What the property Golden Visa is
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable residency that lets investors and their families live in the country without a local sponsor. The property route is one of the most popular: buy qualifying real estate and you can apply for a 10-year residency tied to that investment.
For property investors, the attraction is that one decision can serve two goals at once — a productive asset and stable residency. The risk is letting the visa drive the purchase. A well-structured Golden Visa property should stand on its own as an investment first.
What qualifies you
The headline requirement is a real estate investment of AED 2 million or more, measured on the property’s value. A single property or a combination can be used to reach the threshold, and the route is open to off-plan and, in many cases, mortgaged purchases — subject to the current rules. Exact documentation and conditions can change, so confirm them before you commit.
Not sure if you qualify?
Our free checker walks through the property value, financing, and route in under a minute.
Open the Golden Visa CheckerChoosing a qualifying property that performs
The best Golden Visa purchases clear the AED 2M threshold while offering strong end-user demand and resale liquidity — so the visa and the investment reinforce each other. These prime, liquid communities are common starting points; our roundup ranks them with the trade-offs.
Off-plan and mortgaged purchases
Off-plan from approved developers can count towards the threshold, but adds delivery risk — so developer due diligence is essential. Mortgaged purchases can also qualify provided the investment value is met and lender documentation is in order. Model the financing before you commit so the numbers, not just the visa, make sense.
Doing it the independent way
Because we hold no inventory and disclose any developer commission and its amount, we have no reason to steer you to a specific tower to hit a visa threshold. We assess whether a qualifying property is genuinely worth owning, and structure the purchase around both your residency and investment goals. For the broader picture, see our complete Dubai real estate investment guide.
Golden Visa property FAQ
How much do I need to invest for a UAE Golden Visa through property?
The property route to the 10-year Golden Visa is generally available for a real estate investment of AED 2 million or more, based on the property's purchase value. A single qualifying property or a combination of properties reaching the threshold can be used, subject to the current rules administered by the relevant authorities.
Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan property?
Off-plan property purchased from approved developers can count towards the AED 2 million threshold, subject to current eligibility rules. Because off-plan carries delivery and completion risk, independent developer due diligence matters even more when the purchase is also tied to a residency objective.
Can I qualify for the Golden Visa with a mortgaged property?
Mortgaged properties can qualify provided the AED 2 million investment value is met, subject to the lender and current rules — historically this has required meeting a minimum paid-up amount and providing bank documentation. We help structure the purchase so the financing and the visa objective work together.
How long is the property Golden Visa valid, and is it renewable?
The property-based Golden Visa is a 10-year residency that is renewable as long as you continue to meet the qualifying conditions, including retaining the qualifying property. It does not require a local sponsor.
Can I include my family in the Golden Visa?
Yes. A Golden Visa holder can typically sponsor their spouse and children, and in many cases other dependants, under the same long-term residency. This makes the property route attractive for families seeking stable UAE residency alongside an investment.
Do I have to live in the UAE to keep a property Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is designed to be flexible and does not carry the same minimum-stay requirements as standard residency visas — holders can spend extended periods outside the UAE without it lapsing. You should always confirm the current conditions, as rules can change.