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UAE residency through investment: all the options compared

The UAE has no single 'investor visa' — there are several programmes with different thresholds and conditions. We put them side by side: how much you need to invest, how long the visa lasts, whether off-plan counts and whether family can be included.

Two-year investor visa through property

The basis is a ready home in Dubai with a title deed. Since April 2026 there is no minimum property value for a sole owner; joint owners need at least AED 400,000 per share. Off-plan does not qualify until handover. The visa is renewed every two years while you own the property, and family can be included. Details in our article on the two-year visa.

Golden Visa through property

The threshold is AED 2 million by the land department's valuation; several properties can be combined. Off-plan from approved developers and mortgaged property (with a NOC from a UAE bank) qualify. The term is usually 10 years and you do not have to live in the UAE full time. Details in our Golden Visa article.

Golden Visa through a fund or business

AED 2 million or more in an accredited UAE investment fund, or a company or share with capital of AED 2 million or more, or AED 250,000 or more a year in taxes and fees. The term is usually 10 years too. It suits people who do not want to own property or who run a business in the UAE.

Retirement visa (55+)

For people aged 55 or over: one condition among savings of AED 1 million in a UAE bank, property worth AED 1 million, or a regular income of AED 20,000 a month (lower for those who have worked in the UAE for 15+ years). Five years, renewable.

How to choose

Budget under AED 2 million and a ready home — the two-year visa. Buying for AED 2 million or more, including off-plan — the Golden Visa through property. Do not want to buy a home — the Golden Visa through a fund or business. Aged 55+ with savings or a home worth AED 1 million — the retirement visa. In every case the rules change, so check with ICP, GDRFA or the DLD when you apply.

What all the options share

A medical test, biometrics and the Emirates ID; health insurance; the right to include a spouse and children; and the basis must be kept for the whole visa term — if you sell the property or withdraw funds below the threshold, you cannot renew. None of these visas needs a local sponsor or employer.

How PromptEstates helps

PromptEstates matches property to the visa you want: ready homes for the two-year visa, homes from AED 1 million for the retirement visa and from AED 2 million for the Golden Visa.

Frequently asked questions

Which visa is cheapest through property?

The two-year visa for a ready home in Dubai: since April 2026 there is no minimum value for a sole owner.

Which visa works with off-plan?

The Golden Visa: off-plan from an approved developer valued at AED 2 million or more qualifies. The two-year visa needs a ready home.

Can I get UAE citizenship through investment?

No. All these programmes give residency, not citizenship.

Sources: UAE Government portal — Golden visa, ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, GDRFA Dubai — residency services, Dubai Land Department

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