How Long Can I Stay in the UAE if I Buy a House?

How Long Can I Stay in the UAE if I Buy a House?

The UAE is slowly turning into the world’s most attractive destination for property investors, buyers, and long-term residents. Its strong economy, modern lifestyle, and globally connected cities make it the most preferred investment choice for business owners and expats seeking stability. 

The UAE government has made buying property directly linked to obtaining long-term residency visas. As a potential buyer, you might have one common question on your mind right now, and it must be about how long you can stay in the UAE if you buy a house here. 

Understanding your residency duration in the UAE depends on the type of UAE property visa you qualify for. 

Keep reading as we put forward every factor you must know to have a better understanding of your residency options in the UAE through property investment. 

Overview of Property-Linked Residency Rules in the UAE

The UAE government allows property owners to apply for residency visas based on their investment value in one or more properties. This gives buyers a genuine pathway to stay in the country legally without the need for a company or employer sponsor for the same purpose.

For many potential investors, this is the reliable and most stable route to achieve UAE residency through property investment. 

The rules for it are well-structured, clear, and offer flexible stay periods based on how much you can spend and the type of property purchased in your name. 

Legal Framework for Residency by Investment in the UAE

Government reforms done over the past decade were designed to attract foreign investors and to diversify the economy. Such reforms link property ownership directly to residency duration.

Buyers who qualify for the respective property value thresholds can apply for a 2-year, 5-year or 10-year visa. This model supports foreign investors to apply for short and long-term residency by investment in the UAE.

Why the UAE Introduced Property-Backed Visas

The UAE government introduced UAE property visa options to strengthen the country’s real estate market, attract long-term investors, and promote economic stability. 

By connecting UAE residency and home ownership, the government encourages investors to stay longer, contribute to the growing economy by handling their own business firms, working for a company, and building a solid lifestyle. 

Minimum Property Value Requirements for Residency Visas

Understanding the minimum investment values is crucial before applying for UAE residency through property investment. The thresholds mentioned below help determine your visa category, stay duration, and eligibility for long-term residency options. 

AED 750,000 Minimum Investment Requirement

The minimum Investment threshold for a UAE property visa is valued at AED 750,000 or more. If your property purchase meets this value, then you can apply for a standard renewable investor visa. This visa is an ideal choice for small to mid-range property investors and for first-time buyers. 

AED 2 Million Investment Requirement for Golden Visa

If you have invested AED 2 million or above in qualified properties, then you can apply for the Golden Visa in the UAE. This visa allows 10-year residency and is an ideal choice for business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and global families looking for stability. 

AED 750,000 Investor Visa

This entry-level investor visa for property buyers in the UAE offers flexible stay benefits and is an ideal option for first-time investors looking for a stable residency pathway. 

What This Visa Includes

The AED 750,000 property visa typically offers:

• Emirates ID
• 2 years of renewable residency
• Ability to sponsor spouse and children
• Eligibility to stay in the UAE as long as the property is well-maintained

For many expats, this particular visa category serves as the foundation for long-term living or starting a new life in the UAE.

Ideal for First-Time Buyers and Expats

This visa is commonly chosen by first-time investors and potential real estate investors seeking property investment in the UAE, along with temporary legal residency. 

Once the visa expires, you get the flexibility to renew it or even apply for a Golden Visa by increasing your investment threshold and Dubai property visa stay duration. 

AED 2 Million Golden Visa

The Golden Visa offers long-term residency for property investors seeking better stability in the UAE. It’s the most attractive option for those aiming for extended stay and enhanced benefits. 

What the Golden Visa Offers

You get long-term stability with a 10-year renewable residency. As a Golden Visa holder, you can:

• Live in the UAE without relying on an employer sponsor 
• Sponsor your immediate children and spouse
• Stay outside the UAE for an unlimited time during the golden visa period
• Open banking accounts and businesses easily

If you have plans to stay in the UAE for the long term, then this option provides unmatched benefits. 

Why High-Net-Worth Investors Prefer It

High-value investors prefer the Golden Visa, mainly because of its stable residency option. It does align perfectly for those searching for a valid pathway to secure residency by investment in the UAE properties.

Our in-house team of real estate agents will help in finding the properties that you can invest in to apply for a property visa in the UAE, given your staying needs and investment benefits. 

How Long Can You Stay with Each Type of Property Visa?

Each property visa category in the UAE offers a different residency duration. Understanding these stay periods is crucial to finding the best visa option that matches your plan and need to live in the UAE, along with investment stability. 

2-Year Property Visa (Investor Visa)

As a standard investor visa holder, you can stay in the UAE for 2 years. This visa has a renewable option, and it can be done as long as you maintain ownership of a qualifying property. 

Anyone looking for a secure and short-term stable residency without committing to higher investment brackets can choose this property visa. 

5-Year Property Visa

Some emirates offer a 5-year property visa option for certain categories of property owners and retirees. This is determined based on property value, income, and other eligibility criteria. 

Anyone looking for a long-term stable residency and has frequent travel commitments can apply for this property visa. 

10-Year Golden Visa (Property Investor)

Once you have met the investment threshold of AED 2 million in the UAE, you become eligible to apply for a golden visa. This 10-year, easily renewable residency visa offers the longest stay period when compared to other property visas. 

It’s the most flexible visa category, highly preferred by investors exploring UAE residency through property investment and those who have plans to start a business and create a new life with their family members in the UAE. 

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Property Buyers

The eligibility requirements are designed to confirm property value, ownership, and compliance with immigration rules. Some of the crucial factors that you must fulfill as potential foreign property buyers are: 

Age and Ownership Conditions

As an applicant, you must be at least 18 years old and possess legally registered property ownership documents.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess legally registered property ownership documents (Title Deed or Oqood for off-plan properties).

Financial Requirements

The property must meet the respective minimum investment value requirements in the first place. Mortgaged properties need a minimum equity portion in your name to qualify. 

As an investor, you must have cleared AED 75,000 as an upfront cost, and submit your proof of income document as well. 

Also, if property value is more than AED 2 million, then upfront investment clearance of AED 1 million should be done. 

Clean Criminal Record and Health Insurance

Must fulfill standard background checks, have valid health insurance in your name, and good conduct certificates to have better chances during the approval process. 

Qualifying Property Types for UAE Residency

Not all properties can qualify for residency visas in the UAE. 50% of construction completion is required in certain types of property to qualify. 

Understanding which property types meet the visa eligibility requirements will save you time and money. 

Completed Properties with Title Deed

Fully completed properties with a valid title deed are required for property visa processing. These offer immediate eligibility for the UAE property visa. 

Off-Plan Properties

Off-plan homes might qualify for a property visa, and are determined based on development progress. Some property visas require the property to be 50% paid upfront or fully handed over to become eligible. 

Mortgaged Properties

Mortgaged properties are accepted for property visas, but owners must have sufficient equity. A bank NOC might be required to prove your equity, meeting the respective investment threshold for property visas in the UAE. 

Joint Ownership Rules

Spouses can combine the ownership value of their property investments in multiple properties to reach the visa threshold. For non-related joint owners, the eligibility varies based on the emirate and the specific property regulations. 

Our in-house team of experienced real estate agents will help in finding the best property that you can invest in now to qualify for a property visa in the UAE. 

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Residency Visa Through Property Investment

Applying for a residency visa through property ownership in the UAE is certainly a straightforward process, especially when you understand every step of it clearly. Here is a simple breakdown of how the process works from start to finish. 

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

The first step is to confirm that the property you have invested in the UAE meets the minimum investment value required for the visa category. This includes checking the official valuation, payment status for off-plan properties, and any mortgage details if applicable. 

Step 2: Obtain Title Deed or Oqood (Off-Plan)

For completed units, a Title Deed as issued by the Dubai Land Department or relevant authority must be submitted. For off-plan purchases, an Oqood document is used to verify ownership. 

Step 3: Apply Through Official Portals

You can submit the application through digital services like the Dubai REST app, the ICP smart services portal, or through local immigration centers.

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test & Biometrics

Completing a medical fitness test is mandatory for all property visa applicants. You must provide biometric data, which is a part of the residency approval process. 

Step 5: Visa Issuance and Emirates ID

Once your UAE property visa has been approved, it will be issued and attached to your passport, followed by the Emirates ID registration. 

Our real estate experts will assist you at every step, from property selection for applying for UAE residency through property investment, visa documentation, and approvals. 

Renewal Rules and Staying Outside the UAE

Understanding the travel rules and renewal requirements for property-based residency visas must be given importance, especially if you want to maintain long-term residency in the UAE. 

Every property visa category has its own conditions, and being aware of them helps ensure your residency remains valid without interruptions.

Renewal Conditions for 2-Year Visa

For the standard 2-year property investor visa, the major requirement is to maintain your ownership of the qualifying property that is valued at AED 750,000 or more. 

If you decide to sell the property or if its market value falls below the minimum investment threshold, then you can no longer be eligible for visa renewal. 

Golden Visa Travel Flexibility

The major advantage of the 10-year Golden Visa is its travel flexibility. As a golden visa holder, you can stay outside the UAE for unlimited periods without risking cancellation. 

Such options benefit global investors, families, and business owners who travel frequently or are seeking opportunities to manage investments in multiple countries. 

Rules for Standard Investor Visas

Unlike the Golden Visa, the standard investor visa requires the visa holder to re-enter the UAE within a specific timeframe, which is usually once every six months to actively maintain their residency. Failure to do this might result in immediate visa cancellation. 

Benefits of Property-Based Residency

Choosing to obtain residency through property investment in the UAE offers various advantages for investors, expats, and families. 

Other than the benefit of owning a valuable asset, the property-based residency offers a strong sense of security and freedom that other visa categories might not offer.

Family Sponsorship

The benefit of a property visa is the ability to sponsor your immediate family. This includes your children and spouse, allowing them to live, study, and work in the UAE as well. 

In some cases, investors can sponsor their parents too, depending on the visa type and financial requirements. 

Long-Term Stability and Security

Property-based residency offers utmost peace of mind for investors looking forward to having better control over their future. Other than relying on employer sponsorships, as a property investor in the UAE, you get multiple years of residency with easy renewal options. 

Such options help create a stable foundation toward building a solid lifestyle, establishing a business or planning long-term investment as per your requirements. 

Business, Work, and Banking Flexibility

UAE residency through property investment also offers immediate access to the UAE’s financial and business environment. 

As a property visa holder, you can open bank accounts, apply for loans, start businesses, and even explore job opportunities without relying on sponsorship conditions. 

Our real estate experts offer personalized property visa guidance by understanding your investment needs in the UAE.

Limitations or Common Misunderstandings

Given the kind of benefits property-based residency in the UAE offers, there are certain limitations and common misconceptions that you must understand beforehand as well. 

By knowing these details, you can make informed decisions and avoid facing unexpected issues during your residency process. 

Buying Property Doesn’t Guarantee Automatic Residency

One common misunderstanding many people have is that purchasing any property can automatically grant them a residency visa in the UAE. 

In reality, the property must meet the respective eligibility criteria that include minimum property value requirements, compliance with government regulations, and more. 

Once you have purchased a property, you must further apply for the visa, which is a separate process. 

Ensure your property investment complies with the required visa eligibility criteria to complete the visa approval process.  

Market Value vs Purchase Price Confusion

One more common misconception is assuming that the purchase price as displayed in the sales contract can determine property visa eligibility. 

However, the UAE government considers only the official property valuation, which can differ from the listed or negotiated price. 

As a potential investor, you must check the valuation report to make sure the property meets the required investment threshold as needed for the visa category. 

Off-Plan Limitations

Off-plan properties can be appealing to invest in at first, but they do come with varied limitations. Such properties do not always easily qualify for residency. 

You must have either cleared a certain payment percentage or the property must have reached the completion stage before submitting the visa application. 

Our real estate experts will clear all your confusion and common misconceptions about property investment and visa application in the UAE. 

They will understand your property investment needs first, find the best properties, handle the documentation process and help in applying for the property visa. 

Comparison – Property Visa vs Other UAE Visa Options

Having a better understanding of how a property visa compares to other UAE residency options can help you choose the right path that fits your long-term goals. Each visa category has its own set of renewal conditions, rules, and lifestyle benefits. 

Property Visa vs Employment Visa

A property visa provides utmost freedom, mostly because it does not rely on an employer. Employer visas, on the other hand, are tied to your job. If you plan to leave the company, then the visa might be cancelled. 

A property visa lets you have better control of your own residency as long as you maintain the qualifying property investment. 

Property Visa vs Retirement Visa

Retirement visas are an apt choice for people aged 55 and above who meet specific income slab and savings requirements. 

A UAE property visa lets foreign investors of age 18 and above gain investment benefits through property purchase, start exploring employment or study opportunities in the UAE.

It’s the most flexible visa option for both youngsters and families planning for long-term UAE residency. 

Property Visa vs Business Investor Visa

A business investor visa requires applying for a potential business opportunity, getting valid approval following various documentation and verification processes to set up and run the company. 

The property visas are simpler, requiring only ownership of a qualifying property to start your business in the UAE.

Need help in comparing your eligibility across different residency options – our real estate agents will guide you toward the most suitable visa and property combination. 

Conclusion – Why Buying Property is One of the Strongest Paths to UAE Residency

Attaining UAE residency through property investment is the most reliable and rewarding way to secure long-term residency. 

Whether you qualify for a 2-year investor visa or the 10-year Golden Visa, both these options offer stability, freedom, and flexibility to stay in the UAE for extended periods. 

At Six S Real Estate, we help foreign investors find the best properties to invest in the UAE and attain valid property visas by fulfilling the respective eligibility criteria. 

Our real estate agents are one phone call away to let you explore the right property investment options to secure your residency with confidence. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. If I buy property in the UAE, how long can I stay?

Once you have purchased a property in the UAE, you can stay for 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on your property value and visa category.

2. Does buying off-plan qualify me for residency?

Yes. Off-plan property investments are considered only if you have cleared a sufficient payment percentage toward the property and the property’s completion stage.

3. Can I sponsor my family with a property visa?

Yes. Most property visas let you sponsor your spouse and children. Some visas do allow sponsoring for your parents as well. 

4. Can Golden Visa holders stay outside the UAE for long periods?

Yes. There is no certain timeframe to stay outside the UAE in the Golden Visa. You can stay in or out of the UAE any day, anytime, as per your living choices, and as long as the visa remains valid.

5. Can multiple owners combine the property value for visa eligibility?

Yes. Multiple property owners can combine the total value of their properties to fulfill the property visa eligibility threshold, as long as the properties meet the respective criteria for the investment visa.