Dubai’s real estate market is booming—not only because of its tax-free income and luxury lifestyle but also because of a powerful incentive: the UAE Golden Visa. Investors from around the world are purchasing properties in Dubai to qualify for this 10-year renewable residency, which comes with a host of benefits.
In this comprehensive guide by Roots Realty, we’ll show you how to buy property in Dubai and get your Golden Visa fast, along with eligibility requirements, application steps, and the perks of long-term residency.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit granted to investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students. For real estate investors, it offers a 10-year renewable visa without the need for employment or a local sponsor.
🛂 Key Benefits:
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Live, work, and study in the UAE
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Sponsor your family and domestic staff
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100% business ownership in the UAE
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No minimum stay requirement to keep the visa
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Access to UAE banking, schooling, and healthcare systems
This visa makes Dubai not just a great place to invest—but a great place to live and build a future.
Golden Visa Through Real Estate Investment
The simplest way to qualify for the Golden Visa is by purchasing eligible property in Dubai. The government has streamlined this process to attract global investors and boost long-term residency.
🏠 Basic Eligibility (2025):
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Minimum investment of AED 2 million in real estate
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Property can be completed or off-plan
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Can be purchased with a mortgage (minimum AED 2 million equity)
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Must be owned—not rented
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Joint property ownership (with spouse or first-degree relative) is allowed
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Property and Get the Golden Visa
✅ 1. Set Your Budget
To qualify, you’ll need to invest a minimum of AED 2 million (approx. USD 545,000). This could be:
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One high-value property
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Multiple units that total AED 2 million
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A villa, apartment, townhouse, or commercial property
Pro Tip: Roots Realty can help you find Golden Visa-eligible properties at competitive prices.
✅ 2. Choose the Right Property
Dubai has over 60 freehold areas where foreigners can purchase property. Focus on areas that offer both high ROI and strong long-term appreciation.
🔍 Popular Areas for Golden Visa Investors:
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Dubai Hills Estate – Family villas, green communities
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Business Bay – High-rise apartments with ROI potential
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Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) – Prime for short-term rentals
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Downtown Dubai – Iconic lifestyle and prestige
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Palm Jumeirah – Ultra-luxury homes for high-net-worth buyers
✅ 3. Finalize the Purchase
Once you’ve selected the property:
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Pay a deposit to reserve
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Sign the sales agreement (MoU)
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Pay Dubai Land Department (DLD) fees (4% of property value)
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Receive your title deed or Oqood for off-plan projects
Mortgage buyers must ensure their equity share is at least AED 2 million to be eligible.
✅ 4. Apply for the Golden Visa
After completing the purchase:
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Visit the Dubai Land Department or apply through a typing center
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Submit your documents (see below)
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Undergo medical check and Emirates ID processing
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Receive your 10-year residency visa
The entire process typically takes 7–15 business days.
Required Documents for Golden Visa Application
To ensure a smooth process, keep these documents ready:
📑 For Property Owners:
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Valid passport copy
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Property title deed or Oqood certificate
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Bank statement (if mortgage involved)
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Passport photos (white background)
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Emirates ID (if already resident)
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Utility bill or proof of UAE address
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Marriage certificate (if jointly owned)
Can You Get a Golden Visa with Off-Plan Property?
Yes. As of 2023, investors can apply for the Golden Visa even with off-plan properties—as long as:
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The total value exceeds AED 2 million
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The property is registered with DLD
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The developer is approved and government-recognized
Roots Realty works directly with trusted developers to ensure compliance.
Can You Use a Mortgage and Still Qualify?
Yes. You can still get a Golden Visa if:
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Your equity in the property is AED 2 million or more
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The mortgage is from a UAE-licensed bank
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Bank statements and loan documents confirm your share
This allows investors to leverage financing and still enjoy full visa benefits.
Golden Visa Benefits for Your Family
Once approved, the Golden Visa lets you sponsor your entire immediate family, including:
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Spouse
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Children (no age limit for unmarried daughters, up to 25 for sons)
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Household staff (maids, drivers, etc.)
Family members enjoy the same 10-year visa validity and rights as the main applicant.
Can You Sell the Property After Getting the Visa?
If you sell the property, your visa will be reviewed and may be revoked unless:
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You reinvest in another qualifying property
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Or apply for another eligible visa type (employment, business, etc.)
To maintain the visa, you must retain real estate ownership above AED 2 million.
Why Foreigners Prefer the Property Route to Golden Visa
There are other ways to qualify for a Golden Visa (such as business or employment), but real estate is by far the most accessible and secure for foreigners.
🏆 Advantages of the Property Route:
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No business setup or staff required
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No active income or job needed
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Tangible, appreciating asset
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Rental income adds passive earnings
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Flexibility to live or rent out the property
Wrap Up
Dubai’s property market offers more than just great returns—it offers a path to permanent residency and global lifestyle freedom. With high-quality properties, fast processing, and strong capital growth, this is the perfect time to invest.
At Roots Realty, we specialize in helping foreign investors:
Find Golden Visa-eligible properties
Handle all legal paperwork and DLD processing
Submit and fast-track visa applications
Manage property rentals post-purchase
