Off-Plan Property & 10-Year Golden Visa

Invest AED 2 million in qualifying off-plan property and secure ten years of renewable UAE residency with no employer sponsorship or minimum stay requirement. This remains one of the most accessible pathways to long-term residency in the Emirates—and the deal survived the April 2026 rule changes untouched.

The landmark shift came in February 2026. The UAE government removed the 50% payment threshold entirely, opening the Golden Visa to thousands of off-plan investors who were previously excluded. Since the 2026 rule change, mortgaged and off-plan property both qualify for the AED 2 million route, provided the certified valuation reaches that figure. What matters now is the total purchase price, not how much you've paid upfront.

Off-plan eligibility has exploded investor interest. 84 per cent of global investors now rate Dubai as a more attractive destination for off-plan investment than rival global markets, with off-plan properties accounting for 71 per cent of all deals in the first half of 2026. Off-plan transactions dominated real estate sales in early 2026, driven by investor demand, flexible payment incentives, and growing mortgage integration—with most buyers being overseas investors.

Off-plan properties purchased from approved developers may qualify under the Golden Visa program, increasingly attractive because many investors enter projects during early launch phases when prices are lower. Sobha Siniya Island exemplifies this trend. Since the project is priced above AED 2 million, residents of Sobha Siniya Island at Umm Al Quwain are eligible to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa.

The mechanics are straightforward. The only conditions are that the purchase price is at least AED 2,000,000, the property is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and you hold a valid Oqood certificate. For off-plan, a property from a RERA-registered developer counts, and your Oqood registration is your proof. In 2026, most UAE Golden Visa property applications were for off-plan units.

Beyond residency, the Golden Visa allows investors and their families (spouse and children) to reside in the UAE, enjoy access to education and healthcare, and have the freedom to live and work in the country without the need for a local sponsor. Combined with Dubai's average property prices rising 9 per cent during the first half of 2026, and apartment rental yields holding at approximately 7%, making Dubai one of the top cities globally for real estate returns, the investment case is compelling.