Residency Options for Investors in UAE

Ways to Obtain Residency for Investors in the UAE

UAE has close to 10 Million residents owing to the higher quality of life. People from all over the world flock to UAE to work and realise their dreams in this major international hub of the world. Unlike in western countries, the residence visa is usually stamped for a period of 1-3 years which has to be periodically renewed. There are several ways for investors to become long-term residents, including investing in real estate or starting a business. The United Arab Emirates has instituted a new visa system for long-term residents. There are no longer any requirements for national sponsors for foreigners to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates. They will be issued for 5 or 10 years, and they will be renewed at the end of that period.

Read along to understand the necessary information about residency options for investors in the UAE. A&A Associate can help you through the entire process for a hassle-free experience. Call us now to talk about your options.

3 Ways for UAE Investors and Entrepreneurs to Obtain Residency in UAE

There are primarily 3 residency options for investors in the UAE.

  1. Dubai Investor visa
  2. The Golden Visa
  3. Retirement Visa

1. Dubai Investor or Partner Visa

If you plan to open a business or invest in an existing business in Dubai, this visa is the best option for you. You can also bring your families to the UAE to live and work. The visa is valid for three years. According to ‘Invest in Dubai’, a business platform established by the Dubai Government, the following options are available to investors seeking the Dubai Investor Visa:

Residential Property Investment

Individuals who choose to invest in residential property worth Dh 1 million or more are eligible for this. A maximum of 50% of the property’s value is financed. Investors in a jointly owned property, who own at least Dh 1 million each, are eligible to apply.

The investment must be in a single residential property rather than in a portfolio of commercial properties. Furthermore, the visa is only valid for freehold residential properties; an off-plan property cannot be used to apply for this visa. The visa is valid for three to five years and can be extended as long as the investor owns property in the country.

Investment in a Company

Individuals who choose to invest in or start a business in Dubai’s mainland or free zones are eligible. Starting a business on Dubai’s mainland usually necessitates the presence of a partner of UAE nationality. However, the UAE has recently permitted 100% foreign ownership of onshore [mainland] companies in the UAE in certain business activities.

This visa is granted to investors who own at least Dh72,000 in shares in an existing company or are establishing a company with a capital investment of the same amount. For foreign investors, starting a business in a Dubai Free Zone does not require local sponsors or partners, companies are tax-free, and foreign nationals can own the entire company.

Talk to one of our expert consultants to start your Visa process today!

2. The Golden Visa

Investors and entrepreneurs who meet the UAE Government’s specific criteria are eligible for the Golden Visa, a 10-year residency permit. On April 18, the UAE announced a slew of new entry visas and residency permits. This included an update to the Golden Visa Program. The following are some of the advantages of the Golden Visa scheme:

  • A long-term, renewable residency visa that is valid for ten years
  • A visa that is self-sponsored and does not require an employer to sponsor it
  • To keep their residence visa valid, they must be able to stay outside the UAE for more than six months
  • Sponsoring their family members, including spouses and children of any age
  • Limitless number of domestic helpers
  • Allowing family members to stay in the UAE until their permit expires if the primary holder of the Golden visa dies

Real Estate Investing

According to the new rules established by the UAE Government on April 18, real estate professionals must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Purchase a property worth at least Dh2 million, real estate investors can apply for a Golden Visa
  • When purchasing a property with a loan from a specific local bank, investors are also eligible for the Golden Visa
  • Investors can also obtain the Golden Visa if they purchase one or more off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies for no less than Dh2 million

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who want to live in the UAE must meet one of the following requirements:

  • An entrepreneur must own or be a partner in a start-up registered in the UAE as a small and medium enterprise (SME) with annual revenues of at least Dh1 million
  • Obtaining approval for a start-up idea from an official business incubator (an organization that assists start-ups or entrepreneurs in the development of their businesses), the Ministry of Economy, or the relevant local authorities
  • If the individual is a founder (or one of the founders) of a previous project that was sold for at least Dh7 million
  • Projects or ideas that you submitted must be approved by the Ministry of Economy or the appropriate local authorities.

Don’t skip on the Golden opportunities, contact A&A Associate for detailed information. 

3. Visa for Retirement

For people planning to retire in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) issues a five-year retirement visa. Visa requirements and eligibility requirements are you must be 55 years old or older and you must meet one of the following financial requirements of

  • Earn a minimum of Dh180,000 per year, or Dh15,000 per month
  • Have a Dh1 million three-year fixed deposit
  • Unmortgaged property or mortgaged property worth at least Dh1 million 
  • A combination of the first two options, each worth at least Dh1 million in a three-year fixed deposit and Dh500,000 in property

So if you are planning to obtain the UAE residence permit for a longer period, contact us for more details. As a team, the professionals at A&A Associate work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service. “100% Customer Satisfaction” is always our goal. A&A Associate provides a wide range of services, including business setup in Dubai, feasibility studies, business plans, VAT-compliant financial accounting and auditing, legal consultation, corporate structuring, and trademark registration. We know how to get your Dubai business up and running on time and without a hitch. Get a complimentary consultation with us right now. For more information, talk to the experts at A&A Associate LLC.

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