Short answer. Yes. Buying UAE property worth AED 2 million (about USD 545,000) or more can qualify an investor for the 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai measures the property's value at purchase. Abu Dhabi requires AED 2 million (about USD 545,000) paid from the investor's own funds. Spouse, children, and parents can be sponsored.
| Item | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| What is measured | Property value at the time of purchase | Investor's own capital paid into the property |
| Threshold | AED 2,000,000 (about USD 545,000) in value | AED 2,000,000 (about USD 545,000) of own funds, not borrowed |
| Mortgage | Accepted, with a bank no-objection letter | Accepted from UAE banks if own funds stay at AED 2M (about USD 545K) or more |
| Term | 10 years, renewable | 10 years |
| Published government fees (investor) | AED 9,884.75 (about USD 2,692) | Not published on the official pages reviewed |
Source: Dubai Land Department, Golden Visa application, Investor; GDRFA Dubai, Issuing a golden residence permit (investors); ADDED, Abu Dhabi Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors; Abu Dhabi Residents Office, Golden Visa for Investors. Read October 23, 2026.
| Item | AED | About USD |
|---|---|---|
| Medical examination | 700 | 191 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 1,153 | 314 |
| Confirmation of residency permit (10 years) | 2,856.75 | 778 |
| Dubai Land Department fees | 4,020 | 1,095 |
| Administrative fees | 1,155 | 315 |
| Total for the investor | 9,884.75 | 2,692 |
Source: Dubai Land Department, Golden Visa application, Investor. Government fees only; purchase price, transfer fees, and professional fees are extra.
Federal rules: ICP, Golden Residency Guide; UAE Government Portal, Golden visa. USD at AED 3.6725 per USD, rounded. Note: the u.ae summary table lists 5 years for real estate investments, while ICP, GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Land Department, and the Abu Dhabi Residents Office state 10 years.
About the author. Dean Lan is Associate Director at Christie's International Real Estate Dubai. He built companies in the US for more than a decade, has invested in UAE property since 2024, and works in English and Mandarin.
Information only, not legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority and a licensed professional before acting.