Dubai, the capital of the emirate of the same name on the Persian Gulf, is one of the world's most dynamic metropolises. With a population of approximately 3.825 million, over 90 percent of whom are foreign nationals, Dubai is an international hub for trade, tourism, and innovation.
The city boasts luxurious shopping centers, cutting-edge architecture, and a thriving economy. Exclusive hotels and world-famous attractions such as the Burj Al Arab, the artificial islands Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, stretch along its 60-kilometer coastline. Dubai attracts millions of visitors annually and is considered the perfect destination to escape the European winter.
Dubai also sets standards economically. In the second quarter of 2024, the city recorded growth of 3.3 percent, with its gross domestic product reaching AED 116 billion. The transport and logistics sector performed particularly well, growing by 7.8 percent and contributing 13.6 percent to GDP. The diversification of the economy - from technology to real estate to financial services - makes Dubai one of the most attractive investment locations in the world.
With a flight time of just six hours from Europe and a minimal time difference, Dubai not only offers an exclusive quality of life, but also optimal conditions for investors and entrepreneurs. Anyone looking for a city that combines innovation, growth, and lifestyle cannot ignore Dubai.
Buying property in Dubai offers numerous advantages for foreign investors and expats:
Foreign nationals who wish to live permanently in Dubai or the UAE can obtain a residence visa through real estate investments.
For example, purchasing a property in Dubai with a minimum value of AED 2 million qualifies for a 10-year Golden Visa.
The government of Dubai and the relevant authorities are consistently pursuing the goal of positioning the city as a tax-attractive investment location for foreigners. Currently, no taxes are levied on real estate purchases or rental income in the UAE, creating optimal conditions for foreign investors to achieve high returns.
The Dubai real estate market offers high-quality off-plan projects with comparatively affordable prices and flexible payment plans. Compared internationally - for example, with major cities like New York, London, and Munich - Dubai offers remarkably good value for money. The attractive conditions not only make purchasing real estate more accessible but also enable investors to obtain higher value and benefit from liquidity.
Investors in Dubai benefit from rental returns of between 6 and 12 percent - depending on location, size, property type and the chosen rental strategy, long-term or short-term via platforms such as Booking.com and Airbnb and an additional increase in value of currently around 25% per year with various visa models.
Dubai offers property owners an exceptionally high level of legal security. Every property is officially registered in the land registry of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). In designated freehold areas, you are the sole owner - with complete freedom to bequeath, sell, or rent your property. The real estate market is clearly structured and strictly regulated: developers and projects must be registered, certified, and approved by the Dubai government. Furthermore, the rights of landlords and tenants are clearly enshrined in law to protect the interests of both parties.
The United Arab Emirates offers a range of residency visa options for foreign nationals who invest in real estate in Dubai. With the legal reforms implemented in October 2022, the conditions and categories of residence visas for property owners have been further enhanced, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global investment hub. Below is an overview of the current visa types available:
This visa is available to individuals who own property in designated freehold zones, with a minimum investment of AED 750,000 (approximately EUR 190,000). The total value can be achieved by combining multiple properties. However, only completed properties qualify; off-plan units are not eligible.
Foreign investors who purchase a completed property in Dubai with a minimum value of AED 1,000,000 (approximately EUR 255,000) are eligible to apply for a three-year residence visa. This applies to both residential and commercial properties. Visa holders may sponsor their spouse, children, and parents. In addition to legal residency in the UAE, this visa grants access to essential services, including the issuance of an Emirates ID, which is required for opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver's license, and managing other official matters. Applicants may also qualify if their property is under mortgage, provided that at least 50% of the property value or AED 750,000 has been paid at the time of application. In such cases, a bank statement and a no-objection certificate from the lending institution must be submitted. Investors may also combine the value of multiple owned units to meet the minimum investment threshold. The Dubai Land Department holds the final decision-making authority on eligibility, particularly regarding under-construction properties.
The five-year Green Visa is a relatively new category introduced to facilitate long-term residency for highly skilled professionals, investors, and freelancers, without the requirement of a local sponsor or employer. This visa is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs looking to establish or actively manage their own ventures in Dubai. Applicants must receive approval from the relevant authorities and provide proof of investment or business activity. Freelancers are also eligible for the Green Visa, provided they hold a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, possess a relevant university degree, and can demonstrate a minimum annual income of AED 360,000 over the previous two years from self-employment. An alternative three-year freelance visa remains available, though it typically requires a company association and offers less flexibility compared to the Green Visa.
Golden Visa holders are also eligible to apply for the Esaad Card - a prestigious privilege card offering substantial discounts across a wide range of services and brands. The card is accepted not only throughout the UAE but also in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Designed for individuals aged 55 and above, the Retirement Visa is available to those who own property in Dubai with a minimum total value of AED 1 million. The value may be based on a single property or a combination of several units. This visa permits the sponsorship of a spouse and other dependent family members, offering retirees the opportunity to reside in a secure, well-connected, and lifestyle-rich environment.
The Property Golden Visa represents a significant advancement for real estate investors and further enhances Dubai's appeal as a global investment destination. Given that visa regulations are subject to ongoing updates, it is essential to review the latest requirements carefully and ensure that all documentation is thoroughly prepared prior to submission.
