Dubai relaxes residency visa norms for property buyers; sole ownership MPV removed, joint ownership threshold set

The article notes that in 2025, buyers from India and the UK were the top investors in Dubai, with residential sales totaling AED 547 billion across 203,000 transactions. It also cites DXB Interact data showing 26,960 real estate transactions between February 28 and April 29, a drop of 89% from the same period the previous year.

Experts said the policy shift is especially meaningful for overseas buyers— Indians being the largest group of foreign investors in Dubai—as easier access to residency at lower investment thresholds strengthens Dubai’s appeal as a stable, tax-efficient destination.

Analysts expect increased participation from first-time and mid-income buyers, particularly for smaller units under Dh1 million, which could tighten supply in lower and middle segments and potentially push prices upward if demand outpaces supply.

Industry experts noted that the easing of norms is aided by closer digital integration between the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) on a single Cube platform, reducing procedural hurdles for applicants.

For jointly owned properties, the rule now requires a minimum investment of Dh400,000 per investor, ensuring a defined participation level in shared ownership structures.

Dubai announced that the minimum property value threshold for individuals applying for the two-year property-linked residency visa has been removed for sole owners. The previous requirement of Dh750,000 is no longer applicable to single buyers, enabling eligibility based on ownership without a value floor.