Yes – new investors and entrepreneurs can apply for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa immediately after purchasing property in Dubai worth AED 2 million or more. The main condition is that the title deed must be issued in the applicant’s name. This streamlined process reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign capital and skilled residents.
Key Requirements
- Minimum investment: AED 2,000,000 in one or more properties located in Dubai’s freehold zones.
- Ownership: The applicant must hold a valid title deed registered with the Dubai Land Department.
- Mortgaged properties: Allowed, as long as the total value is AED 2 million or more and financed through an approved local bank.
- Off-plan properties: Eligible if purchased from a registered and approved developer.
Application Steps
- Complete the property purchase and obtain the official title deed.
- Prepare the required documents, including passport, title deed, and valid health insurance.
- Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or official online platforms like Dubai REST.
- Undergo a medical fitness test and apply for your Emirates ID.
- Receive the 10-year Golden Visa, which is renewable.
What the Golden Visa Offers
- 10-year residency in the UAE with the option to renew.
- Ability to sponsor family members (spouse, children) and domestic staff.
- No need for an employer sponsor.
- Freedom to remain outside the UAE for more than six months without visa cancellation.
Additional Notes
- The application can be submitted immediately after the title deed is issued, regardless of whether the property has been handed over yet.
- All associated costs (registration fees, insurance, etc.) must be paid by the investor.
- Demand for properties in the AED 2-3 million range has increased, driven by eligibility for the Golden Visa.
Conclusion
For new businessmen looking to settle in Dubai, investing AED 2 million in real estate offers one of the fastest routes to obtaining long-term residency. With no employer sponsor needed and the ability to include family under the same visa basis, the Golden Visa provides a stable and attractive pathway to living and operating in the UAE.