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Citizenship by Investment in Dubai

Citizenship by Investment in Dubai

The Dubai investment visa is one of the simplest ways to move to the United Arab Emirates as an entrepreneur. The program was created for investors and businesspersons and aims at providing a predictable pathway for residency. While there is also a citizenship by investment program, it comes with stringent requirements. This is why the former option becomes a more suited one for those interested in long-term relocation to the Emirates.

 Quick Facts  
Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU)

EU and non-EU

Business investment option 

Yes

Real estate investment option 

Yes

Other investment options (if available)

– investment fund capital injection,

– investments in other indutries than real estate

Residence or direct citizenship option

5 and 10-year visas availability based on investment

Direct immigration with family members 

Yes

Family members allowed to join the program

Spouse and children

Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment

Long-term residence is available only

Dual citizenship permitted 

Yes

Reasons to choose Dubai

– no personal income tax,

– access to multiple investment possbilities,

– new program dedicated to foreign citizens

Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries)

 

Approx. 167 countries

 Availability to direct citizenship by investment (YES/NO) No, the UAE does not award direct or indirect citizenship by investment, only residency. 

 Types of investors addressed by the residency program

– real estate owners,

– business owners, 

– investors buying shares in companies

 Possibility to obtain an investor visa (YES/NO)

Yes, instead of citizenship by investment, an investor visa is available. 

 Requirements to obtain Dubai investor visas

– opening a new business,

– setting up a free zone company,

– buying existing enterprises 

 Validity of the investor visa

 2, 3, 5, or 10 years depending on the capital injected or investment option selected

 Authorities to apply with

– Executive Councils,

– Crown Princes Courts,

– immigration authorities depending on the selected program 

 Availability for residency by investment for skilled professionals (YES/NO)

Yes, for various categories of skilled people, such as doctors, artists, sports people. 

Availability of residence permit renewal (YES/NO) 

 Yes, the Dubai residence permit can be renewed.

 Requirement to live in Dubai after obtaining residency (YES/NO)

 No

 Time frame for obtaining a UAE passport through residency by investment (approx.)  30 years through naturalization

The 202Dubai citizenship by investment scheme

Compared to other countries, the UAE does not require foreign citizens interested in obtaining citizenship by investment in Dubai to file any application, as the Executive Councils, Rulers and Crown Princes Courts will choose the applicants.

The selected candidates can immigrate to Dubai with their families, therefore, the program extends to the main nominee and his/her close family.

For those interested, there is also the option of receiving a Dubai investment visa by opening companies in Dubai in 2024.

Our Dubai law firm can explain the entire procedure of relocating here through the 3-year investor visa for the UAE.

Special categories of immigrants who qualify for citizenship by investment in Dubai

The recently amended legislation provides for certain categories of foreigners who already live in the UAE to apply for Dubai investment visa. These are:

  1. investors who own real estate in any Emirate;
  2. businesspersons who open new companies in Dubai;
  3. entrepreneurs who acquire capital in existing companies.

These can also include their spouses and minor dependent children in the application for  an UAE passport by investment.

If you fall under any of the categories above and are interested in Dubai citizenship by investment, you can inquire with our lawyers about the process of applying for a UAE passport, so you can start the immigration procedure as soon as possible.

Feel free to send us your inquiries about the UAE citizenship by investment amount. We also invite you to read our infographic below:

Citizenship_by_Investment_in_Dubai.png

The possibility of acquiring citizenship by investment through companies in Dubai

Dubai was always open for foreign investors interested in having their own businesses in the UAE, however, with this new immigration rules things have gotten even better, as from the 49% share of foreign ownership available until now, overseas enterprisers can now fully own a Dubai-based company.

Many entrepreneurs remember this option being valid in Dubai free zones only until now.

Foreigners who own properties and want to start their own businesses now have the option of applying for citizenship by investment through companies in Dubai and obtain a Dubai investment visa.

This is a great choice for enterprisers interested in making good profits in one of the greatest business hubs in the Middle East by obtaining UAE residency by investment in 2024.

You can rely on our immigration lawyers in Dubai if you want to register a company in this Emirate and get UAE citizenship by investment. We also invite you to watch our video below:

Immigration to Dubai by residency or citizenship by investment?

Foreign citizens interested in relocating and/or getting UAE citizenship by investment in 2024 have the option of choosing between residency or citizenship by investment in Dubai. The main difference between them is the fact that while there are no restrictions for those interested in applying for residency, when it comes to citizenship, the nominees are elected by the Executive Council, Ruler, or Crown Prince Courts in Dubai.

Apart from these, the Dubai residence program comes with the following investment requirements:

  • a public investment of at least 10 million AED or approximately 2.3 million USD in various assets;
  • real estate property purchase with a value of at least 1 million AED or approximately 273,000 USD;
  • business creation which can require investment in a project with a minimum capital of 500,000 AED.

Each investment option comes with long-term UAE residency by investment for the main applicant and close family members followed by citizenship, for those interested.

People who want to apply for citizenship by investment based on companies in Dubai also have several residency options.

If the program has caught your attention and want to know more about it, you can obtain detailed information from our lawyers in Dubai.

If you want to immigrate to Dubai in 2024 by other means, our specialists can help you.

Investment options for applicants

There are several options for those interested in obtaining Dubai permanent residency by investment, among which:

  1. business investment which enables applicants to start businesses in Dubai;
  2. real estate acquisition which is available under the Dubai property investment visa;
  3. retirement is also an option for those who want to relocate to Dubai;
  4. investment in various assets approved by government is also available.

If you are interested in buying a property in Dubai to obtain a residence visa, you can rely on our immigration lawyers for support in drafting the necessary paperwork.

Permanent residency in Dubai can imply obtaining a 3, 5, or 10-year visa depending on the amount invested. No matter the way you relocate to Dubai, our law firm can help you prepare the necessary papers for submission.

Also known as the 3-year investor visa in Dubai, it implies a long-term residence permit that can be obtained without having to go through very stringent requirements.

If you are interested in the investor visa, our lawyers in Dubai invite you to read about it below. We are at your disposal with support in applying for it.

Who was the lifetime investor visa in Dubai created for?

The Dubai investment visa aims at attracting specialized people and investors willing to relocate to the Emirate on a long term.

Also known as the lifetime investor visa in Dubai, as it enables foreign citizens to immigrate here and obtain permanent residence, this type of permit can be awarded to:

  • entrepreneurs who open companies in Dubai;
  • businesspersons who create free zone companies;
  • investors who buy in existing companies.

If you need information on the Dubai investor visa cost, our lawyers can advise you.

If you are interested in applying for a Dubai investment visa by purchasing a property, you can rely on our immigration lawyers who can also offer representation in the real estate acquisition phase.

How can the 3-year investor visa in Dubai be obtained?

One of the special aspects or, better said, novelties of this program is that those who qualify for the lifetime investor visa in Dubai are only required to file information about their work, acknowledgements, or proof of owning real estate in order to be nominated by the Executive Councils, Rulers, or Crown Princes Courts for citizenship.

With a simple process, this visa takes residency options in Middle Eastern countries to a new level. However, it is also a known fact that Dubai’s workforce is made in a large percentage of foreign workers who have proved their value over the years. The same applies to foreign investors who run companies in Dubai and its free zones.

If you are interested in the investor visa in Dubai based on property purchase, we invite you to discuss with our lawyers and check your eligibility criteria.

Our law firm in Dubai can also guide entrepreneurs who want to set up businesses here, especially since new rules have been implemented with respect to the ownership in mainland companies.

The Dubai investment visa

Foreign nationals who want to open their own companies or make investments in an existing company in Dubai can apply for the Dubai investor visa, also known as the Dubai partner visa. By comparison, UAE’s citizenship by investment scheme offers additional options for those who decide to move here. Among them:

  • real estate investment;
  • retirement;
  • long-term residency.

Since the program addresses investors mainly, citizenship by investment by creating companies in Dubai is one of the most interesting possibilities.

This visa, often referred to as the Dubai partner visa, is a great choice for foreign citizens who want to launch their own businesses in Dubai or make an investment in an already-existing company. They may also sponsor family members while residing and working in the UAE. The visa comes with a 3-years validity period.

If you want to know more about the differences and resemblances between the Dubai citizenship by investment and partner visa programs, feel free to address our lawyers.

Documents required to obtain an investment visa

Foreign citizens who want to immigrate to Dubai based on investor visas must file certain documents with the Land Department in the Emirate, as presented on their website and below:

  1. a valid passport;
  2. the property title of the acquired real estate which is available in electronic form;
  3. a recent photograph;
  4. a valid medical insurance;
  5. an Emirati ID (if the foreign applicant was issued one);
  6. a copy of the latest entry visa for the UAE (if available)
  7. criminal record clearance issued by the police department in Dubai;
  8. proof of submitting the minimum amount for the purchase of the shares or capital investment (a bank statement indicating the amount);
  9. a copy of the company’s business license.

Additionally, if the investor moves to Dubai with the family, identification papers of the dependents must also be submitted.

An important aspect to consider is that one has the possibility to invest a company in Dubai (a sponsor is required) or in a Dubai free zone (no sponsor is required in this case).

Feel free to request detailed information on both UAE’s citizenship by investment and the Dubai investment visa in order to make the right decision in case you qualify for both. Our law firm in Dubai can help you set up a business in mainland or in one of the free zones.

Can one’s spouse co-own a property as part of the Dubai investment visa application?

The conditions of obtaining an investment visa are less stringent compared to those of the Dubai citizenship by investment program, as it is more flexible. While the property must be worth at least 750,000 AED, it can also be purchased through mortgage.  In this case, the bank must receive 50% of the property’s value, or at least 750,000 AED. In order to further proceed with the visa application, you will need a No Objection Certificate and a statement issued by the selected institution for the mortgage.

Moreover, through the investment visa, the husband and wife may jointly own a property with a value of at least 750,000 AED. In this case, the main applicant must file a valid marriage certificate.

Please note that documents to be used for official purposes must be translated into Arabic and legalized. Also, a power of attorney is necessary if the application is submitted through a proxy. Document attestation and representation are services you can find with our law office in Dubai.

Duration to obtain an investment visa for Dubai

As all other procedures that must be completed with official authorities, obtaining a Dubai investment visa is quite simple and fast forward. After filing the documents with the Land Department, going through the medical examination and confirmation that the application is correct, you will receive the residence visa in 7 to 10 working days.

If you need assistance in filing for this type of visa or you need representation services, do not hesitate in getting in touch with us. While the UAE citizenship by investment scheme also remains an option, we advise the golden or the investor visa as both programs are more friendly in terms of conditions.

What does it imply to obtain a partner visa in Dubai?

The procedures of obtaining Dubai citizenship by investment or partner visas are not that different. In the second situation, the applicant must go to the immigration office and file for an admission permission. Then, a health certificate must be obtained after undergoing a medical examination and, the final step is to apply for an Emirates ID. After this, the visa holder must also acquire a health insurance.

The same procedure will apply for those moving with their families.

With respect to citizenship by investment through companies’ creation in Dubai, feel free to enquire with our specialists about your options and the most prolific business sectors.

The Golden Visa in Dubai for skilled professionals

Compared to other countries’ similar schemes, the Dubai Golden Visa addresses a wider array of applicants, among which skilled professionals.

Professionals and highly qualified individuals with advanced degrees and work experience are also eligible to apply under Dubai Golden Visa’s requirements. Numerous academic fields, including those in medical, science, engineering, information technology, business, and administration, as well as those in law, culture, and the social sciences, fall under this group.

The application is classified in the first or second occupational level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and implies having a work contract in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and a monthly income of AED 30,000 or more. So, in this case there is no need to consider the Dubai Golden Visa price, but only the processing fees.

Golden visas for real estate investors and entrepreneurs

The UAE investor visa is not the same as that of other countries. Most of the times, the program is compared to European ones where direct citizenship is available in some states. Here, it is issued for a limited number of years.

Some of the categories of applicants the program addresses are real estate investors and entrepreneurs.

If you own one or more properties, you may be granted a UAE golden visa without a sponsor for a period of 5 years that is renewable as long as the investment is maintained. For this purpose, you must supply the following documents:

  • a letter from the relevant emirate’s land department confirming ownership of at least one property valued at 2 million dirhams (approx. 545,000 US dollars) or more;
  • purchasing a property with a loan from a local bank that has been approved by the appropriate local organization.

This is by far one of the simplest ways to obtain a long-term residence permit in Dubai or any other UAE Emirate.

While this part of the program addresses those willing to pay a higher price for the UAE golden visa, there are also cheaper options, such as those for entrepreneurs.

For example, if you are an entrepreneur and have a technical or economic business idea that involves risk and innovation, you may be eligible for a golden visa that is valid for 5 years. You also need letters of permission from the following:

  • a UAE auditor certifying the project’s value is at least 500,000 dirhams (approx. 136.120 US dollars);
  • the authorities in the emirate that can ensure the idea is of a technical or futuristic character, and vouching for the establishment of the enterprise in an accredited business incubator.

Compared to other nations, the UAE golden visa’s price can be considered affordable for both categories of investors. If you need support in setting up a business in order to obtain the investor visa, our Dubai lawyers can also offer assistance in this matter.

We are also at your service if you want to move to the UAE through the Dubai freelance visa and see if the living conditions here match your expectations.

Golden Visa requirements in Dubai for students

Outstanding and high performers from the UAE’s secondary education system are also welcome to apply for the Dubai Golden Visa, as are outstanding university graduates from Emirati universities. High achievers who graduate from the top 100 universities worldwide are included in the program as well.

There are a number of requirements, including the university’s classification, graduation year, and academic performance/cumulative grade average to meet in order to obtain the visa.

Dubai Golden Visa applications for this category of candidates require:

  • for students to have a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.8 or higher and attend one of the best colleges in the world;
  • an average GPA of at least 95% for students who graduated from high school with a public or private school diplomas.

Without a sponsor, one might be given a Golden Visa with a validity of 5 years if he/she submits a letter of reference from the Ministry of Education.

The visa will also cover the families of such students. So, it is safe to say that the Golden Visa in Dubai can be used as a family reunion permit.

If you need support or information about the Dubai Golden Visa price and requirements, do not hesitate to get in touch with our law firm.

New options under the Golden Visa starting with 2022

Aware of the positive impact the program has had thus far, the UAE government enabled a new option for those interested in getting a golden visa through real estate acquisition. It implies a reduced investment, of only 750,000 dirhams (around 204,000 US dollars) for a visa with a validity of 2 years.

The new option allows the real estate owner to live in his/her country of origin/residence or anywhere in the world. Also, the property can be purchased in off-plan areas, including through financing.

If you are interested in a Dubai residence permit with a longer validity, we recommend the 3-year investor visa for the UAE.

 The main advantages of the Golden Visa in Dubai

The Dubai Golden Visa was inspired by other countries with similar programs. While in Europe, such schemes are starting to be abolished, the one enabled by the UAE is quite recent.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit offered by the UAE that allows foreign nationals to live, work, or study there while also enjoying a number of special benefits, such as:

  • multiple-entry entrance visa valid for 6 months before a residence permit is issued;
  • a long-term, renewable residency permit with a validity of 5 or 10 years;
  • the benefit of not requiring a sponsor the freedom to be outside the UAE for longer than the customary 6-month period to maintain the validity of the residence visa;
  • regardless of the applicant’s age, one will be able to sponsor their spouses and children as well as their parents.
  • a permit allowing family members to stay in the UAE until their permission expires, if necessary;
  • the capacity to sponsor an unlimited number of workers from one’s country of origin.

These are some of the main benefits of the citizenship by investment scheme. When it comes to the Dubai Golden Visa price, the amount required as investment depends on how long the applicant intends to live here.

Feel free to inquire about the Dubai Golden Visa’s requirements with our local lawyers. They can also advise you on the freelance visa for Dubai and its latest requirements.

Validity of the investor visa in Dubai

The 10-year and 5-year visas for investors in Dubai are among the long-term residence permits available in the UAE. Recently, a 3-year investor visa has also been added to the program, however, the first two options remain sought.

Creating a business in the United Arab Emirates with a capital of AED 10 million (approx. USD 2.7 million) or entering a company as a partner for the same amount in share purchase is the main requirement for the investment visa. For a 5-year visa, real estate acquisition for half this amount is required.

No matter the way you choose to immigrate to Dubai, if you need support with the application or business creation procedures, do not hesitate to ask for support.

Although Dubai has traditionally served as a regional hub for the Middle East, it has recently undergone adjustments to further its globalization. It features one of the lowest crime rates in the world, beaches, and a population that is 90% made up of various expatriates. It has long offered lifestyles that are comparable to those in the West. In order to be more in step with the majority of the rest of the world, the UAE recently switched from the Islamic weekend of Friday and Saturday to the Western weekend of Saturday and Sunday and started a remote worker visa program.

Why choose the UAE golden visa?

At the moment, the number of citizenship by investment programs is growing, however UAE’s scheme has several advantages. Among these, here are some of the most interesting:

  • the residence permit holder is not required to actually live in the chosen Emirate;
  • the main residence visa holder can visit the country anytime with his/her family;
  • the UAE is one of the richest countries in the world, boasting business opportunities and great lifestyle;
  • with a residence permit, one can set up a bank account in the UAE and hold his/her savings in it;
  • the golden visa also enables one to benefit from the UAE’s great healthcare system.

Even if it takes longer, 30 years, one can acquire UAE citizenship which is especially beneficial for future generations to whom it can be passed on. The UAE passport comes with visa-free access to more than 170 countries.

In 2024, the Golden Visa is also available to recent graduates of the top 100 colleges worldwide, according to the UAE Ministry of Education. Candidates must have graduated in less than 2 years and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. This extension aims to hire younger employees. Remarkable international students and their families may be eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa residency. In the event that the visa is not used within the allotted time, applicants may request a 60-day extension. The process for applying for a Golden Visa has also been streamlined, enabling candidates to file for it 24/7. At last, certain national drivers may exchange their foreign driver’s license in Dubai without permission.

No matter the way you want to apply for an UAE passport by investment in 2024, our lawyers in Dubai are at your disposal with tailored immigration services. We can help you obtain Dubai investment visa as soon as possible. Besides immigration services, our lawyers can also help you open a company in Dubai. Do not hesitate to contact us for guidance at any time.