How much do I need to invest to get a UAE Golden Visa?

You need a minimum property investment of AED 2,000,000 in a designated freehold area. This can be a single property or a share in a jointly owned property, provided your individual stake meets the threshold.

Can I get a UAE Golden Visa with an off-plan property?

Yes, off-plan properties qualify for the Golden Visa provided you have a valid, registered Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for a property meeting the AED 2,000,000 minimum investment threshold.

Does the Golden Visa require me to live in the UAE?

No. The UAE Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement, making it one of the most flexible long-term residency programmes globally for investors who want optionality rather than a mandatory relocation.

UAE Golden Visa Through Property: Complete 2026 Guide

The UAE Golden Visa remains one of the world's most accessible long-term residency programmes available through real estate investment, offering ten years of renewable residency to property investors and their families.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa through property, you need:

A minimum property investment of AED 2,000,000
The property must be located in a designated freehold area within Dubai
Off-plan properties qualify, provided a valid Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is in place
Joint ownership is permitted, provided each owner individually meets the AED 2,000,000 threshold
No minimum stay requirement is imposed to maintain the visa's validity

What the Golden Visa Includes

10-year renewable UAE residency for the investor
The ability to sponsor a spouse and children on the same visa
No local sponsor or employer required to maintain status
Multiple-entry validity with no minimum days spent in the UAE per year

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Property Selection

Identify a qualifying property — ready or off-plan — that meets or exceeds the AED 2,000,000 threshold, ideally with guidance from a RERA-licensed advisor familiar with Golden Visa-eligible developments.

Step 2: Complete the Purchase

Full legal completion, including SPA signing, Dubai Land Department registration, and title deed issuance (or the equivalent off-plan registration with the developer and DLD).

Step 3: Submit the Golden Visa Application

Applications are submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or via the ICP smart services platform, along with proof of property ownership, passport copies, and medical fitness test results.

Step 4: Approval and Emirates ID

Once approved, investors receive their 10-year visa stamp and Emirates ID, typically within a few weeks of submission.

Why Investors Choose the Golden Visa Route

Beyond long-term residency security, the Golden Visa gives international investors a stable base from which to manage business interests across the Gulf region, access UAE banking with resident status, and enrol family members in Dubai's international schools.