Dubai isn’t just a global city of luxury—it’s a magnet for investors seeking opportunity, lifestyle, and long-term stability. One of the biggest attractions in recent years has been the UAE Golden Visa, a program designed to reward high-value investors with 10-year renewable residency in the country.
But if you’re new to the market, your first question is likely:
"How much do I really need to invest in Dubai property to qualify for a Golden Visa?"
This guide breaks it down clearly—covering the minimum investment, property types, mortgage rules, and ways to qualify safely and smartly with the help of trusted advisors like Roots Realty.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit offered to:
Investors
Entrepreneurs
Professionals
Scientists, and
Real estate owners
It allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE independently—without a local sponsor.
As of 2025, real estate investment remains one of the most accessible and popular pathways to qualify.
Minimum Investment Required: AED 2 Million
The magic number to obtain the UAE Golden Visa through real estate is:
AED 2,000,000 (Two Million Dirhams)
This is approximately:
USD 545,000
EUR 510,000
GBP 430,000 (depending on currency fluctuations)
You can reach this value by:
Buying a single property worth AED 2M or more
Purchasing multiple units whose total value equals or exceeds AED 2M
Note: The valuation is based on the official figure registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) — not necessarily the developer's price.
Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To qualify for the Golden Visa through property, you must:
Own property worth AED 2 million or more
The property must be freehold and residential
Title deed must be issued (or paid enough on off-plan)
If the property is mortgaged, you must have paid off at least 50% of its value
The property must not be under dispute or restricted use
Property Types That Qualify
Eligible
Apartments (studio, 1BR, 2BR, etc.)
Villas and townhouses
Off-plan properties (with certain conditions)
Multiple units (combined to reach AED 2M+)
Not Eligible
Commercial or leasehold properties
Properties under shared ownership without legal split
Timeshare or hotel rooms (in most cases)
Off-Plan Property Buyers: What You Need to Know
Off-plan (under-construction) properties can qualify for the Golden Visa if:
The total amount paid to date is AED 2 million or more
The developer is approved by RERA and the project is officially registered
Payment is made through proper bank or escrow channels
The unit is not disputed or frozen
Some developers are now offering fast-track visa assistance for off-plan buyers, especially when bought through trusted agencies like Roots Realty.
Can You Use a Mortgage?
Yes, you can buy with a mortgage, but you still need to meet one key rule:
You must have paid off at least 50% of the total property value (equal to AED 2 million in DLD valuation) to be eligible for the visa.
For example:
Buying a villa worth AED 3.5M?
If you’ve paid off AED 2M = eligible
If only AED 1.5M paid = not eligible yet
Roots Realty works closely with banks and developers to structure deals that help clients meet these thresholds smartly.
Required Documents for Visa Application
When applying for the Golden Visa through property investment, you’ll need:
Copy of your passport
Title deed (or DLD-approved document showing ownership)
Proof of payment (bank receipts, mortgage clearance)
Passport-size photograph
Health insurance (optional but recommended)
Emirates ID (if already in the UAE)
Applications can be submitted through:
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency Foreigners Affairs)
Or directly via Roots Realty’s partner services
Benefits of the Golden Visa for Property Investors
When you qualify, you unlock:
10-Year Residency
Live in the UAE without renewal hassles every year.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents.
Extended Travel Flexibility
Stay abroad for over 6 months without visa cancellation.
Financial Lifestyle Freedom
Open accounts, run businesses, lease cars—all without employer ties.
Golden Business Opportunities
Open a company or freelance license without requiring a local sponsor.
Smart Investment Strategies to Reach AED 2M
Not everyone wants to spend AED 2 million on a single luxury apartment. Here are smart, flexible strategies:
Option 1: Two Units in Emerging Areas
Buy 2 apartments in areas like JVC or Arjan, each worth AED 1M. Combine them to meet the Golden Visa minimum.
Option 2: Villa in Suburban Community
Villas in communities like Dubai South or DAMAC Hills 2 offer long-term capital appreciation and meet the visa criteria.
Option 3: Off-Plan + Early Payments
Pay 70–100% of your off-plan unit early to meet the paid AED 2M threshold and still enjoy developer benefits.
Why Work with Roots Realty?
Navigating the Golden Visa process can be complex, especially for first-time buyers. Roots Realty simplifies it by offering:
Curated property listings that meet visa criteria
Title deed and legal review support
Developer and mortgage coordination
Golden Visa document preparation and application
End-to-end client support in English, Arabic, and more
Whether you’re abroad or already in Dubai, Roots Realty is your trusted partner to unlock the full benefits of real estate and residency.
Wrap Up
To qualify for Dubai’s Golden Visa in 2025, you need a minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million—paid and registered with the Dubai Land Department. Whether through a single villa, multiple apartments, or off-plan property, there are many smart ways to reach this mark.
The Golden Visa isn’t just about living in Dubai—it's about accessing a secure, tax-free, and opportunity-rich lifestyle for you and your family.
