The United Arab Emirates is a federal constitutional monarchy made up from a federation of seven hereditary tribal absolute monarchy-styled political system called Sheikhdoms. It is governed by a Federal Supreme Council made up of the ruling Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. All responsibilities not granted to the national government are reserved to the individual emirate.
One of the leading and fastest growing economies is Dubai. A centre for regional and international trade, Dubai’s economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. Dubai is also known as the “City of Gold” because a major part of the economy is based on gold trades.
Tourism is an important part of the Dubai government’s strategy to maintain the flow of foreign cash into the emirate. Dubai’s lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping. Dubbed as the “shopping capital of the Middle East“, Dubai has more than 70 shopping centres.
The United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, have become an attractive destination for expatriates. Its international community, vibrant nightlife, warm climate, booming economy and low-tax environment offer ideal living conditions.
Investment Options and Application Fees
The residency by investment programme allows you and your family to easily receive a residence permit in the United Arab Emirates. The process takes approximately between 3 to 6 weeks. You can include your spouse, as well as dependent children in your application without the need for increasing the investment.
As an applicant for residency, you must be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution.
The UAE offers a permanent residency status to individuals who wish to invest in the UAE. Presently, there are two qualifying investments:
All fees quoted are in Dirhams.
Real Estate Investment
The most important requirement to qualify for residency is that the property you buy needs to be residential and habitable. Real estate projects yet to be completed are not eligible, and neither are commercial properties. The residency visa is issued for 2 or 5 years, depending on the value of the investment, and can be renewed as long as the property remains owned by the applicant.
| Contribution Amount | AED 1,000,000 or AED 5,000,000 for the main applicant |
| Government Fees | AED 400 clerical fee; AED 2000 annual property license fee |
| Visa Fees | AED 1100 for each visa |
Please note that the fees quoted here apply to single applicants, and additional costs may apply for your family members.
Company Formation
You can become a resident of UAE through a registration of your own company. Such company is registered in one of the Free Trade Zones in UAE and grants the right to apply documents for residency in the United Arab Emirates as a company’s shareholder.
| Contribution Amount | AED 1,000,000 or AED 5,000,000 for the main applicant |
| Government Fees | AED 400 clerical fee; AED 2000 annual property license fee |
| Visa Fees | AED 1100 for each visa |
Please note that the fees quoted here apply to single applicants, and additional costs may apply for your family members.
Whilst there is no contribution to the government, the share capital of the company is to be provided and paid for by the applicant.
The time, needed for application of all documents, the company registration and obtaining of residency status is on average 1 month or slightly longer. The family visas can only be applied after the completion of the company’s shareholders visa.
