If you are wondering, “Can I get a Golden Visa if I co-own a property worth 3 million AED with my brother?”- the answer is yes, in many cases, you can. Dubai’s property-linked Golden Visa program allows co-owners, including brothers, to qualify as long as each meets the individual ownership and investment requirements. This article explores the precise eligibility criteria, required property value thresholds, and key considerations for siblings investing together to secure long-term residency in Dubai.
Understanding the UAE Golden Visa for Property Investors
Dubai’s Golden Visa program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and strategic investors. Through real estate investment, it grants a 10-year renewable residency visa, offering unparalleled security for families and international investors. The initiative is supported by Dubai’s reputation for zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and robust legal frameworks favoring property rights. For investors, this means the flexibility to manage assets and financial planning in a business-friendly environment.
Golden Visa Property Eligibility: The AED 2 Million Threshold
At the heart of the UAE’s Golden Visa criteria for property investors is a clear financial benchmark: you must invest at least AED 2 million in qualifying real estate. This makes Dubai’s program globally competitive and accessible, compared to other international residency options. Property can be residential or commercial, off-plan or completed, provided it is owned outright (not mortgaged beyond a certain limit).
Significantly, Dubai does allow for co-ownership scenarios – meaning two or more names can be on the title deed. However, each owner must individually have at least AED 2 million in property value attributed to their share before becoming eligible for a Golden Visa.
Co-ownership and the Golden Visa: Key Regulations for Non-Spousal Relationships
For siblings or other non-spousal relatives, the rules around joint property ownership are straightforward yet strict. If you co-own a property with your brother, each of you must possess ownership worth at least AED 2 million. So, if the property’s total value is AED 3 million and you and your brother own it equally, neither would independently meet the minimum threshold—each share would be AED 1.5 million, which is below the requirement.
To qualify in such a case, one of you could acquire a larger share (e.g., AED 2 million versus AED 1 million), or you could invest jointly in a higher-value property so both shares reach the minimum. It’s important to work closely with your developer, trusted legal advisors, and Dubai Land Department officials during title transfer to ensure shares are recorded appropriately.
Can Brothers Co-Own a Property for a Golden Visa? Detailed Scenarios
Let’s clarify with examples:
– Scenario 1: You and your brother co-own a villa in Al Furjan worth AED 4 million. Split equally, each holds AED 2 million—both are eligible for a Golden Visa.
– Scenario 2: You buy a five-bedroom home in Dubai Hills for AED 3 million, owning 60% (AED 1.8 million), while your brother owns 40% (AED 1.2 million). Neither meets the threshold alone, so neither qualifies independently.
– Scenario 3: You increase the total investment or adjust your shares so each sibling’s share is at least AED 2 million. Now both are eligible, as per the current policy.
Structuring Co-ownership: Legal Considerations for Siblings
When family members invest together, legal planning is key. Sibling co-ownership should be precisely documented during the purchase and registration. The title deed from the Dubai Land Department must clearly allocate each person’s share. If future Golden Visa status is a goal, structure the ownership so that each sibling’s share meets or exceeds the AED 2 million requirement.
Consider future inheritance and succession planning, particularly if multiple family members are involved. Dubai’s no-inheritance-tax policy is attractive, but clear title records are important to avoid disputes.
Applying for the Golden Visa as a Co-Owner: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for co-owners is largely the same as for sole owners, but with additional documentation:
1. Secure a property title deed showing your share of at least AED 2 million.
2. Obtain a property valuation certificate, if required.
3. Apply through the Dubai Land Department’s “Cube” platform or your developer’s recommended channel.
4. Submit Emirates ID, passport, and proof of relationship (as siblings), along with ownership documents.
5. Await approval; upon acceptance, receive a 10-year renewable visa.
Seek professional guidance to streamline the process and address any regulatory updates.
Expert Advice and How Danube Properties Can Assist
Dubai’s Golden Visa program is sophisticated but accessible to savvy investors and families. If you plan to co-own property with your brother and seek long-term residency, ensure your shares meet the AED 2 million threshold individually. An experienced developer can advise on project selection, title deed structuring, and the Golden Visa application.
In summary: you can get a Golden Visa if you co-own a property worth 3 million AED with your brother – if, and only if, each of your ownership shares is at least AED 2 million. For expert guidance through the Dubai property process, contact Danube Properties to learn more.
