DUBAI PROPERTYSPOT

Buyer essentials · Residency

Can buying a home
give you residency in Dubai?

The Golden Visa and the shorter property investor visa explained in plain language — what qualifies, mortgages, family and what to check before you buy.

By Dubai Property Spot · Sources checked 6 October 2026

The short answer

Yes — if the property
meets the criteria.

According to the Dubai Land Department, an investor who owns property in Dubai with a purchase value of at least AED 2 million at the time of purchase can apply for a 10-year renewable residence permit — the Golden Visa. A spouse, children and parents can be sponsored.

The value can come from one or more properties, wholly owned in the applicant’s name. A mortgaged property can count: the bank must provide a no-objection letter showing the amount paid and the remaining balance. The applicant must be inside the UAE when applying. DLD ↗

Two property-linked routes

Golden Visa or
investor visa?

Summary of DLD service pages checked 6 October 2026. Confirm current criteria and fees before applying.
What mattersGolden Visa (investor)Investor residence (Taskeen)
Validity10 years, renewable2 years
Property valueAt least AED 2 million at time of purchaseDepends on the ownership type and current DLD criteria
FamilySpouse, children and parentsSpouse and children; parents on a separate permit
Published feesAbout AED 9,885 for the investorAbout AED 10,213 for the investor
Extra documentsBank letter if mortgagedDubai good conduct certificate

Plan ahead

Check this
before you buy.

  1. The recorded purchase value

    DLD refers to the value at the time of purchase, not a later valuation. Make sure the price on the title deed meets the threshold you are aiming for.

  2. Whose name is on the title deed

    The Golden Visa terms require the property to be owned in the applicant’s name. Ask before buying jointly or through a company.

  3. Mortgage and amount paid

    With a mortgage, you will need your bank’s no-objection letter showing what you have paid. Ask your lender how they handle this.

  4. Off-plan homes

    Rules for off-plan property can differ and have changed over time. Confirm eligibility with DLD for the specific project and payment stage.

Choose the home first.

A visa is a benefit, not a reason to buy the wrong home. Shortlist properties that suit your life and budget, then check which meet the visa criteria.

Buyer questions

Residency
questions.

Do you get residency if you buy property in Dubai?

You can apply for a property-linked residence visa if the property and ownership meet the current DLD criteria. The 10-year Golden Visa requires property worth at least AED 2 million at the time of purchase.

Can I combine two properties to reach AED 2 million?

DLD’s terms refer to one or more properties wholly owned in the applicant’s name. Confirm how your specific properties will be assessed before you rely on combining them.

Does a mortgaged property qualify?

It can. DLD asks for a no-objection letter from the bank showing the amount paid and the balance.

Can my family be included?

Under the Golden Visa route, the investor can sponsor a spouse, children and parents, each with separate fees and documents.

How long does the application take?

DLD lists a service time of 7–10 business days for the Golden Visa investor application, once the documents are complete.

Can Dubai Property Spot arrange my visa?

No. We help you start your home search and can introduce you to a property professional. Visa applications are handled through the relevant government services.

Sources & editorial context

Sources checked on 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Criteria and fees can change; confirm with the relevant authority before buying or applying.

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