Dubai offers several visa options for foreigners who purchase property in the emirate. With real estate investment, buyers may qualify for long-term renewable visas as well as temporary residency that is tied to property ownership.
Visa Options for Buyers of Dubai Properties
Dubai allows foreigners who buy property in the emirate to apply for long-term or temporary UAE residence visas. The main options are:
- Long-term renewable property visa – Valid for 5 or 10 years and renewable. Allows multiple entries and 6 month stay per entry.
- Temporary ownership visa – Valid for duration of property ownership. Allows multiple entries and stay up to 6 months per entry.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria vary by visa type:
Long-Term Renewable Property Visa
- Purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million
- Property must be completed, not off-plan
- Loan to value ratio of no more than 50% at time of applying
Temporary Ownership Visa
- Purchase any property in Dubai
- There is no minimum property value requirement
- Property can be off-plan/under construction
For both types, the property must be retained for visa validity and cannot be rented out. The visa holder must retain ownership documentation.
Key Criteria Differences
| Criteria | Long-Term Visa | Temporary Visa |
| Minimum Property Value | AED 2 million | None |
| Property Status | Completed | Can be under construction |
| Ownership Retention | Required for visa validity | Required for visa validity |
Application Process and Fees
Here are the key steps and fees to get a property visa in Dubai:
- Purchase qualifying property – Consult with a real estate agent or developer on properties that meet visa eligibility criteria. Complete sale through Dubai Land Department.
- Apply for initial approval – Visit General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office to get initial approval for property visa. Requirements: Original purchase agreement, passport copies, photos.
- Obtain Title Deed – The Dubai Land Department will issue property Title Deed in buyer’s name.
- Apply for visa – Return to GDRFA office with Title Deed and other documents to obtain actual visa.
Visa fees are:
- AED 7,000 for 5 year visa
- AED 12,000 for 10 year visa
These fees may change, so check Dubai INVEST for latest requirements.
Can Family Members Also Get Visas?
Yes, eligible family members can also obtain residence visas if the property owner gets either a long term or temporary property visa in Dubai.
Eligible family members:
- Spouse
- Children below age 18
- Adult daughters unmarried up to age 25 (with proof of dependency)
- Parents and parents-in-law
- Domestic laborers
Family members get visa validity duration same as the property owner. Fees per family member are:
- 5 year visa – AED 2,000
- 10 year visa – AED 3,000
Newborn baby added to family visa – AED 300
Key Takeaways
- Dubai allows property buyers to apply for long-term or temporary ownership visas
- Long-term 5/10 year visa requires minimum AED 2 million completed property
- Temporary visa options for any property purchase including off-plan
- Visa holder must retain property for visa validity period
- Eligible family members can also obtain appropriate visas
Conclusion
In summary, Dubai offers flexible visa options for foreigners purchasing property in the emirate. Investors have choices between long term visas needing higher value property purchase, or temporary visas with lower eligibility criteria. But for either visa type, retaining ownership is mandatory for maintaining valid UAE residence permits. So consult closely with real estate consultants to pick the right properties that align both your investment goals and immigration needs in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is Dubai property visa valid for?
Dubai offers long-term 5 or 10 year property visas, as well as a temporary visa valid for as long as the property is owned.
- Does property visa allow working in Dubai?
No, the property ownership visa does not allow working in Dubai. For employment, a separate work permit is required.
- Can I get Dubai property visa for off-plan purchase?
Only the temporary ownership visa allows off-plan property purchases. The long term visa requires a completed property.
- What is the total cost for a family of 4 to get property visa?
For a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids below 18yrs) – Approximate cost is AED 21,000 (5 yr) to AED 30,000 (10 yr).
- Can I buy affordable property in Dubai for visa eligibility?
Yes, for temporary ownership visa there are no minimum property price requirements.
- Can I stay permanently in Dubai with property visa?
No, the stay is limited to 6 months at a time after which the owner has to exit and re-enter Dubai.
- Can I get loan to purchase property and apply for visa?
Yes, loan is allowed but has to be under 50% of property value for long term visa eligibility.
- Is rental income allowed while holding property visa?
No, renting out the property would invalidate the property ownership visa.
- How much money do I need to buy property in Dubai?
Around AED 1 million is sufficient to purchase apartments in affordable areas that meet temporary visa eligibility.
- What are the best areas to buy property for investment?
Popular areas for buyers are Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Village Circle etc.
- How to verify proper Dubai visa agents?
Check website of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for list of authorized typing centers who can apply for visas.
- What documents do I need from Dubai Land Department?
After property purchase, the Title Deed from Land Department is required to proceed with visa application process.
- Can I get family sponsored visa without buying property?
Yes, residence visa options in Dubai also include investor/business visa, entrepreneur visa, employee sponsorship among others without needing property.
- Is it advisable to buy property in Dubai for UAE visa?
Dubai offers attractive real estate options. Analyze both property investment potential and taxation laws of your home country before deciding.
- Can a Pakistani citizen get Dubai visa if buying property?
Yes, Pakistani passport holders can definitely avail Dubai visa if they purchase qualifying property. Nationality is no bar.
- Which is better – property or entrepreneur visa?
Entrepreneur visa requires setting up a local company. Property visa provides UAE residence rights faster with no business setup mandatory. Evaluate both based on your goals.
- Is it easy to get mortgage loan as a foreigner?
Yes, many banks provide mortgages to overseas property buyers in Dubai up to certain loan-to-value ratios. Have clear credit history for best terms.
- Are Dubai property prices higher than other countries?
While prices are gradually rising, Dubai real estate is still cheaper compared to global cities like Hong Kong, New York, London, Tokyo etc.
- Is it advisable to stay back in Dubai after investor visa expiry?
No, staying beyond permit validity would lead to fines and even ban on future entry or ability to renew visas.
- How much returns can I expect from rental income?
Gross rental yields vary across Dubai properties – studios & 1-bed units fetch 5-8% returns while villas and townhouses offer 3-5% returns.
