How to Secure a Golden Visa Through Real Estate Investment in Dubai

Discover how to secure a UAE Golden Visa in 2025 through real estate investment in Dubai. Learn eligibility, steps, and key property insights.

Jun 28, 2025 - 15:42
 3

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa launched to attract investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and talented individuals to the UAE. It allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor — and gives added perks such as the ability to sponsor family members.

Roots Realty helps investors navigate this process by offering expert guidance on choosing eligible properties and completing the visa application smoothly.

Why Real Estate is the Best Path to the Golden Visa

Dubai’s real estate market offers an ideal combination of high returns and long-term stability. In 2025, property ownership is more than just a financial asset — it’s also your gateway to residency.

Here’s why real estate is a smart route:

  • ✅ Tangible, appreciating asset

  • ✅ Generates rental income

  • ✅ Qualifies you for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa

  • ✅ No need to establish a business or take employment

  • ✅ You can sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents

Golden Visa Eligibility Through Property Investment (2025)

To apply for the Golden Visa through real estate, you must meet the following criteria:

Property Value

  • Invest AED 2 million or more in residential real estate

  • Can be one property or multiple units totaling AED 2 million

  • Value must be as per Dubai Land Department (DLD) valuation

Ownership Status

  • Property must be owned (not rented or under rent-to-own)

  • If mortgaged, at least 50% of the property value must be paid off

Property Type

  • Only freehold properties are eligible

  • Can include ready properties or off-plan units from approved developers

Proof of Investment

  • Valid title deed

  • No objection certificate (NOC) if mortgaged

  • Bank statements or payment proof if under financing

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Golden Visa via Property Investment

1. Choose the Right Property

  • Look for freehold residential properties in eligible areas

  • Ensure the property value (per DLD) meets or exceeds AED 2 million

  • You can combine more than one property to reach the required value

Top investment zones in 2025:

  • Dubai Hills Estate

  • Downtown Dubai

  • Business Bay

  • Palm Jumeirah

  • Dubai Marina

  • Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

2. Complete the Purchase Process

Once you’ve selected a property:

  • Finalize the sale agreement

  • Make your down payment (or full payment if buying in cash)

  • Get the Title Deed from Dubai Land Department

  • Pay the applicable DLD fees (4%)

If financing, coordinate with the bank to get a mortgage. Ensure you have paid at least 50% to qualify for the Golden Visa.

3. Apply for the Golden Visa

Submit your application through one of the following channels:

  • Dubai Land Department (DLD)

  • GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)

  • Authorized Real Estate Service Centers

Required Documents:

  • Valid passport

  • Title deed for the property

  • Bank statement showing payment

  • Passport-size photo

  • Health insurance (optional but recommended)

  • Emirates ID (if already in UAE)

4. Undergo Medical & Biometric Tests

Once approved, you will:

  • Take a medical fitness test

  • Submit biometric data (fingerprints)

  • Receive your Emirates ID

5. Get Your Golden Visa (10 Years Validity)

After successful verification, you will receive your 10-year Golden Visa, which is:

  • Renewable

  • Not linked to an employer or sponsor

  • Grants the right to stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without cancellation

  • Allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and parents

Can You Rent Out the Property and Still Qualify?

Yes! In fact, many investors buy eligible properties to rent out and still retain their Golden Visa status. As long as you:

  • Maintain ownership

  • Meet the AED 2 million valuation requirement

  • Comply with DLD regulations

You are fully eligible to hold and renew the Golden Visa, while also earning passive rental income.

Golden Visa + Off-Plan Properties: Is It Possible?

Yes, but there are conditions.

You can apply for the Golden Visa with an off-plan (under-construction) property if:

  • The property is from a government-approved developer

  • The value is AED 2 million or more

  • You’ve already paid at least AED 2 million, even if the project isn’t complete yet

Off-plan properties in areas like Dubai Creek Harbour, Meydan, and Palm Jebel Ali are hot choices in 2025.

How Roots Realty Helps You Get the Golden Visa

At Roots Realty, we specialize in helping first-time and international investors choose the right property to qualify for the Golden Visa.

Our services include:

  • 🔍 Property selection based on DLD eligibility

  • 📝 Legal assistance with Title Deed and ownership transfer

  • 📋 Golden Visa documentation and processing support

  • 💬 Multilingual customer service

  • 🤝 Bank mortgage and developer financing guidance

Tips for First-Time Investors Applying for the Visa

Work with a registered property consultant

Always verify DLD valuation before purchase

Avoid leasehold and commercial units

Ask if the property is eligible for Golden Visa documentation

Don’t wait — property values may rise above your budget later

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying properties below AED 2 million hoping they’ll “count”

Not checking the ownership structure (joint ownership rules differ)

Relying on verbal promises instead of written confirmation

Skipping DLD registration, which is mandatory for Golden Visa

Confusing tourist or business visa benefits with the Golden Visa perks

Wrap Up

Securing the UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment is one of the most effective and secure ways to establish long-term residency in Dubai. With a minimum investment of AED 2 million, you not only gain access to world-class real estate but also unlock a decade of residency, business freedom, and family stability.

By partnering with experts like Roots Realty, you ensure a smooth, transparent, and profitable experience — from choosing the right property to receiving your Golden Visa. Dubai’s doors are open. The question is: Are you ready to step in?