Dubai’s Golden Visa program has gained popularity among foreign investors as it provides long-term residency in exchange for investments made in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE golden visa was made even more available in 2025 by the government, especially for real estate investors, with the implementation of new regulations.
With new eligibility criteria, easier payment options, and the inclusion of off-plan properties, the Golden Visa provides a unique opportunity for investors to secure a 10-year residency.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
Foreign businesspeople, investors, and talented professionals can live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates for five or ten years under the UAE Golden Visa program.
It has a positive effect on the real estate industry by promoting long-term real estate investments and raising demand from wealthy people looking for stable homes.
UAE Golden Visa New Rules 2025
In 2025, the UAE introduced several major updates to its Golden Visa program, especially favouring property investors and residents.
The purpose of these new regulations is to streamline the application procedure, increase eligibility, and facilitate long-term residency for a larger group of individuals, including those who finance or purchase off-plan properties.
This is a summary of the most recent advancements and how you can take use of them.
1. The New AI Platform ‘Salama’ Allows You to Renew Your Dubai Residential Status Online
Residents can now renew or cancel their visas online with “Salama,” a new AI-powered platform introduced by the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Both normal and Golden Visa renewals fall under this category. Salama contributes to the UAE’s efforts to digitize public services and provide citizens with a more effective experience.
Because of its connections to other government organizations, the system can:
- Verify information in real-time
- Automate approvals for faster processing
- Eliminate the need for physical visits to service centres
With Salama, residents can easily manage their visa applications from their homes, thus saving time and reducing paperwork.
2. Minimum Down Payment Eliminated
The removal of the minimum 50% down payment requirement for real estate investors applying for the Golden Visa.
Previously, buyers were required to pay at least AED 1 million upfront if the property value was AED 2 million or more. This condition has now been scrapped.
As a result, investors can apply for the UAE Golden Visa 2025 even if they:
- Have made a smaller down payment
- Are purchasing property through a payment plan
- Are still in the process of repaying a mortgage
The only condition that remains is that the total property value must be AED 2 million or higher.
3. Buy Real Estate to Qualify for the Golden Visa
Real estate continues to be the most straightforward path among all the categories qualifying for the UAE Golden Visa. Investors can get a 10-year resident visa without a local sponsor as long as the property satisfies the minimum valuation criterion.
The primary benefits include:
- The candidate and their family’s residency
- Living, working, and studying in the United Arab Emirates
- The choice to pay for domestic assistance
It’s also crucial to remember that you can only apply if your property is worth at least AED 2 million.
4. Mortgage Option Now Available for Golden Visa
In 2025, mortgaged residences are now eligible for the Golden Visa, which is another significant change. Investors used to have to hold off until they had settled at least half of their real estate loan. That’s no longer the case.
Now, you can apply for the Golden Visa even if:
- Your property is under mortgage
- You’ve made just a 20% down payment
- You’re still in the early stages of repayment
This update is especially helpful for first-time purchasers and salaried people who are using bank finance to invest in UAE real estate or who prefer structured payments.
5. Off-Plan Properties Are Now Eligible for Golden Visa
Golden Visa applications are now accepted for off-plan properties (those still in construction) in addition to completed units. The application can move forward as long as the buyer has paid at least 50% of the purchase price and the property is worth at least AED 2 million.
This modification has a big benefit for:
- Investors buying recently announced projects
- Buyers who wish to get residency prior to the transfer of ownership
- Foreigners who would rather purchase directly from developers
Additionally, it helps developers draw in more foreign purchasers by linking early-stage investments to long-term residency.
UAE Golden Visa Benefits for the Real Estate Industry
The UAE Golden Visa offers many attractive benefits for investors and residents in the real estate sector.
These benefits not only make long-term residency more accessible but also improve opportunities for property investment. Below are some of the key advantages:
1. Long-Term Residency
Holders of the Golden Visa Dubai are permitted to live in the United Arab Emirates for an extended period of time, usually ten years or longer.
This eliminates the need for regular visa renewals, allowing investors and property owners to reside in this country.
Long-term residence makes it simpler to build both personal and business relationships in the UAE by offering stability and the assurance to make future plans.
2. Family Sponsorship
The Golden Visa’s family sponsorship option is one of its most notable characteristics. In the UAE, holders are permitted to live with their spouses, kids, and even domestic help.
This support promotes stable living conditions and keeps families together. Individual members who would otherwise require separate visas also have less administrative work to do.
3. Access to Property Investment Opportunities
The UAE Golden Visa 2025 provides access to a variety of real estate investment options in one of the most vibrant real estate markets globally.
In addition to investing in houses for future resale or rental revenue, investors can buy properties for their own use.
The visa is intended to attract international investment and establish a competitive market for commercial and residential real estate.
4. No Minimum Stay Requirement
Unlike many other residency permits that require you to live in the country for a certain period each year, the Golden Visa Dubai does not have a minimum stay requirement.
This flexibility is ideal for investors and high-net-worth individuals who may travel frequently or have commitments in different parts of the world.
It allows you to enjoy the benefits of residing in the UAE without the need to be physically present at all times.
5. Eligibility for Off-Plan Properties
Off-plan properties are now covered by the Golden Visa in addition to completed ones. This implies that you can still be eligible for the visa even if you purchase a property that is still under construction.
Off-plan real estate purchases frequently have appealing prices and room for expansion.
Investors can benefit from early-stage innovations in the rapidly expanding UAE real estate industry while obtaining permanent resident status.
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Conclusion
The UAE Golden Visa 2025 is the start of a new era in real estate. Along with long-term residency and family sponsorship, it offers the chance to invest in both ready and off-plan properties without any strict criteria.
This initiative promotes steady growth in the real estate market in addition to increasing investor trust.
At Nouba Real Estate, we guide investors through these opportunities and make it simpler to obtain long-term benefits in this market.
