Property investors who own UAE real estate valued at AED 2 million or more at the time of purchase can apply directly through the Dubai Land Department for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa, with a total cost of AED 9,884.75 for the primary applicant.
What Is the Dubai Land Department Golden Visa for Investors?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) offers a dedicated Golden Visa pathway for real estate investors. The visa grants a 10-year renewable UAE residence permit to any investor whose property — or combined portfolio of properties — was purchased at a value of AED 2 million or more. The visa can be obtained in person at a DLD service centre and is processed within 7 to 10 business days.
This is a distinct route from the off-plan Golden Visa pathway and is administered directly by the DLD rather than through a developer or third party.
Eligibility Criteria
- The property must be valued at AED 2 million or more at the time of purchase. One or more properties held under the applicant's name may be combined to reach this threshold.
- The property may be mortgaged, provided the applicant supplies a bank letter confirming the bank has no objection to issuing a residence permit on the property and stating both the amount paid and the outstanding balance.
- The applicant must be physically inside the UAE at the time of application.
- An e-Certificate of Title (Title Deed) must be available at the time of application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit a DLD service centre in person.
- Submit all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Complete a medical examination at the designated centre.
- Receive the residence permit confirmation via email.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- e-Certificate of Title / Title Deed
- Recent personal photograph
- UAE Emirates ID (if already held)
- Copy of current residence permit (if applicable)
Exact Fees: Primary Applicant (10-Year Residency)
| Fee Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Medical examination | 700 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 1,153 |
| Confirmation of residency permit (10 years) | 2,856.75 |
| Dubai Land Department fees | 4,020 |
| Administrative fees | 1,155 |
| Total | 9,884.75 |
Family Sponsorship Fees
| Permit Type | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Family residence permit (10 years) — per spouse or child | 5,774.50 |
| Family sponsorship file opening | 318.75 |
| Parents residence permit (10 years) — per parent | 5,774.50 |
| Additional fee per sponsored person | 100 |
The investor can sponsor a husband or wife, children and parents under the same Golden Visa file.
Key Conditions for Family Residence
- If the mother is the visa sponsor, a notarised No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the father is required.
- Sons or daughters over the age of 18 must not be married; an undertaking to this effect is required.
- All sponsored family members require valid health insurance.
- Original passport and Emirates ID of the sponsor must be presented.
- Recent photographs meeting Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship specifications are required for each sponsored person.
Key Takeaway for Investors
The DLD Golden Visa route is one of the most straightforward long-term residency options available to property buyers in Dubai. At a total all-in cost of under AED 10,000 for the primary applicant and roughly AED 6,000 per family member, it represents a comparatively low administrative cost relative to the AED 2 million property threshold. Investors holding mortgaged properties are not excluded, making this pathway accessible to a wider pool of buyers than is commonly assumed.
Get instant answers about property ownership in the UAE from our AI property intelligence assistant.
Property investors who own UAE real estate valued at AED 2 million or more at the time of purchase can apply directly through the Dubai Land Department for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa, with a total cost of AED 9,884.75 for the primary applicant.
Ready to buy property in the UAE?
Our advisors are specialists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai investment zones. Speak to us directly.