This is the single question we're asked most often by prospective buyers from the UK and Europe: if I buy property here, can I get the 10-year Golden Visa? Following the UAE's April 2026 rule changes, the answer has become slightly more nuanced — so here's exactly where things stand.
What Stayed The Same
The headline route is unchanged: buy UAE property (or a combination of properties) worth at least AED 2 million and you qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, renewable indefinitely, with no requirement to be employed or to run a business in the UAE. This is still the only Golden Visa category that offers a 10-year renewable permit on that basis alone, which is precisely what makes it attractive to our clients buying as an investment rather than relocating for work.
What Changed In April 2026
The AED 2 million threshold for the 10-year visa survived the April 2026 reforms untouched. What did change sits one tier down: the UAE removed the previous AED 750,000 minimum for the shorter, renewable 2-year investor visa. In effect, this created a two-tier system — a lower, more accessible entry point into UAE residency through property ownership at one level, and the long-established AED 2 million threshold still gating the full 10-year Golden Visa at the other. Buyers should be clear on which tier a given property purchase is actually taking them into before making a decision based on residency alone.
The Practical Details That Trip People Up
Can a mortgaged property count toward the AED 2m? Yes — provided you obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the lending bank confirming the paid-up value or loan status.
Does an off-plan property qualify before I have the title deed? Yes — off-plan purchases qualify for the property route even ahead of title deed issuance.
Can I combine two or more smaller properties to reach AED 2m? Yes — multiple properties can be combined, as long as their combined value meets the threshold.
How long does the Emirates ID take once I'm approved? Typically around 10 business days after completing the medical test and biometrics.
None of this is legal advice, and visa rules are set and amended by the UAE federal authorities, not by estate agents — always confirm current requirements and your own eligibility with a licensed immigration adviser or directly with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or ICP before making a purchase decision on this basis.
Key Stats To Call Out Visually
| Stat | Label |
|---|---|
| AED 2m | Property threshold for the 10-year Golden Visa |
| 10 years | Renewable — no job or business required |
| ~10 days | Emirates ID after medical and biometrics |
“Be clear on which tier a given purchase actually takes you into before making a decision based on residency alone.”
Working out your own route to the AED 2m threshold? Our team can talk through which properties, or combinations of properties, line up with the Golden Visa criteria.
Sources
- VisaHQ News (12 May 2026)