UAE residence permit in Dubai through real estate investment

Кристина
Christina
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12 Oct 2023
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article
12 Oct 2023
360 views
In this article

Investors in Emirates' real estate have the opportunity to obtain a resident visa. This visa is granted based on the acquisition of properties above a specified value and comes with additional benefits for property owners. In the following article, we will delve into the details of obtaining an investor visa in Dubai, covering its criteria, requirements, and suitable investment projects.

What opportunities can Dubai residency provide?

  • Open bank accounts and access cryptocurrency exchanges. 
  • Register and establish companies within the UAE. 
  • Benefit from resident tax rates, including a 0% rate on capital gains and property income. 
  • Visit state clinics and enroll your children in city schools. 
  • Get visas for your family members. 
  • Secure affordable long-term apartment rentals. 
  • Obtain comprehensive health insurance in the UAE. 
  • Acquire a driver's license and own a car.

Differences in residence permit acquisition based on mortgage and full payment  

If you are considering obtaining a UAE residence permit through real estate investment, it's essential to understand the implications of paying for the property in full or opting for a mortgage. When choosing the latter option, there is a condition to be met: your initial payment must cover at least 50% of the property's total cost. Additionally, you will require documents from the bank and/or a NOC certificate from the developer.

Insights into life in Dubai  

If you're planning a move to Dubai as an expatriate, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

Dubai experiences extreme weather conditions. Summers can see temperatures soar to 50°C, while winters typically stay above 20°C. This climatic variation significantly influences the real estate pricing, particularly along the coast and in proximity to parks.

Dubai's transportation infrastructure may differ from what you're accustomed to. Pedestrian crossings are often spaced far apart, making the city more suitable for car travel.

Be aware that taxi fares in the Emirates are higher compared to many other places, including Moscow. Renting a car necessitates having an Emirates ID card to confirm your residence permit.

Dubai's strict adherence to cultural norms is legally enforced. Violating these moral and cultural rules can lead to arrest and deportation. Therefore, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the country's culture and customs well in advance.

Duration of resident's visa  

For real estate purchases in Dubai, you can obtain two types of residency visas:

  • 2-year visa for investments totaling $205,000. 
  • 5-10-years visa for investments exceeding $544,000.

Applicant requirements  

To qualify for a residence permit in the Emirates, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • be at least 18 years old; 
  • demonstrate the legality of their income;
  • has a clean criminal record; 
  • pass a medical evaluation, including tests for dangerous infectious diseases.

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Step-by-step guide to getting a UAE residence permit for real estate purchase

1. Acquiring a short-term visa  

To embark on the process of purchasing real estate, undergoing a medical examination, and applying for a residence permit in the UAE, you must personally visit the country. This necessitates obtaining a six-month temporary visa, which grants you access to the UAE during the property transaction and document submission phases.

Additionally, the visa can help open a bank account or issue a manager's check – an option that safeguards funds and permits withdrawals only to specific recipients.

2. Exploring and purchasing suitable property  

Securing a residence permit in the UAE through real estate investment requires that the property meets specific criteria:

  • the property must be only residential; 
  • it should be completed and ready for occupancy to qualify for a 2-year visa. However, projects that are at least 50% completed are eligible for the Golden Visa; 
  • the property must be located in a freehold zone.

Ownership must be confirmed throughout the visa's 2-year validity period and the initial 3 years for the Golden Visa.

We have compiled a selection of projects suitable for investment to obtain a residence permit in the Emirates. All of these projects are available for rent in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

PG Upper House  

PG Upper House stands tall as a 13-floor, premium residence located in the Al Furjan district. Distinguished by its exterior adorned with white panels and extensive glass features, the building offers a transparent aesthetic, while the protruding balconies provide a unique textured appearance. Anticipated completion is set for the 3rd quarter of 2024.

This prime location offers exceptional transport convenience, with the prominent Sheikh Zayed Road nearby and the Discovery Gardens metro station accessible within a 19-minute walk. Dubai Marina and the primary tourist beaches of Dubai are a 10-minute car ride away.

Here you'll find an exclusive selection of 104 apartments, all available for rent and boasting premium finishes and furnishings. The complex boasts a range of amenities, including a swimming pool with a stylish lounge area, a well-equipped gym, a beautifully landscaped park, and a spacious lobby with round-the-clock concierge services.

Starting price: $210,000. Good choice for a 2-year visa opportunity.

Prive Residence

Prive Residence is located in the heart of Dubai Hills that has garnered immense popularity among expatriates. The project itself is a medium-rise project. The locality boasts numerous parks, with the project itself nestled beside Dubai Hills Park, replete with picturesque pedestrian zones amidst lush trees, playgrounds, and attractions. Within the vicinity, you'll also find two international schools and a sprawling mall, while the city center and iconic Burj Khalifa are a 20-minute drive away.

The architectural design leans towards a fusion of high-tech sophistication and minimalism. Atop the building, a rooftop podium hosts an inviting outdoor pool and a charming small garden. Within the complex, a dedicated concierge service stands ready to assist with tasks such as food delivery or laundry services.

The project presents a range of apartments featuring 1-2 bedrooms, all graced with premium finishes and furnishings. These apartments offer spacious layouts, each complemented by a balcony that affords panoramic views of the expansive green park. Anticipated completion is set for the 3rd quarter of 2024.

Starting price: $240,000. This project is an opportunity for a 2-year visa.

Society House

Society House is nestled in the heart of Dubai and rises as a 52-storey skyscraper, conveniently located in proximity to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the bustling Business Bay office centers. Its futuristic architectural design, characterized by gentle contours, sets it apart amidst the surrounding buildings. Anticipated delivery is slated for the second quarter of 2026.

In this complex, you'll discover an array of studio apartments and larger units spanning 1-3 bedrooms. Remarkably, the interior decor incorporates rare materials for Dubai, including marble, brass, and gold. A highlight of the podium is the 25-meter swimming pool offering panoramic vistas of the cityscape. Additionally, the complex boasts a concierge service, a private cinema, and a bar.

This project boasts a prime location, just a 15-minute stroll from the renowned Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping destination. For those with wheels, the coastal attractions of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina area are accessible within a mere 15-minute drive.

Starting price: $560,000. The project fits the conditions of a Golden Visa.

Our company specializes in personalized real estate investment solutions tailored to your unique requirements and budget. Feel free to get in touch with us to schedule a complimentary consultation that includes a detailed assessment of potential returns and required investments.

Getting ownership certification  

Once you've identified a suitable property, the next step involves formalizing an agreement with the developer and facilitating the required payment. Subsequently, as the transaction reaches its conclusion, you will need to initiate the process of registering ownership with DLD, the analog of Russia's Rosreestr. A one-time fee equivalent to 4% of the property's value will be incurred for this service.

After successful scrutiny by legal authorities, you will be granted a certificate affirming your ownership of real estate in Dubai.

Police verification  

This phase necessitates your engagement with the emirate police to secure a certificate confirming your clean criminal record. Police department personnel will conduct a comprehensive background check, assessing the legality of your income and examining any past criminal history.

Medical certificate  

Following the police check, the subsequent step entails undergoing a thorough medical evaluation at an accredited clinic in Dubai. The foremost health criterion is the absence of severe infectious diseases, including hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Beyond a general physical examination, you'll also undergo optometry, lung X-rays, and various tests. These assessments can typically be completed within a single day, culminating in the issuance of a health certificate.

The cost for this examination is ≈ $100.

Biometric data  

In order to obtain a personal Emirates ID resident card, you will need to undergo the biometric data collection process. Your fingerprints, photograph, and signature sample will be recorded into the central database. This mandatory step is pivotal in securing your status as a UAE citizen.

Document collection and application submission  

To initiate the process, you will be required to assemble the following set of documents:

  • candidate for presidency questionnaire;
  • original and photocopies of your foreign passport;
  • copy of your temporary visa;
  • certificate of property ownership from DLD; 
  • passport-sized photos measuring 30 x 40 mm; 
  • certificate confirming your clean record from the police;
  • proof of income;
  • bank statements spanning 6 months; 
  • receipt of payment for the consular fee;
  • health certificate obtained from an accredited clinic;
  • valid medical insurance documentation.

All these documents must be translated into either English or Arabic and then notarized. Depending on your circumstances, you may also require a power of attorney for remote transaction facilitation.

State duty payment and resident visa application  

The compilation of these documents can be efficiently submitted through the online service offered by the GDRFA. Within this process, the registration fee amounting to $26 can be settled. For those seeking expedited review, an additional payment of $14 can be made.

Emirates ID enrollment

The residence permit solely exists in electronic form, with the Emirates ID serving as the primary means of identification. It incorporates your biometric information and effectively substitutes for a traditional citizen's passport. Importantly, it can be obtained as part of an investment in real estate.

The issuance fee is $26, with annual maintenance up to $80.

Is a visa legal for investor's family members?  

Yes, the visa extends to the investor's family members; however, there are specific conditions. In all scenarios, resident status can be granted to a spouse or spouse and parents. When it comes to children, there are certain restrictions for a 2-year visa:

Sons must be unmarried and either under 18 years old or under 21 if they are still students.

Daughters of any age can apply as long as they are unmarried.

These restrictions do not apply to the ten-year golden visa, and furthermore, it's possible to extend resident status to domestic staff.

Reasons for document denial  

The most prevalent reasons for visa application rejection include inaccurately completed documents and the presence of severe offenses or infectious diseases. If an applicant fails any of the checks conducted by the police, medical center, or GDRFA, they are permitted to reapply.

Extending a resident visa  

When your residency period nears expiration, you can apply for an extension by following these points:

  1. Select the appropriate service on the GDRFA online platform. 
  2. Attach a package of documents similar to your initial visa application. 
  3. Pay all fees for the service. 
  4. Submit the form for reviewing.

If any documents are missing or contain errors, the service will provide a 30-day window to upload the corrected versions. If everything is in order, you will receive an email confirmation of the visa extension.

Conclusion  

If you are seeking new property investment opportunities in Dubai to get a residence permit, please feel free to reach out to our brokers. They will assist you without charging any commission, providing love and care.