Investors wishing to obtain a 10-year "golden visa" of the UAE no longer need to pay 50% of the value of the property or at least 1 million dirhams of the UAE as a down payment.
The circular published on February 20, 2026, confirms that to obtain a visa, it is now sufficient to fulfill the basic condition so that the total value of the property is at least 2 million dirhams UAE (544,500 USD), and the payment schedule no longer matters. Purchases at the construction stage, with a mortgage, and with combined ownership rights are taken into account if the total cost meets the established requirements.It is expected that the cancellation of the initial payment will release pent-up demand from mid-level international investors, who previously could hardly raise large sums before the transfer of real estate. Mortgage brokers predict an increase in demand for loans with leverage of 80-85% (LTV). Banks will offer mortgages for a longer period of time for those who buy an object in order to obtain a residence permit. Developers, in turn, expect increased sales in new buildings in areas such as Dubai Creek Harbor, Rashid Yacht City in Dubai and Yas SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi.
This change is in line with the government's strategy to attract foreign capital without compromising market stability: buyers must still own real estate for at least three years in order to maintain visa benefits, which prevents speculative resale. Privileges for family members, the ability to freely enter and leave the country, as well as access to local banking services remain in force.
Source: Visa HQ
