Dubai Off-Plan Investorby Tarek Wazzan

Buyer guide

The UAE Golden Visa through property

By Tarek Wazzan, Senior Property Consultant at NAAS Properties · Facts checked 30 September 2026

Short answerA property investor can apply for a UAE Golden Visa with one or more properties worth at least AED 2 million in total. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism says the property may be financed by a loan from a local bank, and that off-plan units worth AED 2 million or more bought from approved local developers can qualify.

The conditions

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism lists these conditions for a real estate investor:

  • One or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, wholly owned by the investor.
  • The property may be financed by a loan, provided the loan is from a local bank determined by the competent local authority.
  • Alternatively, one or more off-plan units with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, bought from local companies approved by the competent local authority.
  • Comprehensive health insurance for the investor and family members.

How long the visa lasts: the sources differ

The UAE government portal, u.ae, currently lists the real estate investment route with a 5-year residency. Many Dubai developer and broker guides describe it as a 10-year Golden Visa. To check: we could not confirm the term on an official DLD or ICP page on 30 September 2026. Ask the issuing authority to confirm the term for your case when you apply.

Off-plan and mortgaged property

  • Off-plan: the Ministry's conditions include off-plan units from approved developers. The documents asked for can differ between authorities, so confirm with DLD (Dubai) or ADREC and ICP (Abu Dhabi) which proof of purchase and payment they accept for your unit before you rely on it.
  • Mortgaged property: allowed if the loan is from an approved local bank. Expect to need a no-objection letter from the bank.
  • Combining properties: several properties can be added together to reach AED 2 million.

Where to apply

In Dubai, property-based residency is handled through the DLD's Cube centre, which DLD describes as the service centre where property residencies are issued, including medical tests and GDRFA procedures. In Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, applications go through ICP. Check each authority's current checklist before you buy if the visa is a main reason for the purchase.

How Tarek helps

If a Golden Visa is part of your plan, Tarek shortlists property that clears AED 2 million on the registered price, checks whether the developer is approved, and flags the documents the authority will ask for. He does not issue visas and will point you to the authority or a licensed consultant for the application itself.

Frequently asked questions

How much property do I need to buy for a UAE Golden Visa?

You need one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The property must be wholly owned by you, and it may be financed by a loan from an approved local bank. Off-plan units worth AED 2 million or more from approved developers can also count.

Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan property?

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism's conditions include off-plan units with a total value of at least AED 2 million bought from local companies approved by the competent local authority. The documents each authority requests can differ, so confirm with DLD in Dubai or ICP which proof of purchase and payment they accept for your specific unit.

Can I get a Golden Visa on a mortgaged property?

Yes, if the loan is from a local bank approved by the competent authority, according to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The total property value must still be at least AED 2 million. Expect the application to require a no-objection letter from your bank, and confirm the current rules with the issuing authority.

Is the property Golden Visa 5 or 10 years?

Sources differ. The UAE government portal u.ae lists the real estate investment route at 5 years, while many Dubai developer and broker guides describe a 10-year Golden Visa for property investors. We could not confirm the term on an official DLD or ICP page, so ask the authority that will issue your visa before you buy.

Get a shortlist for the uae golden visa through property

Tell Tarek your budget, timeline and whether you want to live in the home, rent it out or apply for a Golden Visa. He will send matching launches and ready alternatives with the full cost of each, and check registration and escrow with you before you pay.

Sources

Figures and rules change. Confirm fees with the DLD, ADREC/DARI or SRERD before you pay. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.

Written and reviewed by Tarek Wazzan, Senior Property Consultant, NAAS Properties.

Tarek Wazzan is a Senior Property Consultant at NAAS Properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with more than 12 years in real estate. He was previously with Christie's International Real Estate UAE. He advises buyers and investors on off-plan, ready and resale property from every developer in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and knows Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate, Palm Jumeirah, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Fahid Island best. He works in English and Arabic.

WhatsApp +971 50 608 6106 · tarekinvestments@gmail.com · LinkedIn · tarekwazzan.com

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