With recent updates from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), qualifying through real estate has become clearer, more flexible, and in many cases, easier than before.

If you own  – or are planning to own –  property in the UAE, here’s a complete breakdown of how the Golden Visa works, what’s changed, and how investors can position themselves to qualify successfully.

The Property Investment Threshold

To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa through real estate, investors must own property with a minimum value of AED 2 million.

This can be evidenced through:

• A Title Deed for completed properties, or

• An Oqood certificate for off-plan properties officially registered with the developer

Importantly, the visa is based on property value, not nationality, income, or employment status – making it an appealing route for international investors.

New DLD Rules: What’s Changed?

Previously, investors were required to show that 20%-50% of the property value had already been paid or completed before becoming eligible.

Under the updated DLD regulations, this requirement has been removed.

What this means:

• There is no minimum payment percentage

• The property does not need to be completed

• Eligibility depends solely on the property’s value meeting AED 2 million

This change has significantly opened the door for off-plan buyers and investors using flexible payment plans.

Joint Ownership: How Eligibility Works

Joint ownership is permitted, but the AED 2 million threshold applies per individual, not per property.

Key rules to know:

• If two people jointly own a property, the total property value must be at least AED 4 million for both to qualify

• Ownership percentage alone does not guarantee eligibility

• Each applicant must independently meet the AED 2 million entitlement

For example:

• A property worth AED 3 million jointly owned by two people → neither qualifies

• A property worth AED 4 million split equally → both qualify

This is a crucial point that often catches investors off guard.

Can Mortgaged Properties Qualify?

Yes – mortgaged properties are eligible for the Golden Visa.

However, investors must provide:

• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or lender

• Confirmation that the mortgage arrangement is accepted for visa purposes

The presence of financing does not disqualify an application, provided documentation is in order.

Property Revaluation: A Smart Strategy

If your property was purchased six months to one year prior to applying, you may request a property revaluation to reflect its current market value.

This applies to:

• Completed properties

• Off-plan properties

Revaluation can be particularly useful where market appreciation pushes a property above the AED 2 million threshold, making an otherwise ineligible investor qualify.

Visa Validity, Renewal & Residency Rules

A Golden Visa obtained through real estate investment offers:

• 10-year renewable residency

• No requirement to live in the UAE full-time

• A requirement to enter the UAE at least once every six months

As long as the property continues to meet the required value, the visa remains renewable.

With the latest DLD updates, the UAE Golden Visa has become more accessible than ever for property investors. Whether your investment is off-plan, mortgaged, jointly owned, or recently appreciated in value, the decisive factor is simple: your individual ownership must be worth at least AED 2 million.

At Luxe Incorporations, we support clients at every stage  –  from eligibility assessments and property revaluations to bank coordination and full Golden Visa application management. Our focus is ensuring a smooth, compliant process that avoids unnecessary delays and maximises approval success. Contact us today!

Sarah Negga is a Relationship Manager at Luxe Incorporations.
[email protected]
+971 54 266 5954