The Golden Visa, which ICP calls Golden Residency, is a long-term UAE residence that does not need a sponsor. Property investors may qualify by owning property in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million in total, for a residency of 10 years. Off-plan and mortgaged property can count under conditions. The authorities decide every application, so treat the criteria below as a guide to check against, not a promise.
Check whether a property purchase could meet the property route.
How we helpWhether your purchase could support a Golden Visa, and what the official process asks for.
Golden Residency is a long-term residence permit issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). ICP describes it as residency without the need for a sponsor, which allows holders and their families to live, work, study and invest in the UAE. Real estate investors are one of several eligible groups.
For property investors, the residency lasts 10 years and is renewable.
These are the published criteria for the real estate route. Use the checker above for a first view of how your property compares.
| Criterion | What the official sources say |
|---|---|
| Value | Property worth at least AED 2 million in total, in one or more properties |
| Off-plan | Off-plan units totalling at least AED 2,000,000 bought from an approved local developer, per ICP, subject to the issuing authority’s current requirements |
| Mortgage | In Dubai, a mortgaged property can qualify with a no objection certificate from the bank showing the amount paid |
| Joint ownership | In Dubai, the applicant's own share must be worth at least AED 2 million |
| Duration | 10 years, renewable |
Three points need particular care:
Read the full guide: Golden Visa through property in Dubai.
DLD’s investor service states that a husband or wife, children and parents can be sponsored, each with their own permit, documents and fees. ICP requires valid health insurance for the investor and their family members. If you apply from outside the UAE, ICP describes an entry visa that lets you come to the UAE to complete the process.
If your property does not meet the Golden Visa criteria, other routes may fit:
Read the full guide: Other property investor visa routes in the UAE.
Applications go through official channels only:
The authorities review each application against their current requirements and make the decision. Fees, documents and processing times are set by them and listed on their service pages.
We help you understand the criteria before you buy, so the property you choose fits the route you have in mind. That means reviewing the official criteria with you, preparing a document checklist and explaining each step of the official process. We do not give immigration advice and we cannot promise an outcome. See our Golden Visa guidance service.
General information only
This page is general information, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Rules and fees are set by the authorities and can change. Confirm the details with the authority or a licensed adviser before you act. Read our disclaimer.
It may. ICP states that an investor may qualify with off-plan units totalling at least AED 2 million bought from an approved local developer. In Dubai, DLD's Golden Visa service lists a title deed among its documents, so ask the authorities how an off-plan unit is treated before you rely on it. Their current requirements decide each case.
DLD's investor service states that a husband or wife, children and parents can be sponsored, and ICP says the residency supports family members living in the UAE. Each family member's permit has its own documents and fees, and ICP requires valid health insurance for the investor and their family members.
We guide you through the official criteria and the documents they ask for, and help you understand how your property fits them. The application itself is made through the official channels: DLD, ICP or GDRFA Dubai. The authorities review it and make the decision, and we cannot influence or promise the outcome.
Official sources used on this page. Each was checked on the date shown.
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Owning UAE property above a value threshold set by the authorities may make you eligible to apply for the long-term UAE Golden Residency, subject to their criteria. Off-plan and mortgaged property can count under conditions. ICP and GDRFA Dubai decide every application. This guide explains eligibility, family sponsorship, how to apply in Dubai and how to keep the residency. Official pages differ in places, and we show where.
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Besides the Golden Visa, Dubai has other residence routes linked to property: a shorter investor residence through DLD's Taskeen service with no minimum value for sole owners, and a retiree residence for older owners. Each has its own conditions, and the authorities decide every application. This guide compares the routes, explains joint ownership and lists how to apply. Each figure links to the official service page.
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To buy off-plan property in Dubai as an individual, you mainly need a valid passport (or UAE ID if you are a resident), the signed sale and purchase agreement, and evidence of where your money comes from. Companies, mortgage buyers and visa applicants need more. This guide lists the documents DLD asks for at each step, what you receive back, and how to keep them safe.
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