Investment is not only about numbers and returns anymore. More and more, it becomes a way to open new horizons: to change your environment, gain flexibility, and protect yourself from instability in other countries. That’s why the UAE Golden Visa is one of the most attractive options for those who want to have a backup plan without compromising on status or quality of life.
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa valid for up to 10 years, allowing you to live, do business, use the banking system, and receive all the key benefits of residency in the Emirates. It can be obtained in different ways, but the most accessible and straightforward route is through real estate investment.
Real estate is the most direct and logical route?
You don’t need to start a business or obtain a qualification. You simply buy a property in Dubai worth from $550,000 and obtain residency on that basis. This gives you not only the visa but also an asset that works: it appreciates in value, generates rental income, and is easy to resell. The transaction is transparent, regulated by the government, and the entire process can be done with support and without hassle.
Why Dubai offers the best conditions for the Golden Visa
Dubai has become one of the most stable and investment-attractive locations in the world. The city offers low taxes (there is no income tax), complete investment security, and a developed infrastructure — from the banking system to healthcare and world-class schools. Clear property rights laws and transaction control mechanisms are in place through the Dubai Land Department and escrow accounts. For investors, this means: assets are protected, the process is transparent, and trust in a UAE resident is high in many countries. That is why residency in Dubai is more valued than in many other jurisdictions with similar programs.
Who qualifies for a Golden Visa through real estate
If you own property worth at least $550,000, you are eligible to apply for a Golden Visa. This may include:
- Ready properties;
- Mortgaged properties (if at least $275,000 has been paid from your own funds);
- Off-plan properties under construction (once the first installment is paid and through certified developers).
It is suitable for those who:
- Want a legal way to live in the UAE for 5–10 years
- Would like to have a second “base” in a safe and developed country
- Are relocating with family or want to open a business
- Want access to the UAE education and healthcare systems
- Do not want to be tied to an employer
What are the property requirements
To qualify for the Golden Visa, the property must meet the following criteria:
- Market value of at least $550,000 (at the time of application)
- Registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), with an RERA certificate
- Title Deed or Oqood already issued to the owner
- Owned by an individual
- If mortgaged — confirmation of at least $275,000 paid from personal funds
- A combined value of multiple properties is allowed
How to get a Golden Visa: step-by-step
- Property verification — it’s important to ensure that the property meets visa requirements. At Space8, we do this from the start.
- Document preparation — passport, photo, Title Deed or Oqood, Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), DLD valuation certificate, payment statement from the bank or developer.
- Application submission — processed through DLD and GDRFA.
- Medical check and biometrics — standard procedure.
What you get with the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is not just residency. It provides access to:
- A long-term visa for 10 years with the possibility of renewal
- Sponsoring the entire family, in some cases even including parents
- Opening bank accounts and obtaining loans in the UAE
- Full legal status in a tax-free jurisdiction
- Flexibility — the visa is not cancelled even if you do not reside in the country permanently
The Golden Visa gives the right to multiple entries and exits from the UAE without needing a visa or being limited in terms of stay. For other countries, visa-free access depends on your nationality. However, UAE residency often facilitates faster approvals for Schengen, UK, and US visas due to the high level of trust in the Emirates.
How often do I need to be in Dubai to maintain residency?
The Golden Visa gives you the right to live in the UAE with no time restrictions. You can enter and leave the country whenever you want, but there is one important condition to maintain your residency: you must visit the UAE at least once a year, even if just for 24 hours.
When can I sell the property?
You can sell the property at any time, but if you no longer own qualifying assets:
- The visa may be cancelled or not renewed upon review by government authorities (especially during renewal, immigration checks, or upon exit/entry to the country).
- In some cases, you may receive advance notice of cancellation.
How to become a tax resident of Dubai with a Golden Visa?
Many confuse residency with tax residency. Being a tax resident means that the UAE legally considers you part of its tax system for your worldwide income. But simply having a Golden Visa does not make you a tax resident.
Despite the attractive 0% income tax rate in the UAE, certain conditions must be met to become a tax resident:
- Have UAE residency
- Be physically present in the UAE for at least 180 days in the past 12 months
- Establish economic and social ties in the UAE
- Open and use a local bank account (for daily transactions)
- Rent or own property in your name
- Use a UAE mobile number, Emirates ID, and local health insurance
These prove that the center of your life and interests is in the UAE.
Common mistakes that are easy to avoid
Many investors make typical mistakes:
- Assuming that the purchase price matches the required value, but the DLD market valuation is below $550,000
- Applying before minimum mortgage or installment payments are completed
- Buying through a legal entity, which is not eligible for the visa
- Submitting expired documents (passport, medical report, police clearance)
- Applying before receiving Title Deed or Oqood
- Submitting unverified marriage or birth certificates
- Not checking whether the developer is certified
Where exactly to buy property suitable for the visa
It’s important to understand: not every property in Dubai qualifies for the Golden Visa. At Space8, we’ve compiled a selection of projects that meet all requirements: registered, verified, priced correctly, and approved for the visa category. Here are just a few examples:
- Ready apartments in Business Bay — from $570,000, perfect for rental income
- Townhouses in Dubai Hills — from $1,360,000 in one of the greenest communities, ideal for families
- Residences in Dubai Creek Harbour — from $550,000, in a construction-stage project with strong price growth potential
Write to us to receive the full selection of Golden Visa properties.. We’ll send you an updated list with floor plans, locations, and expert comments — and help you build a visa strategy based on real estate.
How Space8 helps
We guide you through every step — from choosing the property to receiving your Emirates ID. We only work with projects that are officially eligible for the visa program. We help you collect documents, submit the application, organize the medical check and biometrics, and monitor timelines. A personal manager is assigned to you. Our Investor Care System makes the entire process transparent, clear, and stress-free.
F.A.Q.
If I bought with a mortgage, can I still apply for the visa?
Yes, if at least $275,000 was paid from your own funds.
Can my spouse and I apply with one jointly owned property?
Yes, but there are certain conditions. First, the property must be valued at no less than $550,000. Second, both parties must have equal ownership (i.e. 50/50). Otherwise, only the majority owner can apply.
Can I combine multiple properties?
Yes, if the total investment is at least $550,000.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. The Golden Visa allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and, under certain conditions, your parents.
Is it mandatory to live in the UAE?
No. You can reside outside the country — the visa won’t be cancelled. But you must visit the UAE at least once per year, even for 24 hours.
Can I live permanently in my apartment?
Yes. The Golden Visa gives you full rights to reside in Dubai without time restrictions. Your property is your legal residence and home.
The Golden Visa is not just a document. It’s a strategic decision that grants you access to residency, financial tools, tax planning, and freedom of movement. And Space8 is the team that will lead you to results, freeing you from bureaucracy and costly mistakes.
