UAE Golden Visa for Property Investors

The UAE Golden Visa was introduced in 2019 to attract global talent, investors and entrepreneurs who want to make the UAE their long-term base.

For property investors, it’s pretty straightforward: if you own a real estate property in Dubai worth AED 2 million or more, you qualify for a 10-year renewable visa.

It can be one property or a portfolio, off-plan or completed, and even mortgaged, so long as you've paid AED 2M of the loan to the bank. 

And the best part is that you don’t need to be living in the UAE full-time to keep it. Even if you're based abroad, your residency remains valid.

Golden Visa holders enjoy long-term 10-year residency, full business ownership, family sponsorship, zero income tax, access to premium healthcare and education, and freedom to live and travel in and out of the UAE without a local sponsor.

• Long-term residency: 10-year visa with easy renewals
• Family sponsorship: Bring your spouse, kids, parents and even maid under one application
• Tax advantages: No personal income tax, no capital gains tax
• Access to UAE banking services: Enjoy tax-free banking and better financial flexibility
• Global mobility: Travel in and out of the UAE without worrying about visa status
• Access to services: Premium healthcare and top schools in the UAE

The application process is simple:

• Submit your interest on the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) website
• Choose the category “Golden Residence – New Request” under Investor
• Fill in your details and upload your UID number
• Wait for nomination approval (within 30 days)
• Submit supporting documents and complete your medical, biometric, and Emirates ID registration

UAE Golden Visa Fee is AED 9,884.75 with an average processing time of a few weeks to about one month, allowing applicants to secure long-term residency and enjoy the benefits of living, working, and investing in the UAE without needing a local sponsor (subject to government updates)

To apply for the UAE Golden Visa through property investment, applicants must meet specific property and personal documentation requirements. These criteria ensure that the investment is valid and that all necessary personal details are verified, helping to streamline the application process and increase the likelihood of approval.

Property Requirements:

• Property value must be at least AED 2 million.
• Mortgaged properties are acceptable if at least AED 2 million has been paid to the bank.
• Off-plan properties from approved local developers are allowed, provided the total value meets AED 2 million.
• Ownership must be in your name; joint ownership is accepted if each individual’s share meets the AED 2 million threshold.

Property must be retained for at least two years from the visa issuance date.
Provide a property status certificate from the Dubai Land Department or equivalent authority.
 

In addition to the standard 10-year Golden Visa, property investors in the UAE have alternative residency options depending on the value of their investment and their long-term plans:

• 5 Year Golden Visa: Available for investors who meet a slightly lower property investment threshold than the 10-year Golden Visa. Offers medium-term residency with renewable benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members.
• 2 Year Property Investor Visa: Designed for investors with properties valued below the Golden Visa threshold. Provides flexibility with renewable residency for two years.
• Standard Investor Visa: Typically valid for three years and renewable, suitable for smaller property or business investments.

Retirement Visa: Available for investors aged 55 and above, with property ownership forming part of the eligibility criteria.

Wasl makes the process of getting a Golden Visa through real estate smooth and reliable.

When you invest in a Wasl property worth AED 2 million or more, you become eligible to apply for the Golden Visa. Whether you’re buying one of our ready homes or freehold properties, you’ll be supported by a trusted developer with decades of expertise in Dubai’s real estate market.

We’ll help you at every step, from selecting the right unit to submitting your application. Our customer support team is available 24/7 and our e-services platform handles leasing, contract renewals, and maintenance requests under one roof.