The Case for Longer Residency for Investors

In many countries, investing in property or business can lead to long-term residency. In Dubai, the existing property-linked visa is renewable but relatively short. Many in the market argue that longer residency for investors would encourage more people to buy homes and commit to the city for the long term.

How a scheme could work

• Investment threshold: a minimum value of property or business investment.
• Duration: visas valid for five or ten years.
• Family: inclusion of spouses and children.
• Renewal: clear conditions for renewing.

Who it would attract

Business owners, wealthy families from the region and beyond, and professionals who want to settle in Dubai would all be interested. Many already live in the city on employment visas.

Effects on property

Longer residency would make ownership more attractive, particularly for higher-value homes. It could also encourage residents to buy rather than rent.

Lessons from elsewhere

Residency-by-investment programmes in other countries have attracted significant capital, though they require careful design to ensure genuine investment.

What buyers should do now

Buyers should base decisions on current rules, while recognising that reforms could add value to property ownership in future.

How residency affects buying decisions

Residency security changes how people think about buying. A resident who expects to stay for only two or three years is likely to rent, since the costs of buying and selling outweigh the benefits over a short period. A resident with a long-term visa can plan for ten years or more, making ownership far more attractive. They may choose a larger home, invest in improvements and become more involved in their community. Investors also gain confidence when residency is linked to their investment, as it provides a reason to hold property for longer. Longer-term visas would therefore change both the number of buyers and the type of homes they want.

Our view

Longer residency for investors would strengthen Dubai's appeal. We will follow any announcement closely and explain to clients how it applies to them.