submission to visa acquisition, our legal team will provide in-person support and guidance to the investor in the UAE.

6. Due Diligence: Applicants are subject to a Due Diligence process to verify that they do not pose any risk to national security or public order. This evaluation typically spans 5 to 7 days. However, should any queries arise or if there is a need for further documentation, this timeframe could extend to as much as 30 days. In such instances, our lawyers will respond to any additional inquiries and handle the requisite follow-ups.

7. Obtaining a Residency Permit: Following the successful approval of the investor's application, each applicant will be granted an Emirates ID, and their residence visas will be officially stamped in their passports.