The UAE golden visa is a long-term, renewable residency that, unlike a work visa, is not tied to an employer. One route to it is property investment. That is why our listings carry a 'Golden visa' filter, which separates out the properties above the commonly applied threshold.
The price threshold
The recognised benchmark for the property route is a value of AED 2 million. A property at or above that figure is treated, under the common framework, as a qualifying investment. This site's filter is built on that threshold: switching it on restricts the list to properties that fall within range on this measure.
How it differs from shorter residencies
| Long-term (golden) | Shorter residencies | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Long-term and renewable | Shorter, renewed more often |
| Tied to an employer | No | Yes, for a work visa |
| Property investment threshold | Higher | Lower |
| Family coverage | Usually possible | Depends on the visa type |
It is worth saying that the property route is not the only one — there are others based on business, specialist expertise or talent. If your budget does not reach the property threshold, that does not mean every door is closed.
The steps
- 1Clarify the budget and the aim: do you want the property to live in, to let, or purely for residency?
- 2Choose a qualifying property. Start from the 'Golden visa' filter so you do not spend time below the threshold.
- 3Legal checks on the property: title status, any outstanding liabilities, and service charges.
- 4Purchase and formal registration of the transfer of ownership.
- 5Obtain the title deed, then file the residency application.
- 6Renew on time — a long-term residency has its own conditions for staying valid.
Costs the listing price does not include
- Registration and transfer fees, charged as a percentage of the transaction value.
- Annual building service charges, which depend on size and facilities.
- Administrative costs for the residency file and later renewals.
- If you let the property: management fees and void periods.
Off-plan or ready
Both have buyers. A completed property can be used or let immediately and its ownership position is clear from day one. Off-plan usually has a lower entry price and staged payments, but until handover it produces no income and does not carry every benefit of full ownership. If residency is your main aim, take that difference seriously and ask, before buying, at what stage the residency file can be filed in each case.
Frequently asked
Does buying property on its own guarantee residency?
No. Buying a qualifying property is one route, but the final decision rests with the official authority and also depends on the applicant's documents and circumstances.
Can several properties be combined to reach the threshold?
In some cases combining properties is accepted, but the conditions are precise and depend on the title position. Check this before buying rather than after.
What happens to the residency if I sell?
A residency granted on the basis of an investment depends on that investment remaining in place. Check the effect on your file before selling.
Is family included?
Long-term residency usually allows family members to be included, but the details and the documents required should be checked at the time of application.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change — confirm your own position with a qualified professional before deciding.
