Key Highlights:

• Golden Visa holders in the UAE can legally rent out their property, generating passive income while maintaining their residency status, provided the property’s value remains at least AED 2 million.
• Rental income earned in the UAE is not subject to personal income tax, but foreign investors may have tax obligations in their home countries and should consult tax professionals.
• All rental agreements must be registered with the appropriate authority—Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Municipality in Sharjah—to ensure legal compliance.

Dubai’s real estate market has entered 2025 with record-breaking momentum, achieving 45,474 transactions valued at AED 142.7 billion in Q1 alone—a 22% increase in volume and 30% surge in value compared to last year. 

This growth is fueled by the UAE’s Golden Visa program, which allows foreign investors to secure 10-year residency by purchasing property worth at least AED 2 million, now with no minimum down payment required. 

Rental yields in Dubai remain among the highest globally, averaging 6–7%, while investors benefit from a tax-free environment with no personal income or capital gains tax. 

Continue reading to learn more about renting your property after securing a golden visa in the UAE. 

Real Estate Investment Requirements for Golden Visa

Here’s what you should know if you’re planning to apply or already hold a Golden Visa and want to ensure you remain compliant:

1. Minimum Investment Threshold

You must invest in real estate worth at least AED 2 million. This valuation must be officially documented and can include one or multiple properties as long as the combined value meets or exceeds the threshold. 

The investment can be made in completed or off-plan properties, regardless of construction status, as long as the purchase value is at least AED 2 million and the property is located in a designated freehold area.

2. Property Types

Your investment must be in residential or commercial properties that the relevant land department in the UAE approves. Freehold properties are typically preferred, as they give you full ownership rights.

Properties purchased on a leasehold basis may not always qualify, so it’s important to verify eligibility with the local authorities before proceeding.

3. Ownership Structure

The way you organize your property ownership is up to you. The property may be jointly or individually held. Both names may appear on the title deed if you and your spouse co-own the property, but only one person may apply as the primary visa holder if the total value of the property is less than AED 4 million.  

To be eligible for the Golden Visa, each non-spouse’s share of the joint ownership must be at least AED 2 million. Your passport name and the name on the title deed must also match.

4. Mortgage Considerations

You can qualify for the Golden Visa if the property is mortgaged, provided the total property value is at least AED 2 million. There is no longer a minimum equity or down payment requirement; you may apply for the Golden Visa even if you have financed most of the property value, as long as you meet the AED 2 million threshold and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank.

Legal Framework for Property Rental

Here’s what you need to know about the legal framework for property rentals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, including tenancy contract registration requirements.

1. Dubai Regulations

In Dubai, all rental agreements must be registered with the Ejari system, managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Registration can be completed online through the DLD website, the Dubai REST app, or at authorized Real Estate Service Trustee Centers.

2. Abu Dhabi Regulations

In Abu Dhabi, tenancy contracts must be registered through the Tawtheeq system, managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). Registration is completed online via the DMT SmartHub platform.

Like Dubai, landlords can lease out their properties if they adhere to the required procedures and maintain property standards. Tawtheeq registration helps formalize the rental agreement and provides legal protection to both you and your tenant.

3. Sharjah Regulations

Sharjah has a more regulated rental market, especially for non-GCC nationals. While you can rent out your property, freehold ownership and leasing rights may be limited depending on your residency status and the project’s developer. 

In Sharjah, tenancy contracts must be registered with the Sharjah Municipality within 15 days of signing, as per the 2024 rental law. The property owner is responsible for registering the contract and paying the associated fees.

4. Tenancy contract registration requirements

Tenancy agreements must be properly recorded with the relevant municipal authority, such as the Municipality in Sharjah, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi, or Ejari in Dubai, regardless of the emirate. Usually, you will have to offer:

• A copy of your Emirates ID
• A valid title deed
• A No Objection Certificate (if the property is mortgaged)
• Tenant’s identification and visa copy
• Signed lease agreement

By following these legal frameworks, you can confidently rent out your property while holding a Golden Visa in the UAE, knowing that you’re compliant with local laws and maximizing your asset’s potential.

Also Read: UAE Blue Visa 2025: How Eco-Champions Can Secure a 10-Year UAE Residency

Golden Visa Status and Rental Rights

When you obtain a Golden Visa, you have the freedom to manage your real estate interests, including the ability to rent out your property, as well as permanent residency in the United Arab Emirates. 

But it’s crucial to know how your rental business affects your visa rights and what responsibilities you have to fulfill to keep your status.

• Visa Maintenance

Renting out your property does not negatively affect your Golden Visa. In fact, it aligns with the program, which encourages long-term investment in the UAE. To keep your visa valid, you must ensure that your property continues to meet the eligibility requirements, primarily the AED 2 million minimum value. 

If your property’s market value drops below this threshold or if you sell it without reinvesting in another qualifying asset, your visa eligibility could be at risk.

• Residency Obligations

Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for any length of time without their residency being affected, unlike standard residence visas, which may be cancelled after six months of absence.

However, when it comes to renewing or upgrading visa-related documentation, maintaining a presence in the UAE, for example, by visiting occasionally and keeping services operational, can be helpful.

• Family Sponsorship

One of the key benefits of the Golden Visa is the ability to sponsor your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, and, in some cases, domestic staff. Renting out your property has no negative impact on your ability to sponsor dependents. 

In fact, the steady income from rental activity may support your overall financial profile and ease the process of meeting sponsorship requirements.

• Property Value Maintenance

Maintaining or increasing the value of your home is crucial because your Golden Visa is dependent on it. You can maintain the property’s condition by choosing dependable tenants, keeping it properly, and following building codes.  

Its market worth may also be increased by improvements or renovations, guaranteeing that it will continue to reach the AED 2 million requirement for visa renewal.

Rental Income and Tax Implications

Gaining rental income with low tax obligations is one of the most attractive features of investing in UAE real estate, particularly if you have a Golden Visa. However, you may still have financial obligations overseas based on your tax residency and nationality. 

If you understand the financial situation completely, you can stay compliant and make wise judgments.

1. UAE Tax Benefits

The UAE provides a very attractive tax environment for real estate investors. Rental income earned by individuals in the UAE is not subject to personal income tax.

Furthermore, there is no capital gains tax on property sales, which makes the UAE a great location for long-term asset accumulation and real estate income.

2. Foreign Tax Obligations

Your rental income can be taxed in your home country but not in the United Arab Emirates. You might have to file and pay any applicable income tax on your UAE rental income if you are a tax resident of another nation, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.  

It’s crucial to speak with a tax professional in your home jurisdiction to learn about your responsibilities regarding reporting and payments. Many nations have tax treaties with the United Arab Emirates to prevent double taxation. This could lower or even eliminate your foreign tax obligation.

3. Banking Access

If you have a Golden Visa, it is simpler to collect rent, pay bills, and handle your finances locally. You can open personal and company bank accounts in the UAE. With your Emirates ID and proof of property ownership, you can open an account with most banks.  

If your account is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, you can expedite rent collection from tenants and issue postdated rent payments.

4. Financial Documentation

To manage your finances, you should keep complete records of your rental revenue and property-related expenses. Tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements, maintenance receipts, and property management agreements are examples of this.  

Proper documentation will help you support your income declarations and maybe claim deductions for expenses related to your property if you’re filing taxes in another country.

Rental Management Best Practices

Having a Golden Visa and managing your UAE property can be easy and lucrative, especially if you use good rental management methods. These crucial strategies will help you safeguard your investment, guarantee consistent rental revenue, and adhere to local regulations whether you’re residing in the UAE or outside.

1. Tenant Screening

Choosing the right tenant is essential to preventing late payments, property damage, or legal issues. It is generally advisable to conduct a due investigation before selecting a tenant.  

This includes looking at the applicant’s work history, income, references, and renting history. Tenants who have undergone a thorough screening process are more likely to conform to the conditions of the lease, maintain the property, and make on-time payments.

2. Property Management Services

Hiring a seasoned property management company can be a smart move if you don’t live in the United Arab Emirates or would rather take a hands-off approach. These services take care of everything, including advertising your property, screening potential tenants, collecting rent, scheduling maintenance, and resolving conflicts.  

Numerous businesses are also knowledgeable about local legislation and can guarantee that your property complies with all rules, saving you time and potential legal issues.

3. Short-Term Rental Licensing

If you’re thinking of renting out your property for a short period through websites like Airbnb, you need to get the appropriate license from the local tourism authorities. 

For instance, in Dubai, you must obtain a holiday home permit and register your property as a holiday home with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) through their official portal. Ensure your property meets all DET requirements for short-term rentals.

4. Maintenance and Compliance

Not only does routine upkeep protect the value of your home, but it also keeps you in good standing with authorities and tenants. Maintain livable conditions in the apartment, schedule routine inspections, and react quickly to maintenance requests.  

Additionally, ensure that the property conforms to building codes, local health standards, and fire safety codes. Fines or rental restrictions for noncompliance may affect your income and Golden Visa status if the property’s value lowers.

Common Rental Scenarios for Golden Visa Holders

Your real estate investing path as a Golden Visa holder in the UAE can take many different shapes, each with unique factors to consider when renting out your property.  

Knowing the particulars of these situations can help you efficiently manage your rental while adhering to local regulations, regardless of whether you co-own a property, own many units, or live overseas.

• Overseas Residents

You still have the right to rent out your property even if you are living outside of the United Arab Emirates and have a Golden Visa. In reality, a lot of people with Golden Visas decide to rent their apartments while they’re overseas in order to make passive income.  

To manage lease negotiations, tenant communications, and maintenance, you need to choose a reputable local agent or a certified property management business. Make sure that the necessary paperwork is completed on your behalf and that your tenancy agreements are correctly registered.

• Multiple Property Ownership

In order to optimize profits, Golden Visa holders who own multiple properties often decide to lease out all or some of their units. As long as each property is registered and run in accordance with the laws of its particular emirate, there is no limit on the total number of homes you can rent.  

Having several rental properties can also help you create a varied source of revenue. Still, in order to make oversight easier, you might choose to combine management under a single, reliable service provider.

• Mortgaged Properties

Renting out a mortgaged property is permitted, but you must make sure that the conditions of your mortgage arrangement permit leasing. Before signing a tenancy agreement, banks frequently demand that you obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC).  

Additionally, the equity you have contributed to the mortgaged property must equal or surpass the AED 2 million barrier in order for you to continue to be eligible for a Golden Visa.  

• Joint Ownership

If all co-owners agree and are named on the tenancy contract, you can still lease out a property that you co-own, such as with your spouse or a business partner. If you are the spouse, you might need to provide a marriage certificate when applying for or renewing your Golden Visa.  

To prevent disputes, co-owners should clearly lay out their maintenance and management obligations, and rental income can be divided based on ownership percentage.

Also Read: How to Buy Investment Property in UAE and Secure a Golden Visa

2025 Updates and Current Regulations

As a Golden Visa holder in the UAE, staying informed about the latest policy changes, market trends, and regulatory requirements is crucial for optimizing your real estate investment and rental activities.

1. Recent Policy Changes

In 2025, the UAE government introduced significant updates to the Golden Visa program to make it more accessible and investor-friendly. Notably, the minimum down payment requirement of AED 1 million for real estate investors has been removed, allowing applicants to initiate the visa process earlier in the property purchase cycle. 

The application process has been streamlined through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s (ICP) smart portal, enabling faster processing times of approximately 10 to 15 working days. 

The program now allows Golden Visa holders to sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and parents, providing greater flexibility for family reunification.

2. Market Trends

The UAE real estate market has experienced robust growth in recent years, with Dubai’s property prices surging by approximately 60% from 2022 to early 2025. However, analysts, including Fitch Ratings, project a potential correction of up to 15% in property prices during the latter half of 2025 and into 2026. 

This anticipated adjustment is attributed to an expected influx of 210,000 new housing units over the next two years, doubling the supply compared to the previous three years. 

3. Regulatory Compliance

In response to global standards and to enhance the integrity of the real estate sector, the UAE has implemented stricter Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. 

Real estate brokers, agents, and developers are now required to conduct enhanced due diligence, including verifying buyer identities, assessing the source of funds, and disclosing ultimate beneficial ownership for company or entity purchasers. Noncompliance with these regulations can result in penalties and increased regulatory scrutiny. 

FAQs

1. Can I rent out a mortgaged property used for Golden Visa qualification?

Yes, you can rent out a mortgaged property as long as it meets the Golden Visa criteria and local rental regulations.

2. Is rental income taxable in the UAE?

No, individuals’ rental income is generally not taxed in the UAE.

3. Can I use property management services while holding a Golden Visa?

Yes, Golden Visa holders can freely use property management companies to handle their rentals.

4. What happens if I sell my rental property?

If you sell your qualifying property, your Golden Visa status may be affected unless you reinvest in another eligible property.

5. Can I operate short-term rentals like Airbnb with my Golden Visa property?

Yes, but you must obtain the necessary permits and comply with local short-term rental regulations.

6. Are there restrictions on rental rates for Golden Visa properties?

No specific restrictions exist, but rental rates must comply with RERA guidelines and market conditions.

7. Can family members sponsored under my Golden Visa also earn rental income?

Yes, they can earn rental income if they own property or have legal rights to receive income from it.