The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year, renewable residence permit, and owning property is one of the ways to qualify. In Dubai, property owners apply through the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
This guide sets out the property route using the criteria published by DLD and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The rules are updated from time to time, so check the current conditions before you buy with a visa in mind.
Who qualifies
- You own one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, fully owned and registered in your name (ICP (opens in a new tab)). DLD’s service looks at the purchase value at the time of purchase.
- Off-plan units count if they were bought from an approved local developer licensed by the competent authority (ICP).
- Financed property is allowed when the loan comes from an approved local bank (ICP). DLD asks for a no-objection letter from the bank showing the amount paid and the balance.
- You and your family hold valid health insurance throughout the residency (ICP).
- You’re inside the UAE when you apply through DLD.
Buying jointly? The official pages don’t set out how shared ownership is assessed, so confirm it before you sign.
What you get
A 10-year renewable residence permit (DLD (opens in a new tab)). The Golden Residency programme lets holders sponsor their spouse and children, as well as parents (ICP (opens in a new tab)), and DLD’s service includes residence permits for family members and parents.
Documents you’ll need
- Your passport and a personal photo.
- The title deed (DLD’s e-certificate of title) for the property.
- Your Emirates ID and current residence permit, if you have them.
- For a mortgaged property, the bank’s no-objection letter showing the amount paid and the balance.
- For family members: certified marriage and birth certificates, health insurance and the other documents listed on DLD’s service page.
Official fees
| Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Medical examination | 700 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 1,153 |
| Residence permit (10 years) | 2,856.75 |
| Dubai Land Department fees | 4,020 |
| Administrative fees | 1,155 |
| Total for the investor | 9,884.75 |
How to apply
Step 1: Buy and register the property
The property must be registered in your name with DLD.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Including the bank’s no-objection letter if the property is mortgaged.
Step 3: Apply through DLD
Use DLD’s Golden Visa (investor) service (opens in a new tab). You must be in the UAE, and only the applicant attends.
Step 4: Medical test, Emirates ID and visa
DLD lists a service time of 7 to 10 business days.
Property under AED 2 million
DLD also describes a residence permit for owners of property worth more than AED 1 million (DLD (opens in a new tab)). Its conditions and length differ from the Golden Visa, so check the current details before relying on it.
Questions buyers ask
- Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan property in Dubai?
- Yes, according to ICP: off-plan units worth at least AED 2 million in total, bought from an approved local developer, can qualify. Check the developer’s approval and the current conditions before you buy.
- Can I combine two properties to reach AED 2 million?
- Yes. ICP’s criteria refer to one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million, fully owned and registered in your name.
- Does a mortgaged property qualify for the Golden Visa?
- It can. ICP allows financing from an approved local bank, and DLD asks for a no-objection letter from the bank showing the amount paid and the remaining balance.
- How long is the Golden Visa valid?
- Ten years, and it is renewable.
- Does SAAR LUXE handle visa applications?
- No. We help you find and buy property that fits your plans, including the AED 2 million threshold if a visa matters to you. Applications are made through DLD and the UAE’s immigration authorities.
Official sources
- Dubai Land Department — Golden Visa application (investor) (opens in a new tab)
- ICP — UAE Golden Residency guide (opens in a new tab)
- GDRFA Dubai — Golden residence permit for investors (opens in a new tab)
- Dubai Land Department — Frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information, checked against the official sources above on 19 October 2026. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice, and rules and fees can change — please confirm anything you rely on with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.