If you’re asking “can foreigners get Golden Visa in UAE by buying apartment?”, the short answer is yes — but with important conditions and nuances. This article dives into the detailed, up-to-date eligibility criteria, process steps, and pitfalls to watch out for in 2025. It’s written from the perspective of someone guiding investors and includes expert references for your confidence.
Why This Matters: The Strategic Appeal of the Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit — typically up to 10 years and renewable — that allows non-citizens to live, work or study in the UAE without needing a local employer as sponsor.
For property-investors and families, this visa offers:
- Stability: No need to renew every year under a work permit.
- Flexibility: Independent residency, often ability to sponsor family members.
- Investment plus lifestyle: Real estate-ownership links with the residency status.
- Attractive market: UAE real-estate remains sought after for foreigners.
Given these benefits, many ask if simply buying an apartment will qualify them. The answer: yes — but only under specific criteria. Let’s explore.
The Key Question: Can Foreigners Get Golden Visa in UAE by Buying Apartment?
Eligibility Criteria for Real-Estate Investors
According to official UAE rules:
- The investor must own one or more real-estate units with a total value of at least AED 2 000 000.
- Ownership must be held in the investor’s name (or jointly, if each applicant meets the threshold).
- Mortgaged properties are allowed, but eligibility is based on registered ownership and paid-up equity; a bank NOC is no longer mandatory.
- The property must be in a free-hold zone or in a zone where foreign ownership is permitted.
- Comprehensive health insurance and medical fitness may also be required.
In practical terms: yes — if you buy a property/apartment worth AED 2 million (about USD 545,000) or more in the right area, you can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa under the real estate investor category.
Important Caveats and Common Mis-Conceptions
- Value at time of purchase or valuation: The AED 2 million threshold is based on property value at time of application/purchase.
- Shared ownership issues: If you co-own property with someone else, your individual share must meet the threshold if you are applying individually.
- Off-plan vs completed property: Some emirates are stricter with off-plan properties.
- Maintaining investment / ownership: While some categories mention holding the investment for a minimum period, the property investor path focuses on ownership and value proof.
- “Buying an apartment = automatic approval” is false: Even if you meet the threshold, you must follow proper application procedures, submit documents, and pass medical checks.
Example: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Dubai: According to DLD, the property value must be AED 2 million or more; mortgaged properties are eligible as long as registered ownership and paid-up equity meet the threshold. A bank NOC is optional.
- Abu Dhabi: As per the Abu Dhabi Residents Office, real-estate investors must own property purchased with a total value of AED 2 million or above.
Thus, the answer to the keyword question: Yes, foreigners can get Golden Visa in UAE by buying apartment, provided they meet the above criteria and follow official process.
Step-by-Step: How the Real-Estate Investor Path Works
- Select eligible property
- Free-hold zone / approved area for foreign ownership.
- Ensure it is valued (or will be valued) at or above AED 2 million.
- Consider whether it is completed or off-plan; check eligibility with the developer.
- Free-hold zone / approved area for foreign ownership.
- Complete the purchase and register ownership
- Title deed must be in the investor’s name (or in joint names with clarity on share).
- If mortgaged: ensure registered ownership and paid-up equity are clearly documented; a bank NOC is optional.
- Collect valuation certificate or property status certificate (if required) to prove value.
- Title deed must be in the investor’s name (or in joint names with clarity on share).
- Prepare visa application
- Use the official portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
- Submit personal documents: passport, title deed, valuation certificate, bank proofs, and health insurance.
- If including family: spouse, children, parents as per rules.
- Use the official portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
- Medical and health-insurance checks
- Medical fitness and health insurance coverage are mandatory for all applicants.
- Medical fitness and health insurance coverage are mandatory for all applicants.
- Approval and issuance
- Once approved, you receive the 10-year Golden Visa.
- You can then sponsor eligible family members.
- Once approved, you receive the 10-year Golden Visa.
- Ongoing compliance / renewal
- Maintain property ownership/value as required.
- Renewal every 10 years, subject to the same conditions.
- Maintain property ownership/value as required.
Common Questions from Foreign Buyers
Q1: What is the minimum purchase price of property to get the Golden Visa?
AED 2 000 000 (approx. US $545,000) is the minimum for the 10-year Golden Visa via property investment.
Q2: Can I buy a smaller apartment (< AED 2m) and still qualify?
Not for the 10-year Golden Visa. However, a shorter investor visa (e.g., 2-year) may be possible for lower values.
Q3: Does the property have to be fully paid / mortgage-free?
Not necessarily. Mortgaged properties may qualify as long as registered ownership and paid-up equity meet the AED 2 million threshold. A bank NOC is no longer required.
Q4: Can I combine two or more properties to meet AED 2 million?
Yes — multiple units can be aggregated if the total value meets the criteria.
Q5: Does Golden Visa mean UAE citizenship?
No — the Golden Visa provides long-term residency, not citizenship.
Pitfalls & What to Watch For
Misleading claims:
Be cautious of marketing materials or agents promising “lifetime visas” or “guaranteed approval”. The Golden Visa is issued for 10 years and renewed upon meeting eligibility criteria — it’s not permanent residency. Similarly, ignore claims of eligibility for properties below AED 2 million unless supported by official sources such as DLD or ADRO.
Documentation errors:
Even small discrepancies can delay or derail your application. Double-check that your title deed, property valuation, and ownership details exactly match your passport and Emirates ID information. For mortgaged properties, ensure registered ownership and paid-up equity are clearly documented; a bank NOC is optional.
Off-plan projects:
While off-plan properties may qualify, approval depends on the developer’s registration and payment progress. Some emirates only accept completed or nearly completed units. Always verify with the relevant land department whether your property’s current stage is eligible before applying.
Changing regulations:
Golden Visa rules can evolve as the UAE continuously updates its investment and residency policies. Always confirm the latest requirements through official portals such as the Dubai Land Department, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security , or Abu Dhabi Residents Office before committing to a purchase.
Family sponsorship:
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and even domestic staff — with no age limit for sons or daughters. However, each dependent requires separate documentation such as attested marriage or birth certificates and proof of relationship.
Why Use a Specialist Like Golden Visa UAE?
At Golden Visa UAE, we guide investors through every step of the property-linked Golden Visa process — from choosing qualifying real estate to handling title deeds, valuations, and visa submissions. Our goal is to simplify the process, ensure compliance, and help you make informed investment decisions with confidence.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
So, can foreigners get Golden Visa in UAE by buying apartment? Yes — if your property investment meets the AED 2 million threshold, is properly documented, and follows official application steps through the UAE’s authorized portals.
If you’re planning to buy property for residency, start with a free eligibility review from Golden Visa UAE — we’ll assess your investment and help you apply the right way.
Recommended Articles:
How to Apply for Property Investor Family Visa in the UAE
How Much Deposit Is Required for Golden Visa? — 2025 Clarified
How Long Does Golden Visa Approval Take? — A Realistic 2025 Timeline
