The UAE Golden Visa program, which allows for 10-year residency through property investment, remains highly popular, with a significant number of buyers still pursuing this option, especially for properties valued at Dh2 million or more.
In the first two months of 2025, there has been continued strong interest in off-plan purchases at or above the Dh2 million threshold, especially when coupled with attractive incentives such as lower down payments and flexible installment plans.
According to real estate agents, buyers interested in securing a Golden Visa typically prefer newly launched projects in Dubai, provided they meet the Dh2 million requirement.
This preference has persisted since the removal of the 50% payment requirement to begin processing a Golden Visa, a change made in January 2024.
While the UAE offers various residency options, such as for professionals with certain salaries and business investors, property investment continues to be the most popular route.
"There has been an increase in transactions compared to last year," said Libbie Burtinshaw, Head of Operations at Sovereign PPG. Interest in the Golden Visa is not limited to Dubai; Abu Dhabi has also seen rising demand, with authorities simplifying the application process.
Developers and agents predict that the visa program will continue to drive property sales in 2025, particularly as the residency benefit appeals to a wide range of individuals, from younger newcomers to long-term residents.
In addition to property investors, skilled professionals, retirees, and top university graduates are also showing interest in the Golden Visa program.
For university graduates, eligibility requires a recommendation letter from an accredited institution, a GPA of 3.5 or higher from universities classified A or B by the UAE Ministry of Education, and a degree from an accredited institution.
The Golden Visa program continues to serve as a key motivator for property purchases in the UAE, making it an attractive option for those looking for long-term residency in the country.
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