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Dubai Modifies Property Investor Residency Rules and Expedites Tourist Visa Processing

Dubai authorities have updated regulations governing residence visas and tourist entries. The Dh750,000 minimum property investment threshold for sole owners seeking a two-year residency visa has been eliminated, while joint ownership now requires Dh400,000 per investor. In addition, processing times for 30-day and 60-day single-entry tourist visas have been reduced to 48 hours.

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Issuing authority
Dubai Land Department, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Jurisdiction
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Publication date
November 12, 2026
Effective date
November 12, 2026
Stage
Amendment
Official source
www.timeoutdubai.com
Illustration: Contemporary residential towers along a clean waterfront promenade in Dubai under a clear daytime sky, no people, no text, no logos
Illustration

On November 12, 2026, Dubai authorities updated regulations regarding residence visa qualifications and tourist entry procedures, according to a report by Time Out Dubai.

Under updated directives from the Dubai Land Department, the previous Dh750,000 minimum real estate investment required for sole property owners to secure a two-year property owner residency visa has been eliminated. For jointly owned properties, the eligibility criteria have been set at a minimum cap of Dh400,000 per investor.

Simultaneously, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has streamlined processing times for single-entry tourist visas. Turnaround times for both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas have been brought down to 48 hours.

The stated intent of the regulatory revisions is to widen residency pathways, reduce barriers to entry, and attract more property investors and international visitors to the emirate.

Sources

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