How to get a Residence Permit in Dubai When Buying Real Estate

In June 2022, our company was approached by a family with two children who wished to obtain UAE residency through real estate investment.

At the end of 2021, Nikolay (45 years old, an entrepreneur from Russia) and his wife Anna (34 years old, a homemaker) purchased an off-plan apartment in the new Creek Harbour complex located in the prestigious Dubai Creek (Al Jaddaf) area. The property was scheduled for completion in Q2 2022, with a payment plan extending beyond the handover. The couple initially planned to rent out the property in the future. However, after construction was completed, they learned that renting it out was not possible until the full amount was paid. Later, their circumstances changed, and they decided not only to generate passive income from the investment but also to explore obtaining residency through real estate investment in Dubai. We supported their initiative and began working on the case.

Analysis of the Purchased Property and Plan Development

To determine whether the purchased property in Dubai qualified for residency, we requested ownership documents from the client. It turned out that Nikolay and Anna had selected a premium-class property with high investment potential and a prime location, developed by one of the world's most reputable developers—Emaar Properties.

The property was a 2-bedroom apartment worth AED 1,850,000, with a total area of 93 sqm, located in a building with panoramic glazing, a unique exterior design, and extensive internal and external infrastructure. Most importantly, this property (priced above AED 750,000) met the requirements to serve as a basis for obtaining a UAE residency visa valid for three years.

We then checked whether the clients met other criteria for residency: financial security (a monthly income of at least AED 10,000 per person) and a clean criminal record. After reviewing Nikolay's financial documents, we discovered that the client still owed the developer AED 200,000 (approximately $54,500). We adjusted the payment plan to ensure the apartment could be rented out immediately after the keys were handed over.

After discussing all the details with Nikolay and Anna, we began collecting the necessary documents and preparing the residency application. It took two weeks to prepare the case.

Residency Application Process

By the time the application was submitted, we had notarized copies of the following documents, all with apostilles and English translations:

• Internal and international passports;
• Marriage certificate;
• Birth certificates of the children;
• Proof of legal income;
• Completed visa application forms;
• Documents confirming the basis for obtaining residency;
• Receipts for the property payment;
• Receipts for the consular fee payment.

We also attached color photographs of the clients to the online application. A positive decision from the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship was received within one week.

Three days later, Nikolay and Anna, along with their children, flew to the UAE to proceed with obtaining their Emirates ID. After crossing the border, the couple underwent a medical examination at a certified center. A week later, the visa authority invited the applicants for biometric data collection and verification of the original documents against the copies.

One week after that, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs notified Nikolay and Anna of a positive decision.

How Can We Help You?

Foreigners can apply for a residency visa when purchasing residential or commercial real estate in the UAE. The visa is valid for three years for properties worth at least $205,000 and five years for properties worth $544,000 or more.

Investors often consider purchasing relatively affordable apartments in Dubai, priced from $170,000, at various stages of construction, with the intent to rent them out later. Prices vary depending on the chosen project and the characteristics of the property.

Purchasing off-plan properties from leading developers allows foreigners to save up to 30% compared to the price of completed properties. Developers offer flexible purchase terms, including payment plans and down payments starting at 5% of the property value. To qualify for residency through real estate, the total amount paid must be at least AED 750,000.

Do you need assistance in selecting a property that is attractive from an investment perspective? Contact our international company, GARANT IN. We will help you find the optimal solution and provide professional legal support at every stage.