20/01/2025
The UAE has updated the criteria for obtaining residency by investment to attract skilled workers and more investments. The Golden Visa is granted for 10 years, while the Residence Visa is issued for 2 years: https://immigrantinvest.com/golden-visa-uae-en/
What has changed?
🏡 Investors can now purchase off-plan properties. The options include:
— making an initial payment of at least 50% of the property’s value;
— providing a bank guarantee for the remaining amount.
Purchasing ready-to-move properties with a mortgage is no longer allowed. The full amount must be paid upfront.
💼 Special conditions apply to entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or those supported by local business incubators. The minimum property investment requirement has been reduced to 500,000 AED, or $136,000.
🔬 The UAE has simplified document requirements for skilled foreign professionals, such as PhD holders, doctors, engineers, artists, and cultural workers with a job contract in the country.
🎓 High school and university students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher are now eligible for the Golden Visa.
Which other countries offer residency by investment in real estate?
🇬🇷 Greece. Minimum investment is €250,000 for properties requiring renovation or €400,000 for ready-to-move properties in most regions.
🇨🇾 Cyprus. Permanent residency is available with the purchase of one or two properties worth at least €300,000.
🇲🇹 Malta. Minimum property value is €375,000, regardless of the region.
Applicants also pay administrative and government fees and make a donation. Malta offers permanent residency with no expiry.
🇪🇸 Spain. Minimum investment is €500,000 for residential or commercial properties. Spain plans to end its real estate investment residency program in April 2025, so investors still have time to apply.
💬 Planning to obtain residency by investment? For personalised advice, contact the experts at Immigrant Invest: https://immigrantinvest.com/meetings-en/