Conditions and advantages of investor residency in Dubai

What is an Investor Residency in Dubai?

The investor residency in Dubai is a legal residence permit granted by the government of the United Arab Emirates to foreign investors who establish businesses or purchase real estate within Dubai. This residency allows the holder to live and work legally in the country and grants multiple benefits such as long-term residency, facilitation of opening bank accounts, and family sponsorship.

The investor residency comes in several types depending on the value of the investment, such as 2 or 10-year residency, and may include real estate or companies. The UAE has canceled the requirement for an Emirati sponsor, making it easier for foreigners to have full ownership and invest in Dubai.

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What are the ways to obtain an Investor Residency in Dubai?

According to UAE laws, the ways to obtain an investor residency in Dubai are summarized in three categories: real estate investors, general investment category, and entrepreneurs:

1. Investor Residency in Dubai for Real Estate Investors

Investor residency in Dubai is granted to real estate investors through the purchase of a property or a group of properties that meet the real estate residency conditions set by the UAE government. This type of residency allows the foreign investor to obtain:

• Golden residency for 5 years renewable, provided property ownership continues.

• Or regular real estate residency granted for shorter periods, depending on the value and type of property.

The conditions for real estate residency vary according to the type of permit and include the minimum property value, and that the property must be completed and registered in the investor’s name.

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What are the advantages of Investor Residency in Dubai for real estate investors?

The real estate investor residency in Dubai offers many important benefits, most notably:

• Opening a bank account and benefiting from financial facilities and financing.

• Obtaining a UAE driving license recognized in several countries.

• Comprehensive health insurance for the investor and their family.

• Easy travel to many countries thanks to UAE residency.

• Registering children in schools and universities within the country.

• Legal employment in both public and private sectors.

• Establishing a private company and starting investment immediately.

• Ensuring residency renewal throughout the property ownership period.

• Possibility to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without canceling residency (for golden residency).

What are the conditions for obtaining an investor residency for real estate investors?

To obtain a real estate investor residency in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:

1. The value of the property (or the investor's share in it) must not be less than 2 million AED to obtain the golden residency.

2. The property must be financed from private capital and not through a bank loan.

3. Proof of residence in the country, either by owning a residential property or a notarized lease contract.

4. The property must be ready and fully constructed, not under construction.

5. To obtain regular real estate residency, the property value must not be less than 1 million AED, and the mortgage amount must not exceed 50% of the property value.

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2. Residency for Investors in the General Investment Category

The United Arab Emirates thrives with outstanding general investment categories with their programs and types.

The investor in Dubai, through investing in an existing company or establishing his own company, obtains a golden category investor residency permit for up to 10 years renewable, if his investment meets the golden residency conditions.

It is also possible to obtain a regular investor residency, not golden, for up to 5 years if the investment in Dubai meets other conditions different from those of the golden residency.

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What are the advantages of Investor Residency in Dubai for the general investment category?

The investor residency in Dubai within the general investment category offers several important benefits, most notably:

• Living in a modern and advanced environment.

• Including spouse and children in the residency.

• Ability to renew residency every 5 years at least.

• No need for a guarantor or sponsor.

• Obtaining tax exemptions and government support.

• Opening bank accounts and benefiting from financing and loans.

• Attending international events and exhibitions related to entrepreneurship.

• Obtaining health insurance covering family members.

• Facilitating obtaining travel visas to several countries around the world.

Conditions for obtaining residency for investors in the general investment category

To obtain legal residency in Dubai within the general investment category, the investor must meet the following conditions:

• Submitting an official document from an accredited investment fund stating the existence of a financial deposit in the investor's name.

• Obtaining a valid commercial or industrial license, with an incorporation contract showing the value of the invested capital.

• Providing a letter from the Federal Tax Authority proving ownership or partnership in an establishment that pays a minimum annual tax.

• The capital used in the investment must be fully owned by the investor, not a loan or outstanding financial obligation.

3. Investor Residency in Dubai for Entrepreneurs

The UAE government grants legal residency in the country to investors who are entrepreneurs owning an economic project of a technical or futuristic nature, based on risk and innovation, and the period granted for this type of residency is up to 5 years.

Advantages of Investor Residency in Dubai for Entrepreneurs

• Achieving success and development in an environment that fosters innovation and creativity with fully prepared and equipped infrastructure.
• The ability to exchange international experiences and benefit from entrepreneurs from around the world within the periodic events hosted annually in Dubai.
• Benefiting from rewards, financial support, and facilities granted by the UAE government to entrepreneurs and innovators.
• The possibility to obtain the golden residency and benefit from its various advantages.

Conditions for obtaining residency for entrepreneurs

• A document from an auditor in the country stating that the project value is not less than half a million AED.
• A statement from the relevant authorities in the Emirate of Dubai stating that the project is of a technical or futuristic nature and meets the concepts of entrepreneurship.
• A declaration from an accredited business incubator or the relevant authority in the Emirate of Dubai confirming that the project is entrepreneurial and of a technical or futuristic nature.

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What are the fees for Investor Residency in Dubai?

The fees for obtaining an investor residency in Dubai start from approximately 7,500 AED and may reach 20,000 AED or more, depending on the type and duration of residency (one year, two years, or golden residency for 5 or 10 years).

Imtilak Global Services for Real Estate Investors in Dubai

Imtilak Global, a leading company in the real estate sector in Dubai, provides comprehensive services for investors wishing to invest in the emirate's real estate market.

Imtilak Global works to provide the best available real estate opportunities in Dubai’s real estate market to its distinguished clients, and the company takes care of post-purchase services including procedures for obtaining the title deed, residency, and many other services.

Imtilak Global bases its ability to seize real estate opportunities on its extensive experience in both the international and local real estate markets. It is a regional company with several offices in different countries operating in various investment fields, most importantly real estate markets.

Edited by: Imtilak Global©

Questions and Answers about Investor Residency in Dubai