Property in Abu Dhabi with residency permit
Properties in Abu Dhabi, UAE, attract expats due to the mild winters and the opportunity to invest in the rapidly developing property market. As one of the country's major economic centres, the capital offers a stable environment for business and investment.
Foreigners buying properties in Abu Dhabi for investment can consider options within designated freehold zones, where they can purchase properties with full ownership rights. Notable zones include:
- Reem Island: This prime area boasts developed infrastructure, including Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the expansive Reem Mall and numerous green spaces. The island attracts business professionals and tenants due to its office centres, educational institutions and proximity to the business hub on Al Maryah Island;
- Yas Island: Abu Dhabi’s primary entertainment hub, Yas Island boasts the city's largest shopping centre, Yas Mall, along with the Waterworld water park and the Yas Marina Circuit, which holds the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Investors can choose from a variety of real estate, from studios to luxury villas with 5-6 bedrooms;
- Saadiyat Island: As Abu Dhabi’s main cultural hub, Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, along with the upcoming Guggenheim and Zayed National Museums. The island also features luxury hotels, restaurants and premium residences. Sea-view apartments and spacious villas are available here;
- Ghantoot: A picturesque area on the border with Dubai, Ghantoot is known for its resorts and unspoilt beaches. It’s ideal for those seeking nature and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Investors can explore off-plan projects offering villas and apartments;
- Al Mariyah Island: Abu Dhabi’s main financial hub, Al Mariyah Island host the offices of international companies, commercial facilities and apartment towers. The island is popular among those seeking investment opportunities in the city’s business core;
- Marina Island: Located near the Presidential Palace, Marina Island is known for the Fairmont Marina Resort. This area blends luxury and privacy, with options for foreigners to purchase apartments and villas with 4-5 bedrooms;
- Al Raha Beach: A new cluster featuring prestigious educational institutions, restaurants, beaches and a range of property types. The community attracts families and those seeking high-end comfort and amenities;
- Masdar City: An innovative neighbourhood known for its focus on sustainable development, where residents primarily use electric cars. Apartments are the most sought-after housing option and the area is also favourable for purchasing commercial properties to support business development;
- Nurai Island: A secluded island with snow-white beaches, favoured by affluent individuals who value privacy. Accessible only by sea or air, Nurai Island offers exclusive resort and spa facilities, making it particularly attractive to high-end buyers. Luxury villas with 4-6 bedrooms are available for purchase.
You can choose from a wide range of villas and apartments in the UAE and invest in real estate for sale in Abu Dhabi on our website.
Residence permit in UAE by buying property in Abu Dhabi
Foreigners can buy property in Abu Dhabi and get a residence permit under the Golden Visa programme. The primary requirement is to buy one or more freehold properties valued at a minimum of AED 2 million (USD 544,500).
Advantages of this residency type:
- Renewable long-term visa for five years;
- No sponsor required;
- Freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than the standard 6-month period while maintaining your residence permit;
- Eligibility to sponsor family members, including a spouse and children of any age, as well as an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
Investment real estate in Abu Dhabi
Investing in property in the metropolis is beneficial for those who:
- Want to buy a ready-made property to rent out;
- Are prepared to invest during the construction stage for future resale after completion;
- Plan to protect their money from inflation or sell the property at a higher price in the future;
- Intend to move to the capital of the Arab Emirates or develop a business there.
For H1 2024, the capital market has seen an increase in demand and property prices in Abu Dhabi:
- In the affordable housing category, the average price per square metre for apartments rose by 10% and for villas by 6%;
- In the luxury property segment, apartment prices increased by 6%, while villa prices rose by over 10%;
- Investors targeting premium properties are choosing coastal communities such as Reem Island, Al Raha Beach and Yas Island;
- Al Reef, Al Ghadeer and Khalifa City remain popular for affordable real estate purchases.
Average sales prices for affordable flats:
- Al Reef:
- 1-bedroom - AED 618,000 (USD 168,000)
- 2-bedroom - AED 796,000 (USD 216,500)
- Al Ghadeer:
- 1-bedroom - AED 571,000 (USD 155,500)
- 2-bedroom - AED 762,000 (USD 207,500)
Prices for luxury apartments:
- Reem Island:
- 1-bedroom - AED 877,000 (USD 239,000)
- 2-bedroom - AED 1.48 million (USD 403,000)
- Al Raha Beach:
- 1-bedroom - AED 1.19 million (USD 324,000)
- 2-bedroom - AED 1.78 million (USD 484,500)
- Yas Island:
- 1-bedroom - AED 1.03 million (USD 280,500)
- 2-bedroom - AED 1.72 million (USD 468,500)
- Saadiyat Island:
- 1-bedroom - AED 2 million (USD 544,500)
- 2-bedroom - AED 4.57 million (USD 1.24 million)
Prices for luxury villas in UAE, Abu Dhabi:
- Yas Island: from AED 6.3 million (USD 1.7 million)
- Al Raha Beach: from AED 2.9 million (USD 789,500)
- Saadiyat Island: from AED 8.9 million (USD 2.4 million)
Housing prices in the city are expected to rise by around 3-5% in 2024.
Foreigners can buy property outright in special freehold zones in Abu Dhabi. Outside these zones, they can also purchase property on a leasehold basis (long-term lease).
To obtain a residence permit in UAE through property investment, you must purchase an object worth AED 2 million (USD 544,500) or more.
The total value of the property must be at least AED 2 million (USD 544,500). You can own several properties as long as their combined value meets the specific amount.
Profitable investments can be made in areas with developed infrastructure and high potential for price growth. These include Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Raha Beach.