UAE Golden Visa through Real Estate: How to Get 10 Years of Residency Through Investment

Today, the most popular and straightforward way to obtain a Golden Visa in the UAE is through real estate investment. Essentially, you simultaneously purchase an asset and obtain long-term residency status. According to the Antwort Law team, this is the most frequently chosen option by clients because it is the most transparent: there is a clear entry fee, understandable requirements, and a relatively quick process.

Simply put, the key requirement is owning real estate worth at least AED 2,000,000. What's important is not so much how much you paid out of pocket, but the official value. The main reference point here is Dubai Land Department (DLD) data. This is what confirms the property's value through a title deed or official valuation.

What constitutes "AED 2 million"? In practice, there are nuances that are important to understand in advance.

First, the property value according to the DLD documents is taken into account, not the nominal market valuation. This could be:

• Title deed price
• or an official appraisal issued by a licensed appraiser

Secondly, you don't necessarily have to buy a single property. You can pool the required amount from several properties—this is standard practice.

And another important point: Even properties with a mortgage or under construction (off-plan) are now eligible, as long as their price meets the threshold.

Which properties are eligible? Not all properties qualify for a Golden Visa—there are specific requirements. This primarily applies to residential properties in freehold zones (that is, zones where foreigners can own properties).

These could be:

• Apartments
• Villas
• Townhouses

Commercial properties (offices, retail) are usually not eligible for this type of visa.

What documents are required? In practice, the document package is fairly standard, but it's important to gather everything correctly.

Typically required:

• passport
• title deed or Oqood (for off-plan)
• property value confirmation
• bank documents (if there's a mortgage)
• health insurance
• standard residence visa documents

The key document is the DLD ownership confirmation. Submission is impossible without it. The process itself seems quite logical and, with proper preparation, takes a few weeks. First, the property purchase is formalized and registered with the DLD. Then, a visa application is submitted – either through the DLD or through the immigration authorities. It's important to note that the procedure has become significantly simpler than it was a few years ago.

For example, previously, a significant down payment was required, but now the key factor is the total value of the property, not just the down payment.

From a real-life perspective, rather than a formal one, this option has several advantages. First, you're not just "getting a visa"; you're investing in an asset. Real estate in the UAE remains a liquid asset that can be rented, resold, or used for personal purposes. Secondly, you receive 10-year residency status that is not tied to an employer or company. Thirdly, there is no requirement to reside in the country permanently. This means you can live anywhere and still maintain UAE residency.

It's also worth noting that this visa allows you to:

• sponsor a family
• run a business
• work for your own company
• receive official income (salary, bonuses)

And all this without having to change your visa. In practice, much depends not only on the property itself but also on how the transaction is structured and submitted.

For example:

• how the property is registered
• are there joint owners
• how the value is confirmed
• is there a mortgage and what documents are required for it

It is these details that most often lead to delays or refusals. A Golden Visa through real estate is one of the most straightforward and powerful tools for those who want to establish themselves in the UAE while maintaining flexibility in their lives and businesses.

If you're considering this option and want to understand how best to structure the purchase and application process for your situation, you can contact the Antwort Law team – we'll help you navigate the entire process, from property selection to visa application, without unnecessary risks.

Diana Gulevskaya

Head of Office in UAE
Antwort Law