The Dubai Golden Visa gives qualifying property investors 10-year UAE residency.
Property remains the most popular route to Dubai’s 10-year Golden Visa. Investors who own real estate valued at AED 2 million or more qualify for the renewable 10-year residency. The threshold is based on the full property valuation recorded by the Dubai Land Department — not the down payment — and multiple properties can be combined to reach it.
What is the property investment threshold for the Golden Visa in 2026?
The benchmark for the 10-year Golden Visa is AED 2 million in qualifying real estate. The figure is measured against the property’s full DLD-recorded value. Mortgaged properties can qualify provided the bank confirms the paid-up value has reached AED 2 million.
Which properties qualify?
Eligible assets are residential freehold properties in designated freehold areas, registered in the applicant’s name. Apartments, penthouses, villas, and townhouses all count. Golden Visa investors frequently buy in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Dubai Hills Estate.
Can I combine multiple properties?
Yes. There is no cap on the number of properties you can aggregate to reach AED 2 million. An investor holding five studios worth AED 400,000 each qualifies just as one holding two apartments worth AED 1 million each, provided the combined DLD valuation reaches the threshold.
| Visa | Property requirement (2026) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | AED 2 million | 10 years (renewable) |
| Property Investor Visa | No minimum value (as of April 2026) | 2 years (renewable) |
What changed in 2026?
As of April 2026, Dubai removed the minimum property value requirement for individual investors applying for the two-year property investor visa, which was previously set at AED 750,000. This widened access to residency for smaller investors, while the AED 2 million Golden Visa threshold stayed in place.
Frequently asked questions
Does off-plan property count toward the Golden Visa?
Off-plan can qualify depending on the project and payment stage, but rules vary. Many investors confirm eligibility once a sufficient share of the value is paid and the title is registered. Always verify current DLD criteria for your specific purchase.
Do family members get residency too?
Golden Visa holders can typically sponsor their spouse and children, and in many cases domestic staff, under the same 10-year residency, subject to standard documentation.
Key takeaways on the Dubai Golden Visa
- The Dubai Golden Visa offers 10-year, renewable UAE residency to qualifying property investors.
- You need real estate worth at least AED 2 million to secure the Dubai Golden Visa through property.
- Multiple properties can be combined to reach the Dubai Golden Visa threshold, with no cap on the number.
- Family members can usually be sponsored under the same Dubai Golden Visa residency.
For property buyers, the Dubai Golden Visa turns a sound investment into long-term residency security. Always confirm current criteria with official sources such as the UAE Government portal before applying, and work with an experienced agency to choose a qualifying property.
Last updated: June 2026. Prepared by the Realtors DXB research team. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm current requirements with the Dubai Land Department. Talk to our team about Golden Visa-eligible properties.