How can a real estate purchase in the United Arab Emirates give access to an investor visa?
What are the requirements for obtaining a real estate-related investor visa in the United Arab Emirates?
What real estate investment thresholds, documents, and conditions must a foreign investor meet to apply for this type of visa?
What is the real estate-related "investor visa" and why can it be a great advantage
The real estate investor visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a category of residence permit that is granted to foreigners who make a compliant real estate investment and meet certain value, ownership and residency requirements. Obtaining this visa allows not only to purchase property, but also to live (and sometimes work) in the emirate concerned, with the possibility of sponsoring family, gaining wider access to services, and creating a life project in the country. For example, to obtain the so-called "Golden Visa" real estate in the UAE requires an investment in property of at least AED 2 million.
This type of visa is highly strategic for an investor who not only wants to purchase a property, but integrate the property into a larger project of living, moving, or diversifying.
What real estate investment thresholds and specific conditions are required in the UAE
To be eligible for the real estate investor visa in the UAE, there are minimum thresholds and conditions that must be met. For example:
In most cases, the real estate investment must be at least AED 2 000 000 for the 10-year visa (Golden Visa) in the UAE.
There are also options for shorter visas (e.g., 2-5 years) with a minimum real estate investment of about AED 750 000 or more, depending on the emirate and whether the property is fully owned or mortgage-linked.
The property must generally be "freehold" (or in designated areas) and registered in the name of the investor. The visa may require that the property be freehold or that at least a good portion be paid off.
Additional documents: registered property title, certificates of good conduct, health insurance, and other fulfillments required by local authorities.
What are the practical implications and risks in obtaining a real estate visa
Although the real estate investor visa represents a strong opportunity, one must be aware of practicalities and risks:
The investment must be held for a certain period: in some cases it is required that the property remain in the possession of the investor for at least 3 years.
The fact that the property is mortgaged may complicate or increase the requirements (e.g., NOC from the bank).
If the property or investment no longer meets the conditions (e.g., property sold or mortgage increased), the visa may be revoked or not renewed.
Family management must also be considered: the visa may include spousal and child sponsorship, but documentation must be in order.
Not all properties or all areas allow the investor visa: area, type of property (off-plan vs completed), registration, and nationality of the investor are variables to consider.
Why choose REMA Living Real Estate to assist you in the visa + property pathway
By relying on REMA Living Real Estate you get integrated advice: not only do we help you find the most suitable property for your investor visa goal, but we guide you through the entire process: property verification (zoning, freehold, construction status), budget and financial burden analysis, visa document support (title, NOC, personal documents), and assistance with post-purchase management and starting your life in the UAE. Our approach is built on values of ethics, transparency, and client orientation: your life project is at the center, not just the real estate transaction.
Practical advice: assess your goal and align property + visa + life strategy
Good advice: before you set your sights on the real estate investor visa, get clarity on your goal: do you simply want an income? Do you want to live in the UAE part-time or relocate? Do you want to sponsor family? Only after defining the goal can you choose the right property, area, investment threshold, and see if the visa is actually consistent. Also, always keep a margin of safety: consider ancillary costs, possible regulatory changes, bureaucratic time, and choose a reliable partner to avoid surprises.
