Investment
AED 2 Million Route
The core long-term property investor route generally requires qualifying property value of at least AED 2 million.
Residence by Investment
United Arab Emirates Residence by Investment
A long-term residence framework for property investors and qualifying applicants seeking residence in the UAE.
This WIMA country profile summarizes UAE investment-linked residence routes, including property thresholds, visa validity, family inclusion, documentation and post-approval considerations.
Middle East
Renewable Residence
No Minimum Stay
Program Snapshot
Golden Residence Routes
Residence route linked to qualifying property ownership, investment, documentation and medical formalities.
10-Year RouteAED 2 million
5-Year Retiree RouteAED 1 million
Shorter Property RouteAED 400,000
Physical PresenceNo minimum stay
Family CoverageSpouse + children
Program Overview
UAE Golden Residence
The UAE offers renewable residence pathways for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs and selected professional categories, with property investment routes forming a major residence-by-investment channel.
This WIMA page focuses on investment-linked residence. Other talent, professional and student categories may follow separate criteria.
Status
Renewable Residence
Golden Residence visas may be valid for up to 10 years and renewable where conditions continue to be met.
Presence
Flexible Stay
Residing outside the UAE does not by itself nullify the Golden Residence status.
Family
Family Inclusion
Spouse and children may be sponsored subject to the applicable residence category and documentation.
Investment Options
Qualifying Residence Routes
Investment-linked UAE residence routes differ by age, property value, financing structure and visa duration.
10-Year Property Investor
For adult investors acquiring one or more qualifying properties that meet the long-term residence threshold.
AED 2 millionFinanced Property Route
A qualifying property may be acquired with approved local financing where current rules and evidence standards are met.
AED 2 millionOff-Plan Property Route
One or more eligible off-plan properties may qualify where value, developer and registration requirements are met.
AED 2 millionRetiree Property Route
Eligible older applicants may assess a renewable five-year residence route based on qualifying property value.
AED 1 millionRequirements
Eligibility and Evidence
Applications should be supported by identity, investment, property, conduct and medical evidence, with category-specific documents prepared before filing.
The qualifying investment must generally be maintained throughout the residence validity period.
| Requirement | Summary | Professional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property value | AED 2 million for the core 10-year real estate investor route. | Property value may need to be confirmed by official ownership or valuation evidence. |
| Age category | Adult investors generally use the 10-year route; older applicants may assess the five-year retiree route. | Age and route selection should be checked before purchase or filing. |
| Financing | Financed property may qualify if it meets current accepted financing rules. | Evidence should show paid value, lender acceptance and property status. |
| Off-plan property | Off-plan assets may be accepted where current conditions are met. | Developer approval, registration and value evidence should be verified. |
| Identity documents | Valid passport and application forms are required. | Family members require their own identity and relationship evidence. |
| Conduct and medical review | Clean record evidence and medical testing may be required. | The process typically includes medical checks and identity card procedures after initial approval. |
| Residence validity | Residence may be issued for 2, 5 or 10 years depending on route. | Renewal depends on continuing to satisfy the relevant conditions. |
Program Benefits
Residence Benefits
The UAE residence framework is reviewed for long-term status, family inclusion, a favorable tax environment and access to an international business hub.
Live, Work and Study
Residence supports living, working and studying in the UAE according to visa conditions.
Family Sponsorship
Spouse and children may be included, subject to eligibility and documentation.
Tax Environment
The UAE is known for a favorable personal tax environment for many residents.
Strategic Access
The country offers access across Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe corridors.
Application Process
Process Overview
The process generally moves from property and route assessment to application filing, initial review, entry or status formalities, medical testing and residence issuance.
Processing times and filing steps vary by emirate, applicant location and category.
Route Review
Confirm age, property value, financing status and target visa duration.
Investment Evidence
Collect title, valuation, financing and registration evidence.
Document Build
Prepare passport, photographs, family documents and supporting records.
Application Filing
Submit the residence application through the applicable channel.
Initial Approval
Applicant may receive entry or status instructions for completing in-country steps.
Medical and ID
Complete medical testing and identity card procedures where required.
Residence Issuance
Residence is issued for the qualifying duration and may be renewed if conditions continue.
Documents
Document Checklist
A complete file should evidence identity, investment qualification, residence eligibility and family sponsorship where relevant.
Passport and Photos
Valid passport copies and compliant identity photographs.
Property Evidence
Ownership, valuation, sale, financing or off-plan documents as applicable.
Background Records
Clean record or due diligence documents where required by the filing channel.
Relationship Evidence
Marriage, birth and dependency documents for included family members.
Compliance
Post-Approval Focus
01
Maintain Asset
Retain qualifying property or investment through the residence period.
02
Track Expiry
Monitor residence validity and renewal timing.
03
Maintain Records
Keep ownership, valuation, financing and family documents current.
04
Review Changes
Check rule changes before renewal, sale or refinancing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UAE Residence by Investment?
It is a residence framework allowing qualifying foreign applicants to obtain residence through eligible investment or property ownership routes.
What is the main 10-year property threshold?
The core long-term property investor route generally requires qualifying property value of at least AED 2 million.
Are shorter property routes available?
Yes. Lower-value or retiree-oriented property routes may provide shorter residence periods where conditions are met.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Spouse and children may be sponsored subject to category-specific eligibility and documents.
Is there a minimum residence requirement?
No minimum residence requirement is stated for the Golden Residence route, and residence outside the UAE does not automatically nullify the visa.
Does residence lead directly to citizenship?
No. UAE citizenship is separate, exceptional and subject to a different process.
WIMA country profiles are professional reference materials. Program thresholds, document standards, fees and procedures can change and should be verified before any application is prepared or submitted.
Professional Use
Review UAE Residence Carefully
Investment migration professionals should verify property value evidence, route eligibility, financing conditions, medical and identity steps, and renewal requirements before advising on any application.