Unlocking UAE’s 10-Year Residency: A Guide for Real Estate Investors
Discover how real estate investors can secure a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE, offering long-term residency and family sponsorship.
UaeGolden VisaReal EstateProperty InvestmentResidencyReal Estate NewsJul 28, 2025
The UAE continues to expand its Golden Visa programme, aiming to attract foreign investment and retain global talent. Real estate investors who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for this 10-year renewable residency permit, which applies across all emirates and includes off-plan and ready properties.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa offered to select groups of foreign nationals, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students. Introduced in 2019, this visa allows eligible individuals to live, work, study, and own businesses in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. The visa is valid for 5 or 10 years and is automatically renewable as long as the conditions are met.
Key Features of the UAE Golden Visa
- 10-year or 5-year renewable residency
- No Emirati sponsor required
- Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE without visa cancellation
- Full business ownership in mainland UAE
- Sponsorship of family members (spouse, children, parents, and domestic workers)
- Applicable to various categories: real estate investors, high-earning professionals, PhD holders, scientists, artists, and others
The Golden Visa is part of the UAE's broader vision to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy beyond oil. It provides security, long-term stability, and personal freedom for expatriates who previously had to rely on employer-sponsored, short-term visas.
What Is the Real Estate Golden Visa?
The Real Estate Investor Golden Visa grants a 10-year residency to foreign individuals investing in UAE property worth a minimum of AED 2 million. This route requires full ownership, and the ownership documentation must be in the individual’s name. The nomination and application are handled through official UAE channels, including the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Official Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Investment Value
- Investor must own property (or multiple properties) valued at least AED 2 million in total.
- Ownership and Title Deed
- Ownership must be in the investor’s name. Joint ownership is permitted if each individual’s share meets the AED 2 million threshold.
- A title deed or value certificate issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport or equivalent authority is mandatory.
- A bank-issued certification confirming compliance with the ownership rules is required.
- Investment Retention Period
- Property ownership must be retained for at least two years after visa issuance to maintain validity.
- Eligible Property Types
- Both off-plan and completed residential or commercial properties qualify, provided that the development is approved by the relevant local land authority. Documentation must prove the AED 2 million payment or contract value.
Benefits & Family Sponsorship
- 10-year, sponsor-free residency without need for a local employer or sponsor
- Family coverage includes spouse, children (sons up to 25 and daughters of any age), and domestic support staff
- Visa holders may travel in and out of the UAE freely without requirements to maintain residence duration
How to Apply
1. Secure property investment meeting AED 2 million criteria.
2. Obtain title deed or developer contract, along with Real Estate Value Certificate from a local authority.
3. If financed, collect a bank NOC.
4. Submit application via ICP portal or through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) for nominations.
5. Complete medical fitness test, biometrics, and Emirates ID process.
6. Await approval, then receive visa stamping and Emirates ID.
The Real Estate Investor Golden Visa now offers global investors a streamlined and empowering pathway to long-term UAE residency. By meeting the AED 2 million threshold and retaining ownership for at least two years, investors unlock 10-year visa validity, family sponsorship, and freedom from employer dependency, all backed by official federal regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment required to get a Golden Visa through real estate?
To qualify, an investor must own property worth at least AED 2 million. This can include one or multiple properties.
Can the AED 2 million investment be financed through a bank loan?
Yes, but only if the loan is from specific UAE-based banks approved by the government.
Does the Golden Visa allow me to sponsor my family?
Yes. Real estate Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and domestic workers as long as the visa remains valid.
How do I apply for the Golden Visa as a property investor?
Applications can be submitted via the UAEICP smart portal or Dubai Land Department (DLD) app, along with title deed, passport copy, Emirates ID, and supporting financial documents.
What are the benefits of the Real Estate Golden Visa?
The benefits include a 10-year, sponsor-free residency, the ability to sponsor family members, and the freedom to travel in and out of the UAE without visa cancellation.
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