Villa in Al Reem Island for a residency permit
Al Reem Island, located in Abu Dhabi, is a prestigious and highly sought-after area for home buyers. It attracts both local and foreign investors, including expatriates. The properties in this community provide a high standard of living, combining aesthetic appeal with functional features.
The local real estate market consistently offers several hundred homes for sale, including both ready-to-move-in villas and properties in newly developed complexes.
Property prices in this area vary based on several factors, including location, size, construction year and available amenities. Villas typically start at around USD 750,000 and can reach up to USD 4-5 million. Most of the available homes are 3–5-bedroom townhouses, with fewer options featuring 6 bedrooms. These homes generally come equipped with multiple bathrooms (often matching or exceeding the number of bedrooms), staff accommodation, walk-in closets and outdoor spaces that include parking, gardens and swimming pools.
Investing in this community offers not only comfort and prestige but also the opportunity to obtain residency through an investment programme in villas and apartments in the UAE. This option is particularly appealing to foreign nationals who, in addition to acquiring valuable assets, can secure permanent residency in one of the most developed countries in the world.
Residence permit in UAE by buying a house on Al Reem Island
One of the significant advantages of investing in villas for sale on Al Reem Island is the opportunity to become a resident of the Emirates. The UAE government encourages foreign investment by offering various incentives, including residency visas. This allows foreign nationals not only to purchase luxury homes or villas but also to legally reside in the UAE without time restrictions, as the golden visa can be renewed.
To obtain a residence permit in the UAE through property investment, the following conditions must be met:
- Select and purchase a villa for sale in Al Reem Island valued at no less than the minimum threshold. In Abu Dhabi, the property must be worth at least AED 2 million (USD 545,000) to qualify for a five-year residency visa. The property must also be located in one of the city’s designated freehold zones, which includes this area;
- Submit the necessary documents. The buyer must personally prepare the documents to confirm ownership and submit an application to the relevant government authorities;
- Wait for approval. Once all formalities are completed, the investor will receive a UAE residency card, which can be renewed under the conditions of the programme. The residency visa allows the foreigner and their family to live in the UAE and enjoy all the benefits of residency, including access to healthcare, education, business opportunities and tax advantages.
The residency process typically takes between two to eight weeks to complete.
Investment house in Al Reem Island
Abu Dhabi is a popular choice for property in the UAE, attracting investors with various strategies, including property resale, long-term rental, short-term rental and long-term capital growth. 2024 statistics indicate that the real estate market is experiencing significant growth. The area is projected to become a top investment destination for several reasons:
- The majority of new properties delivered in the past year have been on Yas and Al Reem islands;
- By the end of 2024, an additional 1,950 real estate units are expected to be completed, with most located on these two islands;
- The number of completed property transactions in Abu Dhabi has increased by 54% compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing demand among end-buyers seeking move-in-ready homes;
- Rental rates in the area have risen by 9% over the past year, which is a positive sign for investors focusing on rental income strategies. Therefore, regardless of the investment strategy, properties in this area are expected to yield significant returns, whether from rental income, property value appreciation or as a means to obtain UAE residency.