Detailed Explanation of Dubai's Visa, Taxation, and Real Estate Investment Policies for 2025

Question

What are the visa policies for Chinese tourists/short-term visitors to Dubai/UAE in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

The UAE has expanded short-term visit visa options in 2025. Visitors can choose a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day single-entry visa; a five-year multiple-entry visa (with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry) is also available. For multiple-entry visas, the total stay within a year is generally limited by policy settings (e.g., 180 days). Applications typically require a passport, valid return flight ticket, hotel booking or host invitation, proof of sufficient funds, etc. Overstaying may result in fines (e.g., around AED 50 per day) or denial of re-entry. Visa applications and renewals are increasingly digitized to reduce processing time and enhance convenience.

Yes. The regulations for obtaining a residence visa through real estate investment (i.e., the UAE Golden Visa) are as follows:
- If purchasing property in a Freehold Zone, a total value of AED 2,000,000 (or more) in real estate (which can be combined from one or multiple properties) qualifies for a 10-year Golden Visa (renewable);
- For lower-value property purchases (e.g., previously reported around AED 750,000), a 2-year ordinary residence visa may be obtained, but in 2025, the mainstream recommendation and official channel standard is property purchase above 2 M AED to apply for the Golden Visa;
- Mortgage financing is allowed, requiring the applicant's personal "equity" to reach 2 M AED; even if the property is purchased with a loan, a "No-Objection Letter" or title deed from the bank and land department is needed to confirm compliance with investment requirements.

The benefits of the Golden Visa include: long-term residence without employer sponsorship, the ability to apply for dependent visas for spouse and children, and favorable tax treatment as permitted by UAE law (see the tax section). Additionally, holders can freely enter and exit the UAE without strict "permanent residence" requirements, making it suitable for frequent travelers or asset allocators.

AIAIGAnswer

Chinese citizens wishing to work legally in Dubai must have a local employer initiate the application for a work visa/labor permit. The employer must have legal qualifications and sign an employment contract with the applicant. After the work visa is approved, the applicant typically needs to undergo a medical examination and purchase health insurance upon entry, then apply for a residence visa with the immigration/labor department. According to local practice, work visas are generally valid for 1–3 years and are renewable. Compared to investment/Golden Visas, this method is suitable for those planning to actually work, reside long-term, or develop a career in Dubai.

AIAIGAnswer

As of 2025, Dubai has <strong>no annual property tax or wealth tax</strong> for real estate. For buyers or investors, there are only one-time fees/taxes during the transaction or title registration stage, with no annual taxation. For most holders and landlords, holding costs mainly come from property management fees, service charges, and local rental-related fees.

AIAIGAnswer

Main fees when purchasing a property include: land/property ownership transfer registration fees, title registration fees, and possible loan registration fees. According to local practices and public information, purchase registration fees are related to the property value and transaction method. For example, transfer registration fees are borne by the buyer (specific rates may vary by developer/plot/policy, and should be based on the land department's regulations at the time). Additionally, if purchasing through a loan, bank handling fees or loan registration fees may also be incurred. Compared to many countries with high "property tax + capital gains tax," Dubai imposes no ongoing tax burden on individual holders after purchase, which is one of its key attractions for foreign investors.

AIAIGAnswer

If renting out a property, tenants or owners may need to bear certain local fees (e.g., municipal taxes, service charges, community management fees), but Dubai <strong>does not impose personal income tax or capital gains tax on rental income</strong>. Under the UAE's current tax system, personal income (including salaries, rent, capital gains) is not taxed for individuals. Therefore, from a tax perspective, rental returns have almost no "tax burden," which is beneficial for investment returns (net rent).

AIAIGAnswer

Starting from 2023, the UAE imposes corporate income tax (Corporate Tax) on corporate profits: if a company's annual profit exceeds AED 375,000, a 9% tax rate applies; small-scale businesses with profits below this threshold are typically exempt. For individuals who only hold properties through real estate investment, this does not constitute "corporate business activities," so corporate tax usually does not apply. However, if investing in/renting/developing properties through a company or corporate structure, corporate income tax needs to be considered. For investors who directly purchase and hold properties as individuals, the tax situation is simpler and more favorable.

AIAIGAnswer

Dubai allows foreigners full ownership of property in most freehold zones, with no ongoing property taxes, capital gains taxes, or inheritance taxes, making it highly attractive to foreign investors seeking asset preservation and flexible entry and exit. Additionally, the government promotes infrastructure development, tourism, finance, technology, and other industries, providing institutional and economic environment support for real estate preservation and appreciation. Through long-term residency visas (Golden Visa), investors can use property as a dual strategy of 'asset + residency rights'.

AIAIGAnswer

Given the aforementioned tax and visa advantages, and the UAE's continued attraction of global capital and talent, demand for high-quality freehold zone properties is expected to remain strong. As more high-net-worth individuals, expatriate professionals, and investors enter, properties in popular areas (such as freehold zones, waterfront areas, central business districts, etc.) may continue to appreciate steadily. If global asset allocation demand increases, and the US dollar and global interest rate environment remain stable, hedging against inflation and exchange rate risks will also enhance its appeal as a 'safe haven / allocation asset'. However, it is important to note: if there is oversupply, changes in local laws/loan policies, or restrictions on international capital flows, it may slow down price growth. Overall, Dubai remains a relatively attractive destination for overseas real estate allocation in the medium to long term.

AIAIGAnswer

For Chinese investors, by purchasing property worth AED 2,000,000 and applying for the Golden Visa, they can obtain a 10-year renewable residency, independent of an employer, while being exempt from personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, which is beneficial for global asset allocation and identity planning. In the context of asset globalization and uncertainties in inflation/exchange rates, this dual benefit of 'real estate + legal residency' is particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and international families.

AIAIGAnswer

Despite low tax burdens and holding costs, property purchase still involves a high one-time investment (over 2 M AED), and if using a loan, it requires assessing repayment ability, exchange rate risks, and bank loan policies. Additionally, if selling the property, attention must be paid to land department and developer regulations, which may affect Golden Visa status; if not residing in the UAE frequently, minimum entry requirements must be met to maintain visa status. If local real estate supply suddenly increases significantly, it could also suppress property price appreciation. It is recommended to carefully choose location, developer, property type, and understand loan and legal terms before purchasing.

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