Golden Visa Through Off-Plan Property in Dubai: What Buyers Should Know

For many international buyers the UAE's long-term residence — the Golden Visa — is part of the reason to buy in Dubai. Property is one route to it, and off-plan property can count. The details matter, and they change, so treat this guide as a map of the questions rather than the final word.

The basic rule

The property route to the 10-year Golden Visa is built around owning property in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million. In Dubai the application runs through the DLD, which confirms the property and nominates the owner for the visa.

How off-plan property can count

An off-plan unit is not finished, so the question is how its value is measured and what must be in place. In general, the authorities look at:

• Registration: the purchase must be registered with the DLD (Oqood) for a registered project.
• The developer and project: the developer and project must be approved, with the project registered with RERA.
• The value: how the price is assessed against the threshold, and whether a minimum amount must already be paid. This condition has been revised before, so check what applies now.

Joint ownership and several properties

If a property is owned jointly, each owner's share is usually what counts towards the threshold. Several properties may be combined, subject to the conditions in force. Ask the DLD how your ownership will be assessed before you structure a purchase around a visa.

Mortgaged property

Properties bought with a mortgage have been accepted under conditions that have changed over time. If you plan to finance the purchase, confirm with the DLD and your bank what will be required.

What the process involves

1. Buy and register the property with the DLD.
2. Apply through the DLD's Golden Visa service with your title deed or Oqood and other documents.
3. Complete the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
4. Receive the visa; family members can usually be sponsored.

Questions to settle before you buy

• Does this specific project and developer qualify today?
• How will the unit's value be assessed for the threshold?
• Is a minimum amount paid required for off-plan, and how much?
• How will joint ownership or a mortgage affect eligibility?
• What fees and documents does the application need?

Get the answers in writing where you can. Then compare qualifying projects by the same points as any purchase — developer, payment plan, handover date and location. Our step-by-step buying guide covers the rest.

Questions people ask

How much property do I need to buy for a Golden Visa in Dubai?

The property route to the 10-year Golden Visa is based on owning property worth at least AED 2 million. The detailed conditions are set by the authorities and have changed over time, so confirm them with the Dubai Land Department before buying.

Does off-plan property qualify for the Golden Visa?

Off-plan property can count towards the property route when it meets the conditions set by the authorities, including registration with the DLD. The conditions for off-plan units have been revised in the past, so check the current rules for the specific project before relying on it.

Can I combine several properties to reach the threshold?

Combining properties in Dubai to reach the threshold has been allowed, subject to the conditions in force. Confirm with the DLD how your properties will be assessed.