Real-estate investors who own a single property in Dubai can now secure a two-year residence visa regardless of the unit’s market value after the Dubai Land Department’s Cube Centre removed the long-standing AED 750,000 (≈US $205,000) threshold. The revision, which took effect in late April but was spotlighted this week by expatriate media, dramatically widens the funnel for small-ticket buyers seeking a foothold in the UAE. Under the updated rules, sole owners simply present a Dubai-issued title deed and proof of health insurance; joint owners must still each show an equity stake of at least AED 400,000. Mortgage-backed purchases remain eligible, provided applicants attach a no-objection or payment letter from the lender or developer. Processing is quoted at 10-15 working days, with first-time fees of roughly AED 10,500 and renewals at about AED 8,200. Market watchers say the scrapping of the floor could entice mid-income expatriates to purchase studio and one-bed units, supporting demand in emerging districts such as Dubailand and Silicon Oasis. It also bridges the gap between short-term visit visas and the 10-year Golden Visa, creating a mid-range option for entrepreneurs and remote workers who may not yet meet higher investment requirements. From a corporate-mobility perspective, companies can leverage the cheaper route to help relocating staff achieve residency security without the cost of more expensive property or employer sponsorship. The change further underscores the emirate’s strategy of using flexible residency products to stimulate foreign direct investment and stabilize the real-estate cycle.
Source: The Global Filipino Magazine
