The UAE no longer requires investors to pay 50% of a property's price before applying for the Golden Visa. Since February 2026, the application is based on the property's value instead of the amount already paid. If the property is worth AED 2 million or more according to the Dubai Land Department, the investor can apply — including for mortgaged and off-plan properties.
Previously, mortgage buyers had to pay at least 50% of a property's price (or AED 1 million) before they could apply for the Golden Visa. This blocked many people who used standard mortgages with smaller 20–25% deposits. Since February 2026, that rule is gone.
Now it's much simpler: if the property is valued at AED 2 million or more by the Dubai Land Department, the investor can apply. The financing setup doesn't matter anymore. For mortgaged properties, a bank No Objection Certificate (NOC) is still required, along with the title deed.
For example, an investor who bought a property worth AED 2.5 million with a 25% down payment (AED 625,000) can now apply for the Golden Visa immediately. Under the old rules, they would have needed to pay AED 1.25 million first.
All other Golden Visa conditions remain unchanged. The visa is valid for 10 years and renewable. Holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and dependent parents. There is no minimum stay requirement — the residency stays valid even if the holder spends most of the year outside the UAE.
For investors, this update makes the Golden Visa easier to access alongside standard mortgage financing, without needing to wait or increase upfront payments to qualify.