Dubai has eased its residency visa rules for property investors, removing a long-standing minimum investment threshold for single-property buyers to broaden access to the emirate’s real estate market.

As reported by the Economic Times on Thursday, under the revised framework introduced by the Dubai Land Department, individuals who fully own a property can now qualify for a renewable two-year residency visa regardless of the property’s value.

Previously, buyers were required to invest at least AED 750,000 to be eligible, a barrier that excluded many mid-market and first-time investors.

The change is expected to open the door to a wider pool of foreign buyers, particularly those looking to enter Dubai’s property market at lower price points.

Officials say the policy is part of a broader strategy to sustain growth in the sector and reinforce Dubai’s appeal as a global investment hub.

However, the relaxed rules apply mainly to sole ownership.

For jointly owned properties, each co-owner must still meet a minimum investment threshold to qualify for residency benefits, ensuring that eligibility is tied to a meaningful financial stake.

The reform comes as Dubai continues to roll out investor-friendly initiatives to maintain momentum in its real estate sector, even as global economic uncertainty and regional tensions weigh on sentiment.

While the updated policy simplifies access to the standard two-year investor visa, higher-tier residency options—such as long-term visas linked to larger property investments—remain unchanged and require significantly higher capital commitments.

Analysts say the move could stimulate demand in the mid-range property segment, attract new categories of investors, and further strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the most accessible real estate markets for international buyers.

“While it opens the door for solo buyers of any budget, the new AED 400,000 floor for joint owners ensures the market doesn’t turn into a ‘visa-pooling’ game.

“At the same time, the removal of the minimum property value for solo owners is a direct invitation to the global mid-market to take root in Dubai,” the CEO of Proact Luxury Real Estate, a real estate advisory firm, Ritu Ojha, said. (The PUNCH)

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