According to IMI Daily, it is impossible to compare these figures with the first half of 2025, as officials have not published similar statistics. However, if the current pace continues, Dubai may issue about 132,000 golden visas by the end of 2026. This is less than the record result of 2023 (158 thousand), but significantly higher than in all previous years.
Experts note that a significant part of the new Golden Visa holders are not new investors, but foreigners already living in the UAE, who are switching from regular two-year visas to long-term ten-year status.
An additional impetus to this process was given by the changes that came into force in May 2026. Dubai has abolished the minimum cost of real estate for obtaining a two-year investor visa. If the total value of the property reaches 2 million dirhams (about 545 thousand US dollars), an investor can apply for a ten-year Golden Visa.
According to market players, the authorities will not lower the investment threshold, since today it is possible to qualify for a "golden visa" through the purchase of real estate under construction (off-plan), without paying the entire amount at once. This is the option that many foreigners are currently using.
Source: IMI
