The Dubai Golden Visa through property
A Dubai property worth at least AED 2,000,000 may qualify you for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa. Under rules reported in February 2026, the earlier upfront-payment requirement no longer applies, so off-plan and mortgaged properties may qualify too. Approval is always the authority's decision.
The qualifying property value for the property route.
Renewable for as long as you hold the property.
The upfront-payment requirement was dropped
Previously, applicants generally had to hold at least AED 1,000,000 in equity (paid upfront) to qualify. Under a federal policy circular reported in February 2026 (Gulf News, 29 April 2026), that requirement was removed; the DLD and GDRFA service pages, last updated 2026-09-30, state no minimum paid share for mortgaged property. Under the rules published on 20 Feb 2026, off-plan and mortgaged properties may also qualify. Conditions apply; confirm with DLD or GDRFA before you buy. This can open the 10-year visa to buyers using developer payment plans and bank mortgages. We have not verified any change since that date.
Rules as published: DLD and GDRFA service pages last updated 2026-09-30. Dubai-specific requirements (DLD, GDRFA) and federal ones (ICP) can differ, and so can the documents needed for unencumbered, mortgaged and off-plan property. This page is not legal advice. Confirm the current requirements at the source before you buy:
Ten years of residency and a tax-free base for your family
Sponsor your whole family
Include your spouse, children and parents under a single qualifying investment. One property covers the whole household.
Renewable for 10 years
The residency runs for 10 years and can be renewed as long as you continue to hold the qualifying property and meet the rules in force at renewal.
No need to reside full-time
Under the current rules, Golden Visa holders are not subject to the usual six-month stay requirement that applies to standard residence visas.
No UAE income or property tax
Dubai levies no personal income tax and no annual property tax on individuals. Tax may still be due in your country of tax residence. Foreign nationals can own freehold property in designated areas.
Four steps from purchase to residency
Buy a qualifying property
Purchase a Dubai property valued at AED 2,000,000 or more. Under rules reported in February 2026, off-plan and mortgaged properties may also qualify.
Register the title deed
Complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department and receive the official title deed in your name.
Submit the application
Lodge the Golden Visa application with your title deed and supporting documents through the official channels.
Receive 10-year residency
If the authority approves the application, you receive a renewable 10-year residency that can extend to your spouse, children and parents.
See if your budget clears the AED 2,000,000 threshold
Estimate the full cost of a qualifying purchase, transaction fees included, with our interactive fee calculator.
Plan your Golden Visa property purchase
Get an independent, no-obligation overview of qualifying options and the full cost picture for your situation.
What the authorities' pages say (read 6 Oct 2026)
Shortened from the service pages of the Dubai Land Department, GDRFA Dubai and the federal ICP. Where the three differ, we say so. Confirm at the source before you commit money.
The 5-year retirement route (age 55 and above)
The earlier AED 1 million upfront-payment requirement was removed under a federal policy circular reported in February 2026 (Gulf News, 29 April 2026). We found no primary document for it, which is why this page cites the current service pages instead of a date.
Data as of: 2025 full-year, verified 2026-06-16. Yields are gross unless stated otherwise. Figures are corrected when the source changes; changes are logged in the Market Watch.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest for a Dubai Golden Visa?+
A property investment of at least AED 2,000,000 may qualify for the renewable 10-year Golden Visa via the property route. The authority decides each application.
Do off-plan or mortgaged properties qualify?+
They may. Under rules reported in February 2026, the earlier upfront-payment requirement was removed; the ICP allows off-plan units bought from an approved local developer, and mortgaged property needs a bank no-objection letter stating the paid amount and the balance. Under the rules published on 20 Feb 2026, off-plan and mortgaged properties may also qualify. Conditions apply; confirm with DLD or GDRFA before you buy.
How long does the Golden Visa last?+
The Golden Visa is granted for 10 years and can be renewed for as long as you continue to hold the qualifying property and meet the rules in force at renewal.
Can I include my family?+
Yes. A single qualifying property investment can sponsor your spouse, children and parents, bringing your household under one residency.
Do I have to live in the UAE to keep the visa?+
No. The Golden Visa does not impose the usual minimum-stay rules, so you can keep it valid without residing in the UAE full-time.
Is rental or capital-gains income from the property taxed?+
Dubai levies no personal income tax and no annual property tax on individuals. Tax may still be due in your country of tax residence. Foreign nationals can own freehold property in designated areas.