Guide to Dubai Golden Residency: How Property Investment Can Secure Your UAE Visa in 2025
Can I get UAE residency by buying property? Absolutely! Dubai has created some great pathways to secure your residency through property investments, including the most talked about golden residency, also known as the Golden Visa.
You’ve probably come across terms like “Golden Visa,” “UAE Visa,” and “Retirement Visa” while researching your options online. With so much information available, it’s natural to feel uncertain about which visa by investment best suits your needs.
In this guide, we will break down the different types of residence visa you can get through buying a property in Dubai, helping you make an informed decision about your future in the UAE.
UAE Golden Visa Benefits
The UAE has recently updated its visa by investment program to make it easier for more people to qualify for a residence visa. The focus is on broadening eligibility and lowering the minimum investment amount, making it more appealing for investors.
How does this benefit you?
This means, if you are thinking of buying a property, you may also qualify for a longer term residency that can offer a range of benefits along with owning a property in Dubai.
Here are some perks of getting an UAE visa through buying a property:
1. The Long-Term Perks
For example, Golden Residency are granted residency rights for 10 years, with the option for renewal.
This lets you live in Dubai without the hassle of visa renewal.
2. Freedom to Do Your Thing
Knowing you have a secure legal status (without need a local sponsor) gives you a sense of security and stability.
It’s also very valuable if you are looking to establish roots, build a career, or raise a family.
3. Smooth Travels
You can come and go as you please without the need for additional visas, making business and leisure travel more seamless.
We all know the stress of applying for a tourist visa!
4. Bring the Whole Crew
You can sponsor your entire family, giving them access to top-notch healthcare services, schools and work opportunities in UAE.
This includes spouses, children, and dependent parents, giving your family the opportunity to live together in one city, if that’s a good thing!
5. Access to Business and Investment Opportunities
The Golden residency can open you up to potential business and investment opportunities in Dubai and the wider UAE.
You can start businesses, invest in the local economy, and participate in the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
6. You Feel Safe
One thing we always hear about this city is how safe they feel. You can have the peace of mind that Dubai provides a safe environment for you and your family.
Types of Golden Residency Through Property Purchase
In a nutshell, you can get an UAE visa via the following platforms…
1. Dubai Land Department
- DLD Taskeen – 2 Year Visa
- DLD Golden Visa for Investors – 10 Year
- DLD Golden Visas for Retirees – 5 Years
2. GDRFA
- GDRFA Golden Visa – 10 Year
- GDRFA Golden Visa for Retired Foreigners – 5 Year
3. Real Estate Crowdfunding – Stake, Smartcrowd & Baytukum
- Golden Visa – 10 Years
- Golden Visa for Retired Foreigners – 5 Years
Note: Dubai Land Department (DLD) and GDRFA BOTH offer Golden Visa (10 Years) and Retired Visa (5 Years).
Requirements for UAE Visa by Investment
Let’s break down the requirements for each type of UAE visa available through property purchase.
1. Via DLD
| UAE Visa | Who Can Be Sponsored / Added? | Min. Property Investment Value | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
DLD Taskeen 2-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 750,000 | • Residential property in freehold zones • Mortgaged properties – 50% of property value (or min. AED 750,000) must be paid upfront • NOC letter along with mortgage bank statement will require to proceed with visa application • Husband and wife can share in one property (marriage certificate attested required) |
| DLD Golden Visa 10-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 2 million | • Investor can buy properties (min. AED 2 million) from approved local real estate companies • If property is mortgage, an Noc letter from the bank to issue a visa on the property and shows the paid and remaining amounts • Amount invested can be mortgaged from certain local banks • Property must be retained for at least 2 years • Husband and wife can share 1 property (marriage certificate required) |
| DLD Retirement Visa Over Age 55+ 5-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 1 million | • Unmortgaged property or mortgaged property, for which the payment to date is at least AED1 million • A min. value of AED 1 million as per title deed • Husband and wife can share 1 property (marriage certificate required) • If shared owners, applicant’s shares (and spouse’s share collectively) of property must be min. AED 1 million • Multiple properties with a combed value of AED 1 million may be used, as long as they meet above criteria |
2. Via GDRFA
| UAE Visa | Who Can Be Sponsored / Added? | Min. Property Investment Value | Requirements |
| GDRFA Golden Visa 10-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 2 million | • Must be freehold • Submission of a letter from the Real Estate Registration Department stating that the investor owns one or more properties worth min. AED 2 million, stating that the property is not subject to a loan • The value of property is permitted to be a loan if exceeds the value of AED 2 million |
| GDRFA Retired Visa (Retired Foreigner) Over Age 55+ 5-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 1 million | • Owner of property value min. of AED 1 million, • Or that a financial deposit of no less than AED 1 million inside UAE • Fixed annual income of the retiree should not be less than AED 240,000, provided that a bank statement for the last 6 months is submitted |
3. Via Smartcrowd, Stake & Baytukum (Real Estate Crowdfunding)
Here are the 3 real estate crowdfunding platforms that offers opportunities to invest in Dubai’s real estate market, with a minimum investment requirement of AED 2,000,000 (USD 545,000) to qualify for the Golden Residency.
- Smartcrowd
- Getstake
- Baytukum
| UAE Visa | Who Can Be Sponsored / Added? | Min. Property Investment Value | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa 10-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 2 million on crowdfunding platform | • Must be in the UAE during Golden Visa process • Stake will submit visa application for you • Medical test required once the pre-approval for the visa is provided by Dubai Immigration • If biometric scan is required for Emirates ID process, an appointment will be scheduled to capture your fingerprints and photo |
| Retirement Visa 5-Year Renewable | Family (spouse, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons) | AED 1 million on crowdfunding platform | • Must be in the UAE during Golden Visa process • Stake will submit visa application for you • Medical test required once the pre-approval for the visa is provided by Dubai Immigration • If biometric scan is required for Emirates ID process, an appointment will be scheduled to capture your fingerprints and photo |
Note: Service fees for the Golden Visa application is AED 6,100.00 + VAT.
How to Buy Property in Dubai as a Foreigner?
In Dubai, if you’re an overseas investor, you don’t need to be a UAE resident to buy property in freehold or leasehold areas. Anyone who meets the investor requirements can purchase a property in Dubai.
If you’re thinking about living in the UAE, buying property can also help you get a residence visa. With a UAE visa, you can get an Emirates ID, open a bank account, a driver’s license, and sponsor family members.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai with Mortgage?
Non-UAE residents can definitely get mortgages from banks in the UAE, but the options might be a bit more limited compared to what expat residents and UAE nationals can access.
Each bank has its own eligibility criteria for non-resident mortgages, but they typically look at things like where you live and how much you make. So, while it’s possible to secure a mortgage as a non-resident, it’s good to keep in mind that the choices might not be as extensive.
Can I get UAE Citizenship by Property Investment?
You can get a long-term residency in the UAE through property investment, but it won’t automatically make you a citizen. Basically, buying property can help you secure a residence visa, like the Golden residency, which allows you to live in the UAE for up to 10 years.
