Dubai has streamlined its property visa process. GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Land Department have signed an MOU to combine three residency routes — the Golden Visa, Retirement Visa, and 2-year Property Residency — into one application channel. The requirements stay the same; the process is now simpler.
Previously, applicants had to deal with two separate authorities. Property verification was handled by the Dubai Land Department, while visa processing went through GDRFA, often requiring duplicate submissions and causing delays. Under the new system, property data is transferred directly between the two, so applicants submit documents once while checks run in the background.
The agreement was signed on 11 April 2026 by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department. The move is part of Dubai's broader effort to simplify government services for investors.
Eligibility rules and investment thresholds remain the same. The Golden Visa requires property worth at least AED 2,000,000. The Retirement Visa requires AED 1,000,000 and is available to applicants aged 55 and above. The 2-year Property Residency has no minimum value for sole owners. All options allow holders to sponsor family members.
Property Visa Options in Dubai
Here's a quick overview of the three residency pathways now processed through the unified GDRFA platform.
| Visa type | Duration | Minimum property value | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Residency | 2 years | No minimum (sole ownership) | Completed freehold only. Off-plan qualifies after handover. Joint owners (non-family) need AED 400,000 per share. |
| Retirement Visa | 5 years | AED 1,000,000 | Age 55 or older. Property must be fully paid. Other financial criteria also apply. |
| Golden Residency | 10 years | AED 2,000,000 | Off-plan and mortgaged properties qualify. No minimum stay outside the UAE. |
For the Golden Visa, both off-plan and mortgaged properties qualify if the Dubai Land Department valuation meets AED 2,000,000. For the 2-year Property Residency, a title deed is required, meaning off-plan units qualify only after handover.