At a glance
If you own at least AED 2 million in qualifying UAE property, you may be eligible for Golden Residence without an employer sponsor. Mortgages and unfinished properties have extra rules. ICP lists a renewable 10-year permit, but confirm the term with the authority handling your application.
- Who can apply
- Owners of UAE property that meets the value and ownership rules
- Requirements
- Land-department proof of ownership and value, the required approvals, and residence checks
- Minimum investment
- AED 2 million (about USD $545,000)
Summary
Property owners may be able to live in the UAE through the real-estate Golden Residence category. The issuing authority must accept the ownership, value, and supporting land-department records. A mortgage through an approved local bank or a purchase before construction is complete can qualify only under the relevant authority's rules.
The federal residence authority, ICP, lists a renewable 10-year permit, while some other government pages still give a five-year term. Confirm both the accepted purchase structure and the permit term before committing to the property.
Eligibility
- Own one or more UAE properties with a qualifying total value of at least AED 2 million. In Dubai, a share in jointly owned property must itself be worth at least AED 2 million.
- Obtain the land department's ownership and value documents.
- For financed property, ICP requires financing from an approved local bank. For property bought before construction is finished, the developer must be approved by the responsible local authority. Confirm that your purchase meets the issuing authority's requirements.
- Maintain the qualifying investment and required health insurance. Dubai may restrict sale of the property while it supports the residence permit.
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Confirm ownership and value Get the land department's records showing your qualifying share of the property.
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Check any mortgage or unfinished property Confirm the authority's rules for the bank, developer, and ownership arrangement.
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Apply for residence Use the relevant emirate's process, then complete the required medical and Emirates ID steps.
The advertised property price is not enough to settle ownership or mortgage requirements. You must keep the qualifying investment as required.
What This Route Allows
The permit allows you to live in the UAE without an employer sponsor and apply to sponsor qualifying family members. It is renewable if you continue to meet the conditions. Employment and business activity still require the appropriate work permits or licenses.
What This Route Is Not
Having enough cash or buying a property does not, by itself, qualify you. The authority must accept the ownership, value, financing, and documents. Golden Residence is renewable residence, not citizenship.
Next Steps
- Get a current property-status or valuation document from the local land department.
- If the property is financed, check the mortgage rules with the actual visa authority before you assume you qualify.
- Check that the ownership records meet the application rules, including whose name is listed and any shared ownership.
- Apply through ICP or Dubai's residence authority, GDRFA, depending on the emirate.
- Complete the medical fitness and Emirates ID steps after approval.
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