The Dubai skyline. ARCHIVE

Dubai has revised the eligibility rules for its two-year property investor residency visa, removing the minimum property value requirement for sole property owners while introducing updated conditions for jointly owned properties. According to Cube Centre, an entity affiliated with the Dubai Land Department specialising in services for real estate investors, the updated regulations are aimed at simplifying investor access to residency while clarifying ownership requirements. Previously, individual investors were required to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify for the renewable two-year residency permit. Under the revised rules, that minimum property value requirement has been removed for sole owners, provided that the applicant is the exclusive owner of the property. For jointly owned properties, however, stricter share-based eligibility now applies. Each investor must individually hold a share valued at no less than Dh400,000 to qualify for the residency visa, even if ownership is divided equally among co-owners. Authorities also clarified requirements for mortgaged properties or homes purchased under an instalment plan. Applicants in these cases must submit a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the bank or property developer. The document must confirm the total amount already paid, the outstanding balance, and include an official mortgage statement. For completed properties that are no longer under construction, investors must also provide a payment statement showing that at least 50 percent of the property value, or a minimum of Dh375,000, has already been paid. The UAE introduced its updated visa system in 2019, allowing foreigners to live, work, study and invest in the country without the need for a local sponsor. One of the most popular options under that system is Dubai’s two-year investor visa for property owners. The renewable permit is processed through the Dubai Land Department (DLD – Taskeen) and issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The visa remains one of the most sought-after residency pathways for expatriates looking to establish long-term roots in Dubai through real estate investment.

Guide: Who can apply for Dubai property investor visa?

Eligible applicants include: • Sole property owners with full ownership of the property • Joint property owners with each share valued at Dh400,000 or more • Owners of mortgaged or instalment-plan properties with required bank or developer NOC • Owners of completed properties who have paid at least 50 percent of the property value or Dh375,000 minimum Required documents include: • Title deed • Passport copy • Emirates ID copy (if applicable) • NOC from bank or developer for mortgaged properties • Mortgage statement • Proof of payment or payment statement PIA/CAM/Expat Media
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