Getting a 3 or 5-year property visa in the UAE – Your Complete Guide

Introduction

Buying a home is a big investment. If you want to live in the UAE long-term after buying a property, then a 3 or 5-year property visa could be best. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about these special visas in simple terms. We will discuss the application rules, minimum property costs, document requirements and more. By the end, you’ll understand how to get a 3 or 5-year residency visa in the UAE by buying real estate.

Key Things to Know

Let’s start with some basic facts about these property investor visas:
– Minimum investment amounts: AED 1 million for a 3-year visa and AED 5 million for a 5-year visa.
– Property types: Only fully-owned, freehold homes like villas or apartments qualify. Land plots or commercial units don’t count.
– Visa processing: Currently takes 4-6 weeks on average. Total cost is around AED 12,000-15,000 including application fees.
– Renewals: Required every 2-3 years for the 3-year visa or every 5 years for the longer one.

Eligible Property Types in Detail

Now let’s examine the property requirement in more depth. To be eligible for these visas, the property you purchase must meet these criteria:

• It must be a home. Homes include apartments, villas, townhouses, and so on.
• The property should have a freehold ownership title with your name registered.
• You must own the property entirely without loans. Mortgages or financing are not allowed.
• Investment properties, like land plots, offices, or retail spaces, do not qualify you for the visa.
• The property’s location can be anywhere in the UAE. It can be in major cities or other emerging areas.

Application Requirements

To successfully apply for a 3 or 5 year property visa, you need the following documents:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
• Recent color photograph
• Original title deed/ownership proof of the property.
• Bank statement showing full payment for the property.
• Minimum monthly income evidence of AED 10,000 from non-UAE sources.
• Good conduct certificate from home country.
• Medical/HIV test results (required only on arrival to the UAE)

It’s best to get documents authenticated or attested before submitting your application. Hiring a licensed visa agent can also simplify the process.

Visa Processing Timelines and Fees

The Government of Dubai’s Property Department handles all property registrations. It also handles visa issuance related to real estate investment in the UAE. Here are some key timeline and cost factors:

• Standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks once the application is complete.
• Fees are currently set at AED 12,000 to 15,000, including medical exams, depending on the Emirate.
• You can speed up the process by 1-2 weeks via extra charges for urgent processing.
• You must renew extensions 2 months before the current visa expires. This avoids penalties.

Keeping realistic time buffers will help you get the visa smoothly. You will get it within the expected timelines.

Visa Benefits and Renewal Process

Some main perks of acquiring a property visa include:

• Ability to live and work freely in the UAE.
• Sponsor family members, such as a spouse, children and parents.
• Option to switch to employment or retirement visas later.
• Travel in and out of the country without restrictions.

Renewals are needed every 2-3 years for the 3-year visa or 5 years for the longer option. Simply providing continued ownership proof of the qualifying property renews your residency status.

Conclusion

The UAE offers foreign buyers a stable and investor-friendly environment. A 3 or 5-year residency through real estate opens many doors for living and working long-term. With proper planning and documentation, securing one of these visas is quite manageable. Let me know if any other questions come up during your search and application process.

Frequently Asked Questions