#1 Dubai Golden Visa MASTER GUIDE (2025) | Hidden Tricks & Facts
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If you want to secure the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa through real estate, you have come to the right place. This guide is the most comprehensive resource you will find online. It does not just cover the basic process, but every detail you need to know. We have also included answers to frequently asked questions and even questions you probably never thought about. By the end of this article, you will feel like an expert.
If you want our assistance to make this process smooth and stress-free, book a call with us at GenZone. We specialize in helping investors like you find the right property and complete the Golden Visa process from start to finish. We know every step and have already helped hundreds of clients successfully relocate and invest in Dubai.
Why the UAE Golden Visa is So Popular
Before we get into the process, let’s quickly understand why so many people are interested in this visa. The Golden Visa gives you a 10-year residency in the UAE. You can live, work, start a business, and sponsor your family without the restrictions of an employment visa. It also provides security and flexibility, making it ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone looking to make Dubai their home.
Now let’s dive into the process.
Two Ways to Get the Golden Visa Through Real Estate
There are two main ways to qualify for the Golden Visa through property investment:
Buying a Ready Property
Buying an Off-Plan Property
Both options allow you to apply for the visa, but the process differs slightly. Let’s go through each in detail.
The Off-Plan Property Process
Buying an off-plan property means you are purchasing a property that is still under construction. This is a popular option because it often requires a lower initial payment compared to ready properties.
Here are the steps:
1. Choose Your Property and Make the Initial Payment
You need to pay at least 20% of the property value, plus 4% DLD (Dubai Land Department) fee. This brings your total initial payment to around 24%. Once you make this payment, you will receive an Oqood, which is an Arabic term for a pre-title deed.
2. Wait for the Oqood to Be Issued
It usually takes 30 to 60 business days for the Oqood to be issued after payment. This document is essential because you cannot apply for the Golden Visa without it.
3. Apply for Pre-Approval
Once you have the Oqood, the next step is getting pre-approval for your Golden Visa. This usually takes about one week. To apply, you will need the following documents:
Passport copy
Recent photo (shoulders included, visa-size)
Proof of payment (statement of account showing you paid 20%)
Oqood document
4. Complete Medical and Biometrics
After pre-approval, you need to visit Dubai to complete your medical tests and biometrics. The medical check includes a blood test and a chest X-ray.
5. Receive Your Emirates ID
Once your residency is approved, you will receive your Emirates ID within two weeks. After that, you can proceed with banking.
6. Open a Bank Account
With your Emirates ID, opening a bank account takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your cards in two to three business days.
If you plan to sponsor your family, you can begin that process right after you receive your Emirates ID.
Timeline for Off-Plan Property
From start to finish, the process usually takes 8 to 12 weeks.
The Ready Property Process
If you buy a ready property, the process is faster because you receive the title deed immediately.
Here are the steps:
Purchase the property and make the payment
Receive the title deed within 20 minutes at the trustee office
Apply for pre-approval using the title deed
Complete medical and biometrics
Get Emirates ID and open a bank account
The timeline for ready properties is usually 4 weeks. This is the fastest way to get your Golden Visa through real estate.
Key Differences Between Off-Plan and Ready Properties
Oqood vs. Title Deed: Off-plan properties give you an Oqood, while ready properties give you a title deed immediately.
Timeline: Off-plan properties take 8 to 12 weeks, while ready properties take about 4 weeks.
Documents: For off-plan, you need proof of payment and an Oqood. For ready properties, you only need the title deed.
Questions Answered About the Golden Visa
We know you have questions, so let’s address the most common ones and a few that most people overlook.
1. How much do I need to invest to qualify for the Golden Visa?
You need to invest at least AED 2 million (about USD 545,000) in real estate.
2. What is the minimum down payment?
For off-plan properties, it is usually 20% plus 4% DLD fee. For ready properties, most buyers pay 100% upfront because getting a mortgage as a non-resident is challenging.
3. Can I qualify if I co-own a property?
Only if your share is worth AED 2 million or more. The exception is if you co-own with your spouse.
4. How long does the visa process take?
8 to 12 weeks for off-plan, 4 weeks for ready property.
5. Do off-plan properties qualify?
Yes. As of 2025, off-plan properties qualify for the Golden Visa.
6. Can I lose my Golden Visa?
Yes, if you sell the property and do not replace it with another property worth at least AED 2 million.
7. Is the Golden Visa valid for 10 years?
Yes, and it can be renewed if you still meet the requirements.
8. Are there travel requirements?
No, unlike employment visas, there is no requirement to visit Dubai every six months.
9. What documents are needed for family sponsorship?
Marriage certificate for spouse
Birth certificates for children
Your birth certificate for parents
All documents must be legally attested.
10. Can I open a bank account with the Golden Visa?
Yes. We help our clients open accounts with banks like Emirates NBD.
11. Can I work in Dubai with a Golden Visa?
Yes, but you may need a work permit depending on the employer.
12. Can I sponsor domestic workers?
Yes. You can sponsor housekeepers, drivers, and other domestic staff.
13. Does the Golden Visa make me a tax resident?
No. To be a tax resident, you need to meet specific requirements such as spending at least 90 days per year in the UAE.
14. What happens after 10 years?
You can renew the visa as long as you still qualify.
15. Can I buy property through a company?
Yes, but if your company owns the property, you do not qualify for the Golden Visa.
16. Can I mortgage the property after getting the visa?
Yes. You can refinance your property after receiving the visa.
17. Can I start the process while abroad?
Yes, but you need to visit Dubai for medical tests and biometrics.
18. Can I apply for a driver’s license with my Emirates ID?
Yes, and the process is quick.
19. What are the medical requirements?
Blood test and chest X-ray. Pregnant women are exempt from X-ray.
20. Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Basic coverage is acceptable, but better packages are recommended if you plan to live in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
Getting the UAE Golden Visa through real estate is a fantastic way to secure long-term residency. Whether you choose an off-plan or ready property, the process is straightforward if you know what to do. The key is making sure all steps are handled properly, from property selection to visa application and banking.
At GenZone, we specialize in making this process seamless. If you buy a property through us, we waive our service fees for the Golden Visa application. You only pay the government fees. Our team will handle everything from A to Z, including family sponsorship, banking, and even tax residency guidance.
Book a call today and let us help you secure your future in Dubai.
