The UAE is becoming one of the most sought-after places in the world for property investors who are searching for a home, a stable lifestyle, and global mobility. On April 29, 2026, the Dubai Land Department reshaped one of the country’s most popular residency options, the 2-Year Property Investor Visa, reopening the program and making it more accessible and flexible than ever before.
The main news is No minimum property value required for single property owners.
Now that investors can get UAE residency by buying a completed residential property of any value, 2026 is a historic year for buyers seeking a real estate investment and long-term residence in the UAE. This is a detailed guide from Golden Visa UAE that covers everything you need to know, from eligibility and new laws to documentation, costs, application steps, and how this change opens the door for thousands of new investors who were previously barred from UAE residency via real estate.
The 29 April 2026 DLD Big Announcement: A major change in policy for people who invest in real estate
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) officially removed the minimum property value requirement of AED 750,000 for the 2-year Investor Residence Visa on April 29, 2026. Owners of any value of completed residential units may now apply for the 2-year Investor Residence Visa.
The primary changes are the elimination of the minimum threshold for sole owners and the introduction of a new minimum share requirement of AED 400,000 for jointly owned properties.
The facelift is designed to attract more foreign investors, support the real estate industry, and encourage people to stay in the UAE for a long time. Any person who owns a completed flat in Dubai, no matter how much they paid for it, can now apply for a two-year UAE residence pass that can be renewed.
Instead of a strict amount of money, residency is now connected to the fact that you own the property. The biggest difference in the property investor visa program since 2009 is that it’s now easier for more individuals to get them.
Old Vs New Rules
| Old Rule (Pre-April 2026) | New Rule (Post-April 2026) |
| Minimum property value: AED 750,000 | No minimum value for sole owners |
| Joint owners: collective AED 750,000 | Each owner must hold AED 400,000+ share |
| Off-plan properties not accepted | Off-plan still not accepted |
| 2-year renewable permit | 2-year renewable permit (unchanged) |
| Completed residential property only | Completed residential property only |
Why Does This Update Matter?
Before April 2026, the AED 750,000 limit made it difficult to get a visa. It didn’t matter how long they had owned the houses, one-bedroom apartments, or homes in new areas like Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, International City, and Dubailand or how much they wanted to live there. The owners were not allowed to move in. Now they can apply.
The new rules make the visa program simpler and more in accordance with how the market works. The DLD is opening the doors not only to high-net-worth individuals but also to mid-market buyers and long-term residents, enabling them to officially establish their residence in the UAE through increased access.
2026 Update: New Strategies for Eligibility
The Dubai Land Department has introduced new regulations that make the 2-Year Property Investor Visa more accessible than before.
- For sole owners, there is no minimum property worth; the AED 750,000 threshold has been removed.
- Each joint owner must be eligible; their share value must be at least AED 400,000. For example, if two people possess a property worth AED 900,000 and each owns AED 450,000, they both qualify, but if two people own AED 350,000 each, they do not qualify.
*Off-plan properties are still not eligible for this; completed residential units are authorized. - The property has to be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). DIFC and other Emirati documents are not allowed.
- An NOC from the Bank for Properties on the Mortgage would be accepted.
- As long as ownership is maintained, the visa may be renewed every 2 years.
Documents Required for a 2-Year Investor Visa (2026 Checklist)
The following documents are required to apply for a two-year property investor visa in Dubai:
- Property title deed in Dubai (properties issued from other emirates or DIFC will not be accepted).
- Liability/No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank if the property is mortgaged, or a payment statement from the developer if the property is developer-financed.
- Valid passport (minimum six months remaining validity)
- Old Emirates ID (if applicable)
- A high-quality digital picture of the applicant, according to the ICP specifications.
- Valid UAE health insurance from any UAE-regulated insurance carrier (DHA basic or comprehensive coverage acceptable).
- Dubai Police Certificate of excellent conduct and behavior delivered to the Dubai Land Department. Residents may apply via the Dubai Police smartphone app, but non-residents must visit the Dubai Police station at Port Rashid.
- A national ID is required for candidates from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan.
Note: The applicant’s name must match perfectly on all provided papers, including the passport. According to GDRFA rules, medical insurance is required for all residence permit applicants.
How Much Does the 2-Year Property Investor Visa Cost in 2026?
Government and service fees are listed as follows:
- The 2-year property investor visa fees are approximately AED 10,000 to AED 12,500
- Renewal of a 2-year property investor visa is almost AED 8,215.00
The entire cost generally includes the basic DLD application, trustee costs, and the title deed issue, with a transfer charge of 4% of the property value.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The revised 2026 requirements make it relatively simple to apply for the 2-year property investor visa:
- Prepare the documents: Submit your title deed, passport, photo, health insurance, and Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate to DLD.
- Visit the DLD service center: Apply in person at the Al Manara facility. No agents accepted, no power of attorney.
- Document verification & fee payment: DLD staff check property ownership and authenticity before you pay the relevant fees via card, bank transfer, or cash.
- Medical fitness exam: Get the required blood test and chest X-ray done at the service center or partner facility. The results are generally available the same day.
- Biometrics & Emirates ID: Scan your picture and fingerprints for your Emirates ID. New applicants will be issued a new card, and existing cardholders will get an update.
- Visa issuance: The residence permit will be issued to you online within 7-15 working days from the date of a complete application.
Once approved, you may sponsor your spouse and children immediately on the same permit.
FAQs
Can I get a 2-year visa for off-plan property?
No. The 2-year investor visa is for completed and handed-over residential units only. Off-plan homes can be eligible for the Golden Visa individually, provided the necessary documents are submitted.
Does the property have to be free of mortgages?
No, mortgaged homes are acceptable as long as you show a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank that gave you the money and the mortgage statement.
Can I sponsor my family on this visa?
Yes. You can sponsor your partner and children for two years, but there are different fees for each dependent.
Does the house have to be in Dubai?
For this particular program administered by DLD, yes. This plan doesn’t accept title papers from other Emirates or the DIFC.
Is the visa extendable?
Yes. You can renew the investor visa by property every 2 years, provided you keep the qualified property.
Final Thoughts
The update on 29 April 2026 is more than a regulation adjustment; it is an open invitation. “The UAE is sending a clear message that real estate residency should not be limited by irrelevant price floors. Instead, it should be earned through real investment, no matter how small the starting point.
The UAE has made it easier than ever to get residence, with no minimum property worth for single owners and flexible regulations for joint ownership.
Global investors seeking a better way of life, security, and opportunities can now begin the process of becoming residents of the UAE by completing a residential property investment.
Our Golden Visa UAE specialists are experts in finding the visa route that meets investors’ objectives, budget, and timeframe. Document preparation, DLD filing, or family sponsorship: we take care of the paperwork so you can concentrate on the greater picture, making a life in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
Ready to apply under the new 2026 rules? Contact Golden Visa UAE now for a free eligibility evaluation.
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