The UAE continues to attract global investors with its strong economy, modern infrastructure, and high standard of living. Many explore property investment citizenship, seeking to build a long-term presence in the Emirates through real estate.

While UAE citizenship by investment in property is not currently available, the country offers something equally rewarding through residency by property ownership.

This initiative allows investors to live, work, and enjoy the privileges of UAE residency while benefiting from a tax-free environment and stable property market. The combination of lifestyle appeal and financial opportunity makes the UAE one of the most sought-after destinations for real estate investors.

In this guide, we explore how property ownership can secure long-term residency, the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the key advantages of investing in UAE property.

Types Of Property Visas In The UAE

The government offers several real estate–linked visa options designed to attract serious investors seeking stability, lifestyle, and growth potential. These visas serve as a bridge for those who want the benefits of UAE citizenship by property investment—such as the right to live, work, and manage assets locally—without changing nationality.
Each visa type varies in duration, eligibility requirements, and investment thresholds, offering flexibility for different investor profiles. Here are the types of property visas offered

1. 10-Year Golden Visa

The 10-Year Golden Visa is the UAE’s most prestigious long-term residency program for property investors. Designed for individuals who own property worth AED 2 million or more, it offers stability, flexibility, and the right to live, work, and invest in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor.
This visa represents one of the strongest pathways to long-term residency for those exploring property investment citizenship opportunities in the Emirates.

If you are considering UAE citizenship by investment in property, this visa offers many of the same lifestyle and financial benefits—without the complexities of nationality change. Holders can sponsor family members, access premium healthcare and education, and enjoy the UAE’s thriving, tax-free economy.

Documents Required for UAE Residents
To apply for the 10-Year Golden Visa as a UAE resident, you will need the following documents:

• Title Deed, Oqood, or Initial Contract of Sale: proving property ownership worth at least AED 2 million. This is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and serves as the legal proof of ownership. Residents can also upload their deed to the Prosper platform to access personalized dashboards with ROI tracking, rental income insights, and property performance data.

• Valid Passport: with at least six months of validity for identification and verification.

• Emirates ID: (if applicable), which is the official identification card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

• High-Quality Digital Photograph: that meets the ICP photo guidelines for visa processing.

• National ID: (required for citizens of Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan).

• Health Insurance: issued by a licensed UAE insurance provider. As per GDRFA regulations, medical insurance is mandatory for all residence permit applications and usually costs between AED 2,000 and AED 10,000 annually, depending on coverage.

You can consult with Prosper’s mortgage partner, My Mortgage, to purchase property worth AED 2 million with a minimum downpayment, making you eligible for the 10-Year Golden Visa while maintaining liquidity.

Documents Required for Non-Residents
If you are applying for the 10-Year Golden Visa as a non-resident real estate investor, you will need:

• Valid Passport Copy: minimum six months validity).
• Proof of Property Ownership: with a total value of at least AED 2 million. Acceptable documents include a Warranty Deed, Sales Deed, Title Register, or Certificate of Title, all issued by the respective land department.

These documents confirm legal ownership and are mandatory for all property-linked visa applications, including the 5-Year Retirement Visa and 2-Year Investor Visa.

Prosper’s expert team can guide non-residents through every step of this process, from verifying property eligibility to coordinating documentation and application submissions.

Note: Requirements may differ slightly for married couples or family members sponsored under a single application.

2. 5-Year Retirement Visa

This residency option allows eligible investors aged 55 or older to apply for a renewable five-year visa through real estate ownership, representing one of the most practical pathways tied to property investment citizenship concepts in the UAE.

While it is not the same as UAE citizenship by investment in property, it offers long-term residency linked to real estate. Holding a fully-paid property in Dubai valued at AED 1 million or more (or certain alternative financial criteria) is a key route.

This visa is ideal for investors focused on lifestyle, stability and long-term residency in the UAE rather than nationality.

Documents Required for UAE Residents

• Title Deed, Oqood or Initial Contract of Sale: Proves ownership of property in Dubai valued at a minimum of AED 1 million.
• Clear Passport Copy (valid for more than 6 months): Verifies identity and nationality.
• Emirates ID (if applicable): The resident identity card issued by ICP, required if you hold one.
• High-quality Applicant Photo: Must meet ICP photo specifications.
• National ID (for applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya or Afghanistan): Additional ID requirement for specific nationalities.
• Health Insurance Policy: Must cover applicants (and family) with a licensed UAE provider.
• Applicant Age Proof (55+): Demonstrates eligibility age criterion.
• Evaluation Certificate (if applicable): Confirms market value of property meets AED 1 million threshold.
• Joint Ownership Documentation (if applicable): If property is jointly held, the applicant's share must meet value requirements.

Documents Required for Non-Residents

• Valid Passport Copy: Minimum six-month validity required to start the process.
• Title Deed or Equivalent Ownership Document: Shows property in Dubai with a value of at least AED 1 million (or paid value if mortgaged).
• Applicant Age Proof (55+): Confirms applicant meets age eligibility.
• Health Insurance Policy: Coverage from a UAE-licensed insurer is mandatory.
• High-quality Applicant Photo: Complying with ICP photo rules.
• National ID (for certain nationalities): Applicable to applicants from specified countries.

3. 2-Year Property Investor Visa

The 2-Year Property Investor Visa is a renewable residence option for buyers who own Dubai real estate valued at AED 750,000 or more. It’s a practical path for investors who are exploring property investment citizenship ideas without changing nationality.

While UAE citizenship by property investment is not offered, this visa grants you the right to live, work, and manage assets locally—an accessible on-ramp for those testing the market before pursuing longer terms.

Documents required for UAE residents

• Title Deed / Oqood / Initial Contract of Sale (≥ AED 750,000): Legal proof from DLD that you own qualifying property in Dubai.
• Passport (6+ months validity): Confirms identity and nationality for residence issuance.
• Old Emirates ID (if applicable): Links your existing resident record to the new visa.
• ICP-compliant digital photo: Meets immigration photo standards for card and visa printing.
• Health insurance (UAE insurer): Mandatory under GDRFA to activate and renew residency.
• Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate (addressed to DLD): Background clearance; residents request via Dubai Police app.
• National ID (for specific nationalities): Additional identity check for applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan.
• Mortgage evidence (if financed): Initial sale certificate for developer finance, plus proof you’ve paid ≥ 50% of value (or AED 375,000) when completed.
• Name match on title deed: Your name must exactly match your passport to avoid processing delays.

You can also sponsor your family with this visa. To keep everything on track, upload your deed to Prosper to automate lease renewals, get expiry reminders, and track tenant contracts—so no renewals are missed.

Documents required for non-residents

• Passport (6+ months validity): Primary travel and identity document for entry permit issuance.
• Proof of ownership (Title Deed / Sales Deed / Title Register / Certificate of Title ≥ AED 750,000): Land-department documents confirming you legally own qualifying Dubai property.
• Bank/Developer NOC & payment statement (if mortgaged): Confirms lender consent and proves ≥ 50% paid (or AED 375,000) on completed units.
• ICP-compliant digital photo: Required for residence file creation and Emirates ID after arrival.
• Health insurance (UAE-accepted policy): Must be in place to complete medical/residence stamping once you enter the UAE.
• Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate (addressed to DLD): Obtainable at Port Rashid for non-residents during processing.
• National ID (for specific nationalities): Additional ID check for applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan.
• Entry permit & in-country medical/biometrics (after approval): You’ll enter on a visa permit, complete medical fitness and Emirates ID biometrics to finalize residence.
• While UAE citizenship by investment in property is not available, this two-year route gives you practical residency and a base to scale your portfolio.

Family and joint cases: Requirements can differ for married couples, joint title deeds, and family sponsorship (e.g., equal shares, spouse as primary vs. dependent). If you’re applying as a couple or planning to sponsor dependents, ask Prosper Relationship Managers for the latest joint-ownership and family-sponsorship rules or check the relevant authority links for current guidance.

Eligibility for Property Visas in the UAE

While the UAE doesn’t yet offer property investment citizenship, investors can still enjoy long-term residency through property ownership. Each visa type has clear financial and ownership conditions designed to attract stable, qualified investors.

1. 10-Year Golden Visa

• Property value: Must own one or more freehold or leasehold properties in Dubai with a total market value of at least AED 2 million.
• Off-plan properties: At least 20% of the property value plus 4% DLD fee must be paid before applying.
• Mortgaged property: Requires a bank or developer statement and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming payment and approval.
• Physical presence: The applicant must be physically present in the UAE at the time of application.
• Joint ownership: Spouses can co-own a property. If the total value is under AED 4 million, only one can apply as the main visa holder and sponsor the other.
• Verification: The name on the Title Deed must match the passport exactly.

The Golden Visa is often chosen by those exploring UAE citizenship by property investment for its long-term residency and stability.

2. 5-Year Retirement Visa

• Age requirement: The applicant must be at least 55 years old.
• Financial criteria: Must meet one of the following:

1. Annual income of AED 180,000 (AED 15,000/month)
2. AED 1 million fixed deposit for three years
3. Property worth AED 1 million

• Ownership condition: Property must be located in Dubai and officially registered under the applicant’s name.

This visa allows retirees to enjoy a secure and high-quality lifestyle without seeking UAE citizenship by investment in property, while Prosper helps assess eligibility instantly through your uploaded Title Deed.

3. 2-Year Investor Visa

• Property value: Must own a property in Dubai worth at least AED 750,000 (other emirates and DIFC are not eligible).
• Completed property: Must have paid at least 50% of the total property value (minimum AED 375,000).
• Mortgaged property: Requires a bank or developer NOC and a mortgage statement showing payment progress.
• Under payment plan: Must provide an Initial Sale Certificate as proof of ownership.
• Joint ownership: Allowed between spouses if the shares are equal. If unequal, the higher shareholder becomes the main visa holder and can sponsor their spouse.

The 2-Year Visa provides a convenient entry point for investors seeking long-term residency or future property investment citizenship opportunities in the UAE.

Benefits of Property Visas in the UAE

The UAE’s property-linked residency programs offer investors a range of advantages that go far beyond simple ownership. While property investment citizenship is not yet available, these visas provide many of the same rewards — long-term stability, access to global markets, and an elevated quality of life.

1. Long-Term Residency and Security

Property visas grant residency for two, five, or ten years, depending on investment value. They can be renewed indefinitely, giving investors and their families the freedom to live and invest confidently in the UAE. It’s a stable alternative to UAE citizenship by property investment, combining security with flexibility.

2. Family Sponsorship

Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children, and in some cases domestic staff, ensuring the whole family benefits from residency privileges. This makes the UAE an ideal home base for global citizens who want to live together in one of the world’s safest and most connected environments.

3. Access to Business and Investment Opportunities

A property visa opens doors to banking, entrepreneurship, and property management opportunities that non-residents cannot access. Holders can open business accounts, register companies, and build portfolios — a clear advantage for those exploring UAE citizenship by investment in property pathways in the future.

4. Tax-Free Lifestyle and Financial Freedom

Residents enjoy zero income tax, no capital gains tax, and minimal property taxes. This financial advantage enhances ROI and allows investors to reinvest or expand their portfolios freely — a key reason why Dubai remains a top destination for real estate wealth growth.

5. World-Class Living Standards

From world-leading healthcare and education to modern infrastructure and leisure amenities, the UAE consistently ranks high in global quality-of-life indexes. Investors don’t just gain residency; they gain access to a forward-thinking, cosmopolitan lifestyle that blends comfort with opportunity.

6. Gateway to Global Mobility

Residency status makes travel, business expansion, and cross-border operations easier, providing a trusted legal base in a region that connects East and West. It strengthens investors’ global footprint while offering peace of mind and financial stability.

Start Your Property Ownership Journey Today

While the UAE doesn’t currently offer property investment citizenship, its residency programs through real estate ownership provide nearly all the same benefits — stability, financial freedom, and the ability to call one of the world’s most dynamic nations home.

From the 10-Year Golden Visa to shorter-term options like the Retirement and Investor Visas, property ownership in Dubai opens doors to a secure and prosperous future.

For investors exploring UAE residency by property investment or seeking long-term opportunities, platforms like Prosper simplify every step of the process. From property experts to help you narrow down properties yielding the highest ROI, to mortgage professionals who streamline your property financing, Prosper ensures you have a seamless property ownership experience.

Additionally, Prosper’s smart dashboard helps property owners track financing details, monitor appreciation, and even spot reinvestment opportunities. Secure document storage and automated syncing mean your contracts, payments, and tenant history are always accessible.

Consult with our property experts now to explore ideal property visa investment for you.