The Ultimate Guide to the UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Buyers and Investors
The UAE Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after residency programs in the world — and for good reason. Offering up to 10 years of renewable residency, it’s designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and property investors who want to build a life and business presence in the Emirates. Whether you’re purchasing your dream home in Abu Dhabi, securing a luxury waterfront apartment in Dubai, or investing in lucrative off-plan projects across the UAE, the Golden Visa opens the door to unmatched lifestyle, business, and travel benefits.
For real estate buyers, it’s the key to long-term stability in one of the world’s safest and most dynamic markets. For investors, it’s an opportunity to tap into tax-friendly policies, booming property values, and a globally connected economy — all while enjoying the flexibility of long-term UAE residency.
At Hero Real Estate, we guide you through the process from property selection to Golden Visa application. Whether you’re interested in ready-to-move-in residences on Reem Island or high-ROI off-plan developments across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and beyond, we ensure your purchase not only meets your lifestyle or investment goals but also qualifies you for this prestigious residency program.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit introduced in 2019 to attract top global talent, investors, and innovators. Unlike standard residency visas tied to employment, the Golden Visa offers greater independence:
- Valid for 5 or 10 years (depending on your investment)
- Renewable upon meeting the eligibility criteria
- Does not require a local sponsor
- Allows holders to stay outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months without losing residency
The real estate category of the Golden Visa is particularly attractive for investors who see UAE property as both a lifestyle upgrade and a wealth-building opportunity.
Golden Visa Eligibility for Real Estate Buyers & Investors
To qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa through real estate investment, you must meet the following:
- Minimum investment value: AED 2,000,000 (≈ USD 545,000)
- Property can be fully owned or mortgaged through an approved bank, provided your equity is at least AED 2,000,000
- Applies to ready properties and certain off-plan developments from approved developers
- Joint ownership is allowed if each owner’s share meets the AED 2,000,000 threshold
For off-plan properties, eligibility depends on proof of payment of at least AED 2,000,000 to the developer before application.
Types of Real Estate Qualifying for the Golden Visa
The UAE’s property market offers multiple pathways to meet the criteria:
- Ready-to-Move-In Properties
- Ideal for those seeking immediate residency and rental income
- Popular in Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai
- Ideal for those seeking immediate residency and rental income
- Off-Plan Properties
- Purchased directly from developers before construction completion
- Often priced lower with flexible payment plans
- Available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah
- Purchased directly from developers before construction completion
- Luxury Villas and Townhouses
- High capital appreciation potential
- Favored by families and long-term residents
- High capital appreciation potential
- Commercial Real Estate
- Ready-to-Move-In Properties
- Certain office spaces and mixed-use developments qualify if they meet valuation requirements
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Investors
The advantages go far beyond property ownership:
- Long-Term Stability – 5 or 10 years of renewable residency
- Family Sponsorship – Includes spouse, children (with no age limit in Abu Dhabi), and domestic staff
- No Local Sponsor Required – Full autonomy in living and working arrangements
- Freedom to Travel – Retain residency even when spending long periods abroad
- Business Ownership – 100% foreign ownership in mainland companies
- Tax Advantages – No personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax
- Education & Healthcare Access – Eligibility for world-class UAE institutions
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose Your Investment Property
- Must meet the AED 2M minimum valuation
- Hero Real Estate can present a curated portfolio of ready and off-plan options tailored to your goals
- Secure Financing (if applicable)
- Mortgage must be from a UAE-approved bank
- Minimum equity contribution: AED 2M
- Prepare Documentation
- Title deed or sales purchase agreement
- Payment receipts or mortgage details
- Valid passport, photographs, and Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Submit Golden Visa Application
- Through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) or local emirate portals
- Medical Check & Biometrics
Visa Issuance – Receive your residency permit
Popular Investment Hotspots for Golden Visa Buyers
Abu Dhabi
- Reem Island – High-end ready apartments, strong rental yields, and community amenities
- Saadiyat Island – Cultural hub with luxury beachfront villas
Dubai
- Downtown Dubai – Iconic location, Burj Khalifa views, premium demand
- Dubai Marina – Waterfront living with high rental demand
- Business Bay – Strategic commercial and residential mix
Other Emirates
- Sharjah Waterfront City – Emerging market with lower entry costs
- Ras Al Khaimah – Resort-style living and growing tourism
- Reem Island – High-end ready apartments, strong rental yields, and community amenities
Why Invest Now?
The UAE continues to strengthen its global positioning through infrastructure development, pro-business policies, and investor-friendly reforms. With real estate prices showing steady growth and the Golden Visa offering unmatched lifestyle benefits, now is a prime time to secure your investment.
Hero Real Estate : Your Golden Visa Partner
Navigating the Golden Visa process can be complex, especially when ensuring your property choice ticks every box for eligibility. Hero Real Estate offers:
- Expert Property Matching – Access to both ready homes in Abu Dhabi’s prime districts and off-plan projects across Dubai and the wider UAE
- Developer Connections – Partnerships with approved developers for off-plan eligibility
- Legal & Paperwork Support – Guidance through every step of the visa documentation
- Market Insights – Advice on high-return investments and resale potential
- End-to-End Service – From viewings to handover, we handle the details so you can focus on your move
Whether you’re an international investor eyeing Dubai’s luxury market or a resident upgrading to a waterfront property, our goal is to make the Golden Visa journey smooth, profitable, and stress-free.
At Hero Real Estate, we bring together market expertise, exclusive property access, and end-to-end Golden Visa support to make your investment journey seamless. From ready homes in Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island to high-potential off-plan projects across Dubai, our mission is to help you find the perfect property that qualifies for long-term residency and delivers strong returns.
Ready to start your Golden Visa journey? Contact Hero Real Estate today and let’s turn your property investment into your UAE residency.
- Expert Property Matching – Access to both ready homes in Abu Dhabi’s prime districts and off-plan projects across Dubai and the wider UAE
contact us
Phone
- 800 8070
Phone
- +971 52 572 8855
- info@herorealestate.ae