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It’s the question almost every buyer asks these days: “If I buy in Dubai, do I get the Golden Visa?” The short answer is yes — but it’s not automatic. There are thresholds, fine print, and a few things nobody tells you until you’re knee-deep in paperwork. Let’s walk through what’s real, what’s rumor, and how to actually qualify.
Dubai’s property market has always attracted investors from everywhere — Europeans looking for sun, Gulf nationals diversifying, expats wanting a second base. But the Golden Visa took that appeal up a notch. Suddenly, buying a home wasn’t just about ROI or lifestyle. It became a gateway to long-term residency.
It’s easy to see why the two became linked in people’s minds. Property is tangible. You can live in it, rent it, or flip it. Tie that to a 10-year visa, and it feels like buying both an asset and peace of mind.
Here’s the rule: to qualify for a Golden Visa through property, the total investment must be at least AED 2 million.
This AED 2M line is what separates a regular 2-year property visa from the coveted 10-year Golden Visa.
A lot of buyers get confused here. Do off-plan properties count? Yes, they do — as long as the purchase contract is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the investment value meets the AED 2M requirement.
The catch? If you’re paying in installments, you may only be eligible once a certain portion has been paid. Developers and agents rarely spell this out clearly, so it’s something to confirm upfront.
Another grey area: what if your property is mortgaged?
The rule is that you need to have at least AED 2M in equity. If your property is worth AED 3M but you’ve only paid AED 1M and the rest is bank-financed, you’re not there yet. The authorities look at what you actually own, not the headline property value.
This is one of those details that can make or break an application, and it catches a lot of buyers by surprise.
In theory, applying for the Golden Visa through property sounds straightforward:
In practice, expect paperwork. Bank statements, NOCs from the developer, valuation reports — it can be a bit of a chase. Most buyers end up working with a PRO or through their developer’s liaison just to speed things along.
Once approved, the Golden Visa isn’t just a stamp in your passport. You also get:
For many, these perks are as valuable as the property itself.
There are two things I’ve noticed buyers don’t always think about until later:
So if your plan is to buy and move in tomorrow under a Golden Visa, temper expectations.
Some people approach the market backwards — “I want the visa, so I’ll buy whatever property gets me there.” That can work, but it’s risky. A poor property choice won’t deliver returns, and you’ll be stuck maintaining it for the sake of residency.
The smarter play? Pick a property you’d want even without the visa. The Golden Visa then becomes the bonus, not the main reason.
From an investor’s lens, the equation is compelling:
It’s a dual win. But only if the property itself is solid.
Yes. If you buy property worth AED 2M or more, you qualify for the Golden Visa. But don’t expect it to be automatic. Check the fine print: equity levels, registration, paperwork. Think of it less as a freebie and more as a partnership between your investment and your residency status.
Buying property in Dubai can absolutely unlock a Golden Visa. But the visa shouldn’t be the only reason you buy — it should be part of a bigger strategy. A good property gives you income, appreciation, and lifestyle. The Golden Visa gives you stability to enjoy all of that without constantly looking over your shoulder at renewal dates.
Put the two together, and suddenly Dubai isn’t just somewhere you invest. It’s somewhere you belong.
Leave a message and get a personal answer
Leave a message and get a personal answer
