The UAE’s Latest Long-Term Visa Reforms in 2019

For many years, UAE residence visas were generally connected to a sponsor, such as an employer or family member. However, the UAE has introduced several long-term residence pathways that allow eligible expatriates to obtain residency under specific investment, professional, entrepreneurial, talent and other qualifying criteria.

Today, the UAE offers several types of residence visas, including standard residence visas as well as long-term options such as the Golden Visa. The exact validity period and eligibility requirements depend on the category and the applicant's circumstances.

For property investors, this is particularly relevant because real estate investment can form part of certain UAE residency pathways. However, owning property does not automatically guarantee a residence visa; applicants must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and complete the relevant application process.

How to Get a 10-Year UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa provides eligible foreign nationals with long-term residency. The programme covers several categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialists, exceptional talents and other qualifying groups.

Investors

Investors may qualify for a long-term Golden Visa when they meet the investment and documentation requirements established by the relevant UAE authorities.

The requirements can differ depending on the investment category. Applicants should therefore verify the current criteria before making an investment specifically for residency purposes.

Talented Professionals and Specialists

The Golden Visa is also available to certain individuals with recognised expertise or exceptional abilities. Eligible categories can include scientists, specialists, doctors, executives, inventors, creatives and other individuals who meet the applicable requirements.

Eligibility is not based solely on having a particular job title. Applicants may need to provide supporting documentation, qualifications, employment information, recommendations or other evidence depending on their category.

Five-Year UAE Residence Options

The UAE also provides five-year residence pathways for certain categories of applicants.

These can include eligible entrepreneurs, investors and retirees, subject to the relevant requirements. The UAE Government currently lists a dedicated five-year residence option for retired foreigners, while other long-term residence categories have their own eligibility criteria.

Five-Year Retirement Residence

Retired foreigners may apply for a five-year retirement residence visa if they satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements.

The requirements can relate to factors such as financial resources, property investment or income. Because these criteria can change and may depend on the applicant's circumstances, retirees should check the current UAE Government requirements before applying.

The UAE Government specifically confirms that retired foreigners can apply for a long-term residence visa valid for five years, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

Property Investment and UAE Residency

Property ownership can be relevant to UAE residency for eligible investors, but the relationship between property ownership and residency should not be treated as automatic.

The applicable property value, ownership conditions, documentation and other requirements depend on the current residency category and the relevant authority's rules.

For anyone purchasing property partly because of potential residency benefits, it is therefore important to verify the current requirements before completing the investment.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence programme designed for eligible individuals who meet specific criteria. It can cover investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialists, exceptional talents, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and other qualifying categories.

Depending on the category, Golden Visas may be issued for five or ten years.

One of the major differences between Golden Visa residency and many traditional residence arrangements is the long-term nature of the status. However, applicants must continue to satisfy the relevant conditions and comply with UAE immigration requirements.

The Golden Visa should therefore not be described simply as “permanent residency.” It is a renewable long-term residence status subject to the applicable rules.

Another important consideration is travel outside the UAE. Golden Visa holders have different rules from holders of ordinary residence visas regarding periods spent outside the country, but this should not be interpreted as an unconditional right to remain abroad indefinitely. Applicants and residents should check the current official requirements applicable to their specific visa category.

Why Property Management Matters for Overseas Investors

For many international investors, purchasing a property in the UAE is only the beginning. Once the property is acquired, there are still practical matters to manage, including tenant sourcing, maintenance, documentation, offers, valuations and other property-related activities.

This becomes particularly important when the owner lives outside Dubai.

A digital property-management platform can make these tasks easier to organize. Through BSO Club, landlords and property investors can upload properties, connect with brokers, explore tenant opportunities, request Ejari, request property valuations, order maintenance and track offers and tasks digitally.

Instead of relying entirely on separate phone calls, messages, emails and spreadsheets, property owners can use a more centralized digital environment to keep track of their property-related activities.

If you are considering UAE property investment and want a more organized way to manage your property after purchase, explore the BSO Club app and manage your property-related requirements digitally through one platform.

Visa and residency rules can change. Always verify the latest eligibility requirements with the UAE Government or the relevant immigration authority before making an investment or submitting a visa application.

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