Since the introduction of the Golden Visa program, opportunities for long-term residency have expanded – especially for real estate investors.
✨ Golden Visa in the UAE – Real Estate as a Path to Long-Term Residency
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to attract thousands of investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals from around the world. Since the introduction of the Golden Visa program, opportunities for long-term residency have expanded – especially for real estate investors.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit, usually granted for 10 years. It allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. This program is particularly attractive for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, researchers – and property owners.
🏠 Real Estate as a Requirement for the Golden Visa
One of the most common and accessible ways to obtain the Golden Visa is by purchasing real estate in the UAE. Here are the main requirements:
✅ Key Requirements:
- Minimum property value:
The purchase price must be at least AED 2 million (approx. EUR 500,000). - Ownership status:
The property must be registered in your own name. - Mortgage allowed:
You can finance the property partially through a mortgage, but you must have invested at least AED 2 million of your own funds (not just the total property value). - Location of the property:
The Golden Visa applies to properties across all seven emirates, though applications are most common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
🏗️ What About Off-Plan Properties (Under Construction)?
Even off-plan properties – meaning properties that are still under construction – can qualify for the Golden Visa, under specific conditions:
- You must have already paid at least AED 2 million, not just signed a contract or agreed to pay.
- The developer must be government-approved and officially registered.
- You will need to provide proof of payment, such as a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the developer or an official payment schedule.
- The project must be active and not significantly delayed or flagged as problematic.
💡 Example:
You purchase an off-plan apartment in Dubai worth AED 2.3 million. According to your payment plan, you have already paid AED 2 million. You can then apply for the Golden Visa – even if the property is scheduled to be completed in 2026 – as long as proper documentation is provided.
🛂 Benefits of the Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors
- 10-year residency, renewable
- No local sponsor required
- No minimum stay requirement in the UAE
- Ability to sponsor family members, including spouse, children, and even domestic staff
- Access to local banking services, insurance, and other government-related benefits
- Easier setup of a business or investment company
🔍 How to Apply for the Golden Visa?
- Purchase a qualifying property
- Register the ownership with the Land Department
- Provide proof of investment and mortgage details, if applicable
- Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or through authorized agencies
- Undergo medical screening, biometric registration, and apply for an Emirates ID
💡 Conclusion
Investing in real estate in the UAE is not only a wise financial move – it can also be the gateway to long-term residency. If you’re considering buying property in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any of the other emirates, the Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity to secure your place in one of the world’s most dynamic regions – even with off-plan properties, as long as the conditions are met.
📞 Want to Learn More or Find the Right Property?
I’m happy to guide you – from finding the perfect property to completing the Golden Visa application process with our certificated partners.
