Dubai: The update, announced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through its Cube platform, marks a major change to the two-year property-linked residency visa framework. Previously, individual buyers were required to invest at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the new rules, sole property owners can now apply for the visa regardless of the property’s value, provided ownership is clearly registered.
According to the DLD Cube platform, “If you are the sole owner of a property in Dubai, you can apply for the 2-year residence visa with no minimum property value requirement.” The revision effectively lowers the entry barrier, opening the market to smaller investors and lower-budget property purchases that were previously ineligible.
However, for jointly owned properties, authorities have introduced a stricter framework. Each investor must now hold a minimum share of Dh400,000 in the asset to qualify for the visa. This applies even in equal ownership arrangements, ensuring that each stakeholder independently meets the eligibility threshold.
The DLD clarified, “If the property is jointly owned, each owner must hold a minimum share of Dh400,000 to be eligible.” The measure is designed to prevent investors from splitting ownership into smaller fractions to bypass minimum investment requirements, thereby maintaining a baseline level of financial commitment.
The changes come as the UAE continues to streamline its residency system under a unified digital framework managed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the DLD. As of 2026, the property-linked visa structure is divided into three key categories.
The 10-year Golden Visa requires a minimum property investment of Dh2 million and now includes off-plan and mortgaged properties, with no minimum stay requirement outside the UAE. Meanwhile, the updated two-year investor visa caters to entry-level buyers with greater flexibility following the removal of the minimum value threshold for sole ownership.
Additionally, a five-year retiree visa is available for individuals aged 55 and above, requiring a minimum Dh1 million in fully paid property or alternative financial criteria.
In a related move earlier this year, authorities also removed the Dh1 million upfront payment requirement for Golden Visa eligibility. This allows investors to qualify based on the total property value recorded in title deeds or Oqood contracts, further easing access to long-term residency.
Dubai’s latest policy adjustment reflects its ongoing efforts to align property visa rules with evolving market conditions and intensifying global competition among real estate hubs. By expanding access for solo investors while tightening controls on joint ownership, the emirate aims to stimulate demand across lower- and mid-tier property segments.