Published 8 November 2026 · 6 min read
Real estate is one of the most common routes to the UAE Golden Visa. In Dubai, the requirements for property investors are set out on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) service page, which is the source to rely on for Dubai applications.
The value threshold
According to GDRFA Dubai, the applicant must own one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million. The value can come from a single property or from several properties combined.
Mortgaged property
Mortgaged property is accepted for all property types. A lien is registered so that ownership is maintained for the duration of the permit, under Dubai Land Department procedures, and the property cannot be disposed of during that period.
Joint ownership
If the property is jointly owned, the applicant's own share must be worth at least AED 2 million. The total value of the property is not enough on its own.
Validity
GDRFA Dubai states a validity of 10 years, renewable while the conditions continue to be met. The federal eligibility table published on u.ae lists 5 years for the real estate category, so it is worth confirming the current position for your emirate at the time you apply.
Documents usually requested
- Passport copy
- Proof of property ownership
- A property status certificate from the Dubai Land Department; a valuation from a DLD-licensed valuer may be accepted
Where applications are made
GDRFA Dubai lists accredited centres for real estate Golden Visa applications. Applications go through these channels rather than directly through a broker.
Questions to settle before you apply
- Off-plan property: GDRFA's page does not address it directly, so confirm eligibility for your specific project before relying on it.
- Family members: Golden Visa holders can sponsor family, and their civil status documents usually need attestation and legal translation.
- Ownership structure: property held through a company may be treated differently from personal ownership.
