Dubai has revised its residency visa policy for real estate investors, scrapping the long-standing minimum investment requirement for individuals purchasing a single property. The move is aimed at making the emirate’s property market more accessible to a broader range of buyers.
Under the new rules introduced by the Dubai Land Department, anyone who fully owns a property can now qualify for a renewable two-year residency visa, regardless of the property’s value. Previously, investors needed to commit at least AED 750,000 to be eligible, a threshold that limited participation, especially among first-time and mid-level buyers.
The policy shift is expected to attract more international investors by lowering the entry barrier and encouraging participation in Dubai’s real estate sector at more affordable price points. Authorities say the change aligns with ongoing efforts to sustain growth and strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global investment destination.
However, the relaxed criteria mainly apply to sole property ownership. For jointly owned properties, each co-owner must still meet a minimum investment requirement to qualify for residency, ensuring that all applicants maintain a significant financial stake.
The development comes as Dubai continues to introduce investor-friendly measures despite global economic uncertainties and regional challenges. While the new policy simplifies access to the standard two-year visa, long-term residency options tied to higher-value investments remain unchanged and still require substantial capital.
Experts believe the reform could boost demand in the mid-tier property segment and draw in new categories of investors. According to Ritu Ojha, CEO of Proact Luxury Real Estate, the removal of the minimum value for solo buyers opens opportunities for a wider global audience, while maintaining a threshold for joint ownership helps prevent misuse of the system.
