The UAE has recently abolished the previous AED 1 million ($272,294) minimum downpayment requirement for obtaining a golden visa through real estate investments.
Under the revised regulations, investors are now required to acquire real estate valued at AED 2 million or more to qualify for the 10-year renewable residency scheme introduced in 2019.
Previously, for properties purchased through mortgage or installment plans, a minimum payment of AED 1 million or 50 percent of the property’s value had to be made to the bank or developer to be eligible for the golden visa application.
This significant policy shift is in line with the UAE government’s efforts to make the visa policy more adaptable, allowing investors greater flexibility in their long-term commitments. Historically, the UAE offered employment-tied visas with limited validity, making it challenging for many to engage in sustained investments within the country.
These changes align with the government’s broader economic reforms aimed at diversifying from oil, offering extended residencies to specific categories of investors, students, and professionals. This expansion of the visa program coincides with heightened economic competition, particularly with neighboring Saudi Arabia, which has also introduced new residency incentives to attract skilled workers and investors.
