Key Highlights:

• Abu Dhabi requires Golden Visa property investors to hold their property for at least 2 years, while Dubai has no explicit minimum holding period, but selling affects visa status.
• Selling your qualifying property before meeting retention requirements can result in visa cancellation unless you reinvest in another eligible property.
• For joint ownership, each applicant’s share must be at least AED 2 million to qualify individually; otherwise, only one person can apply and sponsor the other.

The UAE Golden Visa program has revolutionized the way investors and expatriates approach long-term residency in the Emirates. As a pathway to securing 10-year renewable residency without the need for a local sponsor, property investment has become one of the most popular routes to obtaining this coveted visa. 

However, one question remains paramount for investors: how long must you hold your property to maintain Golden Visa eligibility?

This comprehensive guide explores the property retention requirements across the UAE, with specific focus on differences between emirates, considerations for mortgaged and off-plan properties, and the implications of selling your investment before the retention period ends.

Continue reading further to learn more. 

Golden Visa Property Investment Requirements

1. Minimum Investment Thresholds

To qualify for the UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment, you must meet specific financial thresholds that determine your eligibility:

• 10-Year Golden Visa: Requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million in one or more properties
• 5-Year Residency Option: Available for investors aged 55 and over with a minimum investment of AED 1 million
• Lower Investment Options: Additional pathways exist for 2-year residency (AED 750,000) and 5-year residency (AED 1 million) visas, though these aren’t technically “Golden Visas.”

The investment can be spread across multiple properties, provided the total value meets or exceeds the minimum threshold. This flexibility allows investors to diversify their real estate portfolio while still qualifying for the Golden Visa.

2. Property Ownership Requirements

The UAE Golden Visa program accepts various forms of property ownership, though specific requirements must be met:

• Freehold Property: You must own freehold property rights, which allow complete ownership of both the building and the land
• Multiple Properties: You can combine the value of multiple properties to reach the minimum threshold of AED 2 million
• Joint Ownership: For jointly owned properties (such as between spouses), the applicant’s share must be worth at least AED 2 million to qualify individually

If the property is jointly owned between spouses and the total value is less than AED 4 million, only one person will be eligible to apply for the Golden Visa and then sponsor the other person. In cases where shares are unequal, the highest shareholder will be allowed to apply as the primary visa holder.

Property Retention Period Requirements

1. Abu Dhabi Requirements

Abu Dhabi has established clear guidelines regarding how long investors must hold their property after obtaining a Golden Visa:

• 2-Year Minimum Holding Period: Property owners must retain their investment for at least 2 years after the Golden Visa is issued
• Official Requirement: This requirement is explicitly stated by the Abu Dhabi Resident Office and the Department of Economic Development

This mandatory holding period ensures that investors maintain a genuine commitment to the emirate rather than using the property investment solely as a means to obtain residency.

2. Dubai Requirements

Dubai’s approach to property retention differs somewhat from Abu Dhabi’s requirements:

• No Explicit Minimum Period: Unlike Abu Dhabi, Dubai does not currently mandate a specific minimum holding period for Golden Visa property investments
• Practical Considerations: Despite the absence of a formal holding period, selling the property has direct implications for visa status

While Dubai offers more flexibility regarding property retention, investors should be aware that selling their qualifying property will impact their visa status unless they reinvest in another qualifying property.

3. UAE-Wide Considerations

Across the UAE, certain general principles apply to property retention for Golden Visa holders:

• Visa Linkage to Property: Your Golden Visa is directly linked to your qualifying property investment
• Emirate-Specific Rules: Requirements can vary between emirates, with Abu Dhabi having more stringent retention requirements than Dubai
• Renewal Implications: When renewing your Golden Visa after the initial 10-year period, you’ll need to demonstrate continued ownership of qualifying property or reinvestment in another qualifying asset

Understanding these UAE-wide considerations is essential for making informed decisions about your property investment and long-term residency plans.

Also Read: UAE Golden Visa for Scientists, Coders & Innovators: A 2025 Complete Guide

Off-Plan and Mortgaged Properties

1. Off-Plan Property Requirements

Recent updates to the Golden Visa program have expanded eligibility to include off-plan properties, making the visa accessible to a broader range of investors.

• Eligibility Criteria: Off-plan properties valued at AED 2 million or more now qualify for the Golden Visa program
• Construction Progress: In most emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, off-plan properties must still be at least 50% complete or have at least 50% of the property value paid by the investor to qualify for the Golden Visa. Some exceptions may apply, but applicants should verify the latest requirements with the relevant land department or developer.
• Payment Requirements: The requirement to pay at least 50% of the property value upfront generally still applies in major emirates, though certain projects or emirates may offer exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with official sources before proceeding.

These changes have significantly increased the accessibility of the Golden Visa program, allowing investors to enter the market at earlier stages of property development.

2. Mortgaged Property Considerations

Investors using mortgage financing to purchase qualifying properties must meet additional requirements:

• Bank NOC Requirements: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the mortgage provider is required, confirming they have no objection to issuing a residence permit on the property
• Equity Requirements: Recent changes have eliminated the previous requirement that investors must have paid at least AED 1 million or 50% of the property value
• Retention Implications: Mortgaged properties are subject to the same retention period requirements as fully owned properties in the respective emirates

These updated regulations have made the Golden Visa more accessible to investors who prefer to leverage mortgage financing for their property investments.

Impact of Property Sale on Visa Status

1. Visa Cancellation Risks

Selling your qualifying property before the end of any applicable retention period can have significant consequences for your visa status:

• Potential Cancellation: Your Golden Visa may be cancelled if you sell your qualifying property without reinvesting in another qualifying asset
• Visa Blocking: The property is linked to your visa, and in many cases, the system will block the property sale transaction until the visa is cancelled
• Grace Period: There may be a grace period (typically 30 days) to transfer your visa to another qualifying property if you own multiple properties

Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about your property investments and maintaining your residency status.

2. Visa Renewal Considerations

When approaching the renewal of your Golden Visa, property ownership verification becomes a critical factor:

• Ownership Verification: Authorities will verify continued ownership of qualifying property during the renewal process
• Reinvestment Options: If you’ve sold your original qualifying property, you’ll need to demonstrate reinvestment in another qualifying asset to maintain eligibility
• Documentation Requirements: Renewal applications require updated documentation of property ownership, including title deeds and property valuation certificates

Planning ahead for these renewal requirements can help ensure a smooth continuation of your Golden Visa status.

Also Read: UAE Golden Visa vs. Green Visa: What are the Key Differences?

FAQs

1. What is the minimum property investment required for a UAE Golden Visa?

For a 10-year Golden Visa, you need to invest at least AED 2 million in one or more properties. Investors aged 55+ can qualify for a 5-year residency option with a minimum investment of AED 1 million. Additional pathways exist for 2-year residency (AED 750,000) and 5-year residency (AED 1 million) visas.

2. Do Dubai and Abu Dhabi have different property retention requirements?

Yes. Abu Dhabi requires property owners to retain their investment for at least 2 years after the Golden Visa is issued. Dubai does not currently mandate a specific minimum holding period, offering more flexibility, though selling the property will still impact your visa status.

3. Can I qualify with mortgaged or off-plan properties?

Yes. Recent updates allow both mortgaged and off-plan properties to qualify. For mortgaged properties, you’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your mortgage provider. Off-plan properties valued at AED 2 million or more now qualify, with previous construction progress and payment requirements being relaxed in many cases.

4. What happens to my Golden Visa if I sell my property?

Your Golden Visa is directly linked to your qualifying property investment. Selling before any applicable retention period ends may result in visa cancellation unless you reinvest in another qualifying asset. 

In many cases, the system will block the property sale transaction until the visa matter is resolved. A grace period (typically 30 days) may be available to transfer your visa to another qualifying property.

5. How does joint property ownership affect Golden Visa eligibility?

For jointly owned properties, each applicant’s share must be worth at least AED 2 million to qualify individually. If the total property value is less than AED 4 million (meaning each person’s share is below AED 2 million), only one person can apply for the Golden Visa and then sponsor the other. When shares are unequal, the highest shareholder typically becomes the primary visa holder.

Final Word 

The UAE Golden Visa program offers a valuable pathway to long-term residency through property investment, but understanding the retention requirements is essential for maintaining your visa status. While Abu Dhabi mandates a 2-year minimum holding period, Dubai offers more flexibility but still links visa status directly to property ownership.

Recent updates to the program have expanded eligibility to include off-plan and mortgaged properties with fewer restrictions, making the Golden Visa more accessible to a broader range of investors. However, selling your qualifying property without reinvesting in another qualifying asset can lead to visa cancellation, highlighting the importance of long-term investment planning.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more about securing your UAE Golden Visa.