A UAE Golden Visa is available to any foreign national who purchases a completed property worth AED 2 million or more. The visa is valid for 10 years, renewable, and covers the investor plus spouse, children, and parents. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai freehold properties qualify.
The Essential Requirements
AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000). Multiple properties can be combined to reach this threshold. The valuation used is the official registered value, not the asking price.
The property must be fully completed and handed over. Off-plan properties under construction do not qualify until the title deed is issued at handover.
The property must be in a designated freehold investment zone. In Abu Dhabi this includes Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha Beach, and others. In Dubai all freehold areas qualify.
The 10-year Golden Visa covers the investor, spouse, all children regardless of age, and parents. Domestic workers can also be sponsored under the visa.
Best Areas for Golden Visa Property in Abu Dhabi
| Area | Entry Price (2BR) | Reaches AED 2M |
|---|---|---|
| Saadiyat Island | AED 2.2M–4M | ✓ Most units |
| Yas Island | AED 1.4M–3M | ✓ Larger units |
| Al Reem Island | AED 1.2M–2.5M | ✓ 3BR+ units |
| Al Raha Beach | AED 1.8M–4M | ✓ Most units |
What we tell Golden Visa buyers
The AED 2M threshold is a floor, not a target. The best Golden Visa investments are ones that would make sense without the visa — properties with strong rental yield, liquidity, and appreciation potential. The visa is a benefit, not the strategy.
Saadiyat Island currently offers the strongest combination of Golden Visa eligibility, capital appreciation, and prestige. For investors focused on yield alongside visa eligibility, Al Reem Island 3-bedroom units represent the most accessible entry point.
DRE has guided dozens of overseas buyers through Golden Visa property purchases in Abu Dhabi since 2014.
Related Intelligence
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the UAE Golden Visa via Property
Choose a completed freehold property worth AED 2 million or more. In Abu Dhabi this must be in a designated investment zone. In Dubai, all freehold areas qualify. The property can be mortgaged, but the equity held must be AED 2M or above.
In Dubai, the Title Deed is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). In Abu Dhabi, it is issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). This is your core document for the Golden Visa application.
Applications can be submitted via the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) smart app or through GDRFA Dubai. Required documents include passport, Title Deed, property valuation certificate, and photographs. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Once your Golden Visa is issued, you can sponsor your spouse, children of any age (sons up to 25, daughters unlimited), and parents. Domestic helpers can also be sponsored. The visa is valid for 10 years and renewable.
Best Areas for Golden Visa Investment by City
- → Saadiyat Island
- → Yas Island
- → Al Reem Island
- → Al Raha Beach
- → Jubail Island
Common Questions
Yes. Multiple properties in the same emirate can be combined to reach the AED 2 million threshold. They must all be in freehold zones and fully completed. Cross-emirate combinations are not permitted — Abu Dhabi and Dubai properties cannot be combined for a single application.
In Dubai, off-plan properties from approved developers can qualify once a certain payment threshold is met, subject to DLD confirmation. In Abu Dhabi, the general rule remains that the property must be completed and Title Deed issued. Rules evolve — always verify with DRE before committing for visa purposes.
Your visa remains valid until its expiry date even if you sell. However, renewal requires continued ownership of qualifying property. If you sell without replacing with another qualifying asset, your Golden Visa cannot be renewed at expiry.
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