Residency in Dubai through real estate: removal of the minimum threshold and a new threshold of 400,000 AED
Introduction
Dubai has recently relaxed the requirements for obtaining residency through real estate investment. The removal of the long-standing threshold of 750,000 AED marks a major change. At the same time, a new benchmark has emerged: a threshold of 400,000 AED per investor in certain cases. This reform is reshaping entry into Dubai’s real estate market.
What's changing in practice
The minimum threshold of 750,000 AED required to obtain a residence visa has been waived for sole proprietors.
An investor can now obtain residency with a property valued at less than this amount, provided they own 100% of the property.
For joint purchases, a minimum investment of 400,000 AED per investor is required.
This figure is setting a new benchmark in the market.
Comparison of figures: 400,000 AED vs. 750,000 AED
Lowering the threshold from 750,000 AED to 400,000 AED significantly changes accessibility:
- AED 750,000 represented a significant barrier to entry
- AED 400,000 opens the market to a much broader investor base
- Properties priced between 400,000 and 1,000,000 AED are becoming strategic
Until now, this price range has been less commonly used for residential purposes.
Direct impact on the real estate market in Dubai
This reform puts immediate pressure on available assets:
- increased demand for small units
- improved liquidity
- shorter time to resale
- voltage rise on certain segments
More investors mean a deeper market, but also a more competitive one.
What remains unchanged: the upper limits
The Golden Visa fee remains at 2,000,000 AED.
High-end wealth management strategies remain unchanged.
The reform does not replace these approaches; rather, it serves as a first step toward them.
Taxation: a multiplier effect
The tax framework remains a key advantage:
- 0% on rental income
- 0% on capital gains
- no property tax
Combined with the AED 400,000 threshold, this creates a unique entry point on an international scale.
Strategic Reading
Access is becoming easier, but selection is becoming more critical.
Properties priced between 400,000 and 800,000 AED will see strong demand, with a risk of oversupply in certain areas.
The difference will come down to:
- the location
- the quality of the project
- actual rental capacity
Conclusion
The AED 400,000 threshold is redefining entry into Dubai’s real estate market.
It is making homeownership more accessible while accelerating market momentum.
However, this openness does not replace analysis.
At Leximmo, we view this trend as an opportunity, but always within the framework of rigorous selection and wealth management strategy.
