The Golden Visa Real Estate Route: What GDRFA Dubai Actually Requires

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai publishes the official criteria for a Golden Residence permit issued through real estate investment. The core requirement is ownership of one or more properties with a value of no less than AED 2,000,000, with the property's valuation certified by the Dubai Land Department or a DLD-licensed valuation office.

All property types qualify, including mortgaged properties and jointly owned shares, provided each investor's share is valued at a minimum of AED 2,000,000. A lien is placed on the property to ensure continuity of ownership for the duration of the residency, and the property cannot be disposed of during the 10-year period.

The permit is valid for 10 years and may be extended provided the same conditions continue to be met. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate the ability to support themselves and their family without government assistance.

The published application fee is AED 1,100, plus a AED 10 Knowledge Dirham fee, a AED 10 Innovation Dirham fee and a AED 500 domestic fee. GDRFA states a processing time of 5 working days.