Dubai’s Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors offers a unique opportunity to secure long-term residency in the UAE. Since its launch in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa program has granted over 100,000 long-term residency permits, with Dubai alone issuing a record 158,000 visas in 2023. 

This initiative has become a cornerstone for attracting global investors seeking safety, tax-free returns, and unparalleled lifestyle benefits.

The UAE’s booming real estate market further enhances its appeal. In 2024, Dubai recorded 180,987 property transactions worth AED 522.5 billion ($142.25 billion), creating its status as one of the world’s leading investment hubs. With average rental yields of 7% in prime areas and annual property price growth projected at 5-8%, Dubai remains a top choice for savvy investors.

After all, holders of the UAE Golden Visa enjoy unmatched benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor. This renewable visa not only provides peace of mind for investors and their families but also ensures access to a vibrant real estate market renowned for its steady appreciation and investor-friendly regulations.

Continue reading to learn more about golden visas for real estate investors. 

Understanding the Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

The UAE Golden visa offers a long-term, renewable residence visa to foreign talent who wish to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates, valid for five or ten years. It also offers an entry visa valid for six months with multiple entries for residence issuance.

Additionally, the visa allows people to sponsor their spouses, parents, and children of any age and to stay outside the United Arab Emirates for longer than the six months required to maintain their residency visa.

In addition, the UAE Golden visa allows family members to remain in the country until the end of their permit period if the primary Golden visa holder dies. It also enables an unlimited number of domestic workers to be sponsored.

The Benefits of a UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

The Dubai Golden Visa is a renowned residency program intended to draw in great talent, professionals, and investors from all over the world. Property owners who are eligible for this golden visa can take advantage of special benefits that offer long-term prospects in the United Arab Emirates.

• 6-Month Multiple Entry Visa: Investors can easily finish the residency procedure because they are granted a 6-month entrance visa with numerous entries.
• 10-Year Renewable Residency: Real estate investors may obtain a 5-year renewable Golden Visa upon maintaining qualifying property investments, with 10-year visas reserved for special economic contributors.
• No Local Sponsor Required: Investors have total freedom with the Dubai Golden Visa since it does not require a local sponsor like other visas do.
• Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your spouse, children (of any age), and domestic workers, making it a family-friendly choice.
• Unrestricted Travel Flexibility: Golden Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for longer than six months without losing their resident status, in contrast to other UAE residence visas.

For real estate investors, the Golden Visa provides unmatched benefits, guaranteeing a safe and lucrative future in the United Arab Emirates.

Also Read: The Ultimate Opportunity: UAE Offers Golden Visas to Global Content Creators

Eligibility Criteria: Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for the Golden Visa in 2025:

1. Minimum Investment Amount

• Requirement: Freehold property investments in designated areas qualify with values set by each emirate’s land department (AED 2 million in Dubai, AED 3 million in Abu Dhabi).
• 2025 Update: There is no change in the minimum investment amount. However, as long as each person’s make satisfies the minimal criteria, joint investments and fractional ownership in family names are now allowed.

2. Property Registration

• Requirement: The property needs to be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in the applicant’s name.
• 2025 Update: All names must appear on the title document if the investment is made jointly. As long as the investor owns all of the company, properties held under company names are also eligible.

3. Mortgaged Properties

• Requirement: Financed properties require a minimum of 40% equity for expatriates under Central Bank Regulation 84/2024.
• 2025 Update: To provide for more flexibility, the rules have been relaxed. It is now simpler for investors who use leverage financing to be eligible for the Golden Visa because the earlier limitations on down payment amounts have been removed.

4. Off-Plan Properties

• Eligibility Criteria: AED 2 million must be paid in full before the handover for purchases made in off-plan projects to qualify for the Golden Visa.
• 2025 Update: Off-plan property eligibility has been increased. Projects with flexible payment plans and developer-backed assurances are now eligible, greatly expanding the pool of potential investors. Off-plan developments are now a more feasible choice, and investors are safeguarded by improved regulations that ensure greater transparency.

5. Investment Duration

• Requirement: After the visa is approved, the property must be held for a minimum of two years.
• 2025 Update: As long as the AED 2 million threshold is upheld, investors are now free to sell and reinvest during this time frame. More dynamic real estate investment methods are made possible by this change, which also encourages portfolio flexibility.

6. Family Inclusion

• Requirement: Benefits under the visa are extended to spouses, kids, and elderly parents, among other family members.
• 2025 Update: Sponsorship covers unmarried daughters regardless of age and sons until 25 years, extendable for students through official academic proof. The program is now even more family-friendly for investors who want to bring their loved ones along thanks to this improvement.

Required Documents for UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

The following requirements must be met in order to qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE through real estate investment:

• Valid Passport: At the time of application, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months.
• Property Title Deed: The Dubai Land Department (DLD) issues this paperwork to confirm that you are the property’s owner.
• Recent Photograph: A clear, high-quality photograph that meets the standards set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
• Emirates ID: You must present a copy of your Emirates ID if you reside in the United Arab Emirates.
• Health Insurance: It is essential to have an active health insurance policy from a UAE-based provider.

After all, the Dubai golden visa requirements are simple, making it easy for property owners who invest in real estate to get a golden visa. 

Also Read: Golden Visa UAE: Tax Advantages & Business Opportunities

How to Apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE?

Depending on the category, there are varying requirements for a golden visa.  Through the ICP Smart Services platform or the General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website, qualified candidates can submit an application for the golden visa.

Before applying for a Golden visa, real estate investors need to buy qualifying real estate and get a property valuation certificate. The process is pretty straightforward moving forward.

Step 1: Use the ICP Smart Services platform for Application

All applications must be submitted electronically via ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) with biometric verification through UAE Pass. As soon as your application is accepted, you will receive the necessary notification.

Step 2: Fill out the application form

Click “Golden Residency” after selecting “Residency Services” on the GDRFA platform. Make sure that “Issuing a golden residence permit (investors)” is the appropriate category to select. Next, click “Start service.”

To finish the form, you will now be required to check in with your UAE Pass or username.

Step 3: Submit the required documents

Submit the above-mentioned required documentation.

Step 4: Pay the required fees

You must now pay the necessary fees, which consist of:

• Residence permit fee: AED1100
• Knowledge dirham: AED10
• Innovation dirham: AED10
• Fee inside the country: AED500
• Delivery: AED20

When the residency period exceeds two years, the issuing fee rises by AED 100 each year, according to the GDRFA. After all, fees tend to vary considering many factors. Always consult a professional or official source for the latest updates on fees. 

Step 5: Submit the application

When the application is prepared, submit it. You will be asked to go over all of the requirements and information you provided to make sure you are moving in the correct direction. This is your opportunity to make sure everything is in order to prevent any delays or problems.

How to Apply in Person for a Golden Visa?  

If you are applying at a Customer Happiness Center:

• Go to the Customer Happiness Center that is closest to you.
• Wait after obtaining the automated turn ticket.
• Give the customer service representative the application that satisfies all requirements and supporting documentation.
• Pay the service fee.

If you are applying at an Amer Service Center:

• Go to the Amer Service Center that is closest to you.
• Wait after obtaining the automated turn ticket.
• Give the customer service representative the application that satisfies all requirements and supporting documentation.
• Pay the service fee.

Service Fees Breakdown for UAE Golden Visa

Fees comprise (as of 2025):

• AED 2,800 Main application (Federal Authority)
• AED 1,150 Emirates ID (10-year)
• AED 520 Medical screening

Legal Considerations for Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

It is essential to understand the legal consequences of investing in real estate in the United Arab Emirates. To prevent any possible problems, make sure that local regulations are followed.

Golden Visa Ownership Regulations for Real Estate Investors

Particularly for foreign investors, the UAE has specific rules pertaining to property ownership. Key legal considerations are summarized as follows:

Laws:

• Freehold Areas: Property in designated freehold regions is available to foreign investors.  
• Leasehold Areas: Ownership of the property is restricted to lease times, usually up to 99 years.
• Title Deeds: Make sure that property ownership is properly registered with the appropriate authorities.

Regulatory Bodies:

In the UAE, a number of regulatory agencies keep an eye on property management and real estate transactions. Important organizations include: 

• Dubai Land Department (DLD):  Oversees real estate transactions in Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi Municipality: Manage transactions and property registration in Abu Dhabi.
• RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority): Regulates the real estate industry and protects the interests of investors.

Legal Advice:

You can better negotiate the complexity of real estate investing by getting legal counsel. To make sure that local laws and regulations are followed, think about speaking with a real estate attorney.

Conclusion

For real estate investors, the Golden Visa in the UAE offers a fantastic chance to get permanent status and take advantage of a host of advantages. You can achieve financial security, have access to first-rate amenities, and live a high-quality life by investing in the UAE’s booming real estate market.  

The Golden Visa provides a route to success regardless of your investment goals, whether they are residential, commercial, or industrial properties.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more about securing your golden visa.