How to Get a UAE Golden Visa Through Property Investment (2025 Guide)
May 9, 2025
So, what exactly is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa granted to individuals who meet specific investment, professional, or academic criteria. It is issued for 5 or 10 years and is renewable, provided eligibility continues.
The Golden Visa is available across the UAE but is most sought after in Dubai due to its dynamic economy, real estate market, and investor-friendly environment.
Golden Visa eligibility through property investment
As of 2025, individuals are eligible to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa through real estate investment if they meet the following criteria (as per the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and ICP guidelines):
Investment requirements:
Own real estate in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million
The property must be:
Freehold (not leasehold)
Completed (off-plan properties may qualify after completion)
Ownership must be proven with a title deed issued by the Dubai Land Department
The AED 2 million can be in one or multiple properties
Mortgage financing:
If the property is mortgaged, the investor must have paid at least AED 2 million to the bank
A no-objection letter from the bank is typically required, confirming payment of AED 2 million or more
Duration of investment:
Applicants should maintain ownership to retain residency
Step-by-Step: How to get the Dubai Golden Visa through real estate
1. Purchase an eligible property
The property must be:
Located in a freehold area
Worth at least AED 2 million (market or purchase value)
Joint ownership is allowed, but each investor’s share must equal or exceed AED 2 million
2. Obtain a title deed
After the transaction, request your title deed through the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
Digital title deeds can be accessed via the Dubai REST app
3. Prepare required documents
You will need:
Valid passport copy
Title deed
Bank letter (if mortgaged)
Recent photo (passport size, white background)
Emirates ID and visa copy (if already residing in UAE)
4. Apply via the Dubai Land Department or ICP
In Dubai, apply through the Cube Centre at DLD or an approved Amer Center
In other emirates, use ICP’s online portal (https://icp.gov.ae)
5. Medical test and biometrics
Required for all visa applicants
Standard tests: blood work and chest X-ray
Biometrics taken at the visa application stage
6. Receive your 10-year visa
Once approved, you will receive a 10-year UAE residency permit
The visa is renewable if you continue to meet property ownership requirements
Here’s a tip
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Reach out to us to find out more!
Why invest in Dubai property? Key benefits beyond the Golden Visa
While the Golden Visa provides long-term residency, property ownership in Dubai also delivers strong financial and lifestyle value.
0% personal income tax
No tax on rental income, capital gains, or personal earnings
No annual personal income declarations required
High rental yields
Average yields range from 5% to 8%, depending on location
Short-term rentals in tourist zones like Downtown and Dubai Marina may yield even higher returns
Global mobility and international flexibility
Enhances travel credibility for visa applications worldwide
Simplifies access to GCC countries and regional travel
Strengthens global profiles for family members (education, employment, migration)
Adds long-term flexibility to your lifestyle and movement across borders
Freehold ownership for foreigners
100% ownership allowed in designated areas such as:
Downtown Dubai
Palm Jumeirah
Business Bay
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Full resale rights, including inheritance and gifting
World-Class infrastructure
Reliable legal framework under the Dubai Land Department
Modern utilities, transport, and high living standards
Global connectivity via Dubai International Airport
Flexible developer payment plans
Low down payments (as low as 10–20%)
Post-handover plans and incentives available
Government-registered escrow protection for off-plan buyers
Capital growth potential
Dubai’s Vision 2040 supports long-term urban and economic growth
Strategic population targets and infrastructure projects often drive property value appreciation
Residency tied to investment
Qualifying investors secure 10-year residency
Ability to sponsor family members without extra investment
Can you qualify with off-plan properties?
As of 2025, off-plan (under-construction) properties do not immediately qualify for the Golden Visa. You must wait until:
The property is completed
A title deed is issued
The AED 2 million threshold is met and documented
Golden Visa for families: Who can you sponsor?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor:
Spouse
Children of any age (as per the 2022 visa law updates)
Unlimited domestic workers
Standard supporting documents and application procedures apply, but no additional real estate investment is requiredfor family sponsorship.
Key takeaways
Investing in a freehold property worth AED 2 million or more in Dubai qualifies you for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa. You’ll enjoy benefits like 0% personal income tax, high rental yields, full property ownership, and the ability to sponsor your family. With flexible developer payment plans and strong capital growth potential, Dubai real estate offers both long-term residency and attractive returns.
Need help getting started?
We provide an end to end service from finding you your Golden Visa-eligible properties, to securing your 10 year visa for you.