Short answer: you qualify as a real estate investor if you own one or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2 million in total. Properties bought from approved local developers, and properties financed by approved local banks, can count. You also need health insurance for yourself and your family. The visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Rules checked against the UAE Ministry of Economy page (updated 16 Oct 2026) and ICP’s Golden Residency guide on 18 Oct 2026. Reviewed by the Vidabricks advisory team. Local application rules change; confirm them before you apply.
Who qualifies
| Condition | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum value | AED 2,000,000 in total, across one or more properties | Ministry of Economy |
| Ownership | The property must be wholly owned by the investor | Ministry of Economy |
| Off-plan | Off-plan units worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, bought from an approved local developer, can count; confirm how much must be paid before you apply | ICP; Ministry of Economy |
| Mortgage | Allowed if the loan is from a local bank approved by the competent local authority | Ministry of Economy |
| Health insurance | Comprehensive cover for you and your family members for the duration of your stay | Ministry of Economy |
| Visa length | 10 years for real estate investors, renewable | ICP |
Steps in Dubai
- Buy and register the property, or properties, with the Dubai Land Department.
- Keep the title deed, or the Oqood certificate for off-plan, and your payment receipts.
- Apply for the Golden Visa through the official Dubai channels (GDRFA Dubai or DLD’s services). Your advisor will confirm the current route and fees.
- Complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics.
- Add your spouse and children as dependants.
Does my purchase qualify? Examples
| Purchase | Qualifies? |
|---|---|
| One ready apartment at AED 2.1M, bought with cash | Yes, on value |
| Two ready units worth AED 1.08M each, both in your sole name | Yes, on total value (AED 2.16M) |
| Off-plan unit at AED 2.0M from an approved developer | Can qualify; depends on how much Dubai requires you to have paid |
| Ready villa at AED 2.4M with a mortgage from a UAE bank | Can qualify; confirm how the loan is treated |
| Apartment at AED 2.5M owned jointly with your spouse | Check first: the federal rule asks for sole ownership |
Common mistakes
- Counting the purchase price on a contract that is not yet registered with DLD.
- Buying jointly without checking whether each owner’s share meets the threshold.
- Forgetting the health insurance requirement for dependants.
Frequently asked questions
How much property do I need to buy for a UAE Golden Visa?
Property worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total. The value can come from one property or several, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan property?
Yes. ICP lists off-plan units worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, bought from an approved local developer. In Dubai, ask your advisor to confirm with DLD and GDRFA Dubai how much of the price must be paid before you apply, because this is set locally.
Can I get a Golden Visa if my property is mortgaged?
Yes, if the loan is from a local bank approved by the competent local authority. How the bank's share is treated is decided locally, so confirm the current Dubai rule before you apply.
How long is the UAE Golden Visa?
ICP issues a 10-year residence visa to real estate investors, renewable, and family members can be sponsored on it.
