Long-term UAE residence via property — what the rules generally say

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit programme that allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE for an extended period without requiring an employer or local sponsor in the traditional sense. It was introduced as part of a wider UAE policy to attract and retain talent, investors, and skilled professionals.

The property investment route — in general terms

Under rules that were in effect as of the date this page was last updated (August 2026), property investors may be eligible for a Golden Visa by holding qualifying property in the UAE with a value at or above a published minimum threshold. The figure most commonly cited in the market has been AED 2,000,000 (two million dirhams).

However, the actual eligibility criteria are more detailed than a single headline number:

• The property must be registered in the applicant's name with the relevant land authority.
• Properties purchased with a mortgage may be assessed differently to fully paid properties — the rules on mortgage eligibility have changed over time.
• Joint ownership, off-plan property (not yet handed over and registered), and properties held in company structures may be treated differently.
• The process involves multiple government entities and documentation requirements that must be met precisely.

These details change. What applied at one point may not apply today.

JSS's role in Golden Visa applications

JSS is a property brokerage, not an immigration consultancy or law firm. We can help you identify and purchase a qualifying property — but we cannot process a visa application, provide immigration advice, or guarantee that any specific property or transaction will result in visa eligibility.

If you are purchasing a property specifically with the Golden Visa route in mind, we strongly recommend engaging a licensed UAE immigration adviser or legal practice alongside your property adviser, so that your purchase structure, timing, and documentation are aligned with current visa requirements from the outset.