A handy guide to off-plan property and the UAE Golden Visa

• Property Investors and Golden Visa Criteria
• Off-plan vs Ready Property
• What is Off-plan Property
• Updated Rules
• How to Apply
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

The UAE’s property Golden Visa program has recently witnessed major updates, with the government removing the minimum down payment requirement for real estate investors. This policy shift changes how investors can secure off-plan property and the UAE Golden Visa.

Do you want to buy off-plan property for Golden Visa UAE? Learn how off-plan investments qualify for Golden Visa, different payment plans and investment criteria for off-plan projects, minimum property value for UAE Golden Visa and how you can secure long-term residency through property ownership.

Why Buy Off-Plan Property for Golden Visa UAE

Golden Visa real estate investment in the UAE has provided a route to 10-year residency since 2019 for those investing at least AED 2M (approximately $545,000) in UAE real estate.

Off-plan property Golden Visa options have gained popularity due to their potential for impressive returns, with early buyers sometimes securing double-digit percentage gains before handover.

The updated Golden Visa real estate regulations now focus solely on the total property value rather than the initial payment amount, making off-plan property and the UAE Golden Visa option more accessible to a wider range of investors.

Suppose you’re considering UAE residency through property investment. In that case, this guide reveals how off-plan projects in Dubai for Golden Visa work for property investors, the new rules for off-plan property investment visa in Dubai for 2025 and how these changes create opportunities for those seeking both financial growth and residence security.

Always wanted to secure an investor visa in Dubai? Let’s now explore how the UAE’s dynamic property market can serve as your gateway to long-term UAE residency by investment in off-plan projects.

UAE Golden Visa property criteria: Who qualifies for the Golden Visa?

Launched in 2019, the long-term UAE Golden Visa programme grants qualified individuals a 10-year renewable visa. Property investors seeking a UAE Golden Visa must meet specific criteria centred around real estate ownership.

Qualified applicants include:

• Individuals who own one or more properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million.
• Property owners whose real estate may be mortgaged (with proper documentation).
• Investors in off-plan properties from approved developers.
• Joint owners (such as spouses) whose combined ownership meets the threshold.

Successful applicants can sponsor their family members. This family-inclusive approach makes the Golden Visa particularly attractive for those planning to relocate their entire family to the country.

Off-plan vs. ready property for Golden Visa: Minimum investment requirements explained

What is the minimum property value for a UAE Golden Visa through off-plan projects?

The primary requirement for property investors is ownership of real estate valued at a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). However, several essential details apply.

How does the Golden Visa process differ for off-plan vs ready properties?

Fully owned properties require documentation from the relevant emirate’s Real Estate Registration Department, confirming ownership and value. Mortgaged properties need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank. This represents a significant shift from previous requirements, as the government has scrapped the minimum down payment threshold that previously stood at AED 1 million.

Want to buy off-plan property in Dubai for the Golden Visa? Off-plan properties also qualify, provided the total investment meets or exceeds AED 2 million and proper documentation is submitted from approved developers.

OFF-PLAN PROPERTY AND ITS ROLE IN GOLDEN VISA ELIGIBILITY

Off-plan properties have become a game-changing pathway to UAE residency through the Golden Visa programme. These investment opportunities deliver unique advantages for foreign investors seeking both impressive financial returns and long-term residency rights.

What is off-plan property in the UAE?

Off-plan property refers to real estate purchased before construction is completed or sometimes even before it begins. Buyers make decisions based on architectural plans and blueprints rather than a finished building. These are pre-construction projects where investors secure units directly from developers at early stages.

The opposite of off-plan is “ready property” – homes that are fully constructed and immediately available for occupancy.

What are the benefits of getting a UAE Golden Visa through off-plan property investment?

The appeal of off-plan properties stems from several compelling factors that make them irresistible to savvy investors.

• These investments typically offer more competitive pricing compared to completed units.
• Many reputable developers offer attractive payment structures, including the popular 80/20 plan (where buyers pay 80% during construction and 20% at handover) and post-handover payment plans that extend 2-4 years after completion.

What makes off-plan investments particularly exciting is their potential for substantial returns. Off-plan properties often experience considerable value appreciation by the time of completion, with some investors achieving double-digit percentage gains before handover.

Golden Visa qualification for off-plan properties

Here are the Golden Visa requirements for off-plan properties:

• Regarding the minimum investment for Golden Visa UAE off-plan, the property value must reach the AED 2 million threshold for visa eligibility.
• At what stage of construction can I apply for the Golden Visa? Off-plan project construction should have reached a 50% completion milestone. If the construction rate is below 50%, special approval from the Dubai Land Department is necessary.

Here’s the exciting part: Investors can apply for the Golden Visa even while on a payment plan for an off-plan property – you don’t need to wait until all payments are completed.

Generally, those who have invested in off-plan projects in Dubai for Golden Visa must have paid 50% of the property value upfront or secured a bank guarantee for the remaining balance.

NEW OFF-PLAN RULES FOR 2025: WHAT’S CHANGED?

The UAE government has introduced updates to the real estate Golden Visa for off-plan properties, opening doors for more foreign investors than ever before.

Removal of the minimum down payment requirement for the off-plan property investment visa in Dubai

The biggest update eliminates the minimum down payment barrier entirely.

Those interested in UAE residency by investment in off-plan projects no longer face specific initial payment requirements to qualify. The focus now rests purely on overall property value, giving investors complete flexibility in structuring their purchases.

Eligibility of mortgaged and under-construction properties

Mortgaged properties now qualify fully for the Golden Visa eligibility through off-plan investment! This major shift recognises that many investors prefer mortgage financing options over cash purchases. Under-construction properties that reach certain development milestones also qualify, granting investors earlier access to residency benefits without having to wait for project completion.

Combining multiple properties to meet the AED 2M threshold for the UAE Golden Visa for off-plan property investors

Can multiple off-plan properties be combined to meet the Golden Visa requirement?

Here’s where it gets interesting – investors can now combine multiple property values to hit the AED 2 million threshold for off-plan property investment for Golden Visa. This practical approach suits those who prefer diversifying their real estate portfolio across several smaller investments rather than putting everything into one property.

Does the property need to be completed before applying for a Golden Visa?

No. You can apply for the UAE Golden Visa by investing in off-plan properties, even if the project is not yet complete.

Updated Golden Visa through buying off-plan property rules for co-ownership and family sponsorship

Co-ownership rules have been streamlined to allow joint investors—spouses, business partners, or family members—to qualify collectively when their combined ownership meets the threshold. Property investors can also sponsor immediate family members more easily, with faster documentation processing and reduced paperwork for dependents.

These changes position the UAE as an increasingly attractive destination for international property investors seeking both financial returns and residency security.

How to Apply for a Golden Visa Through Off-Plan Investment

Obtaining a Golden Visa for your property through off-plan investment requires careful planning and proper documentation. The good news? You can secure long-term residency while your property is still under construction.

Step-by-step application process

• Start by choosing a reputable developer with a solid track record in Dubai’s property market.
• Once you’ve selected your off-plan property, you’ll sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) that details payment terms, construction timeline and handover dates.

Here’s the key advantage: you can begin your visa application immediately after making initial payments – no need to wait for full payment completion. Processing typically takes two to four weeks once you’ve submitted all required documents correctly.

Required documents and approvals

Your off-plan property Golden Visa application needs these essential documents:

• SPA agreement from approved developers showing property details and total value
• Payment evidence demonstrating AED 2 million total investment
• Passport copies and UAE Emirates ID (if you already have one)
• NOC from your bank for mortgaged properties
• Title deed copies for any existing properties you own
• Birth and marriage certificates for family members you plan to sponsor

Property valuation for Golden Visa eligibility

Your off-plan property must undergo official valuation to confirm it meets the AED 2 million threshold.

Developers must provide a handover certificate showing a 50% completion milestone. Construction below 50%? You’ll need special approval from the Dubai Land Department. Submit applications through the Dubai REST app, DLD eServices portal or TAMM portal for Abu Dhabi properties.

Working with developers and banks

Your developer plays a crucial role, as off-plan properties require the 50% completion milestone for automatic qualification.

For mortgaged properties, secure a No Objection Certificate from your bank detailing paid amounts and the remaining balance. Many developers now provide dedicated Golden Visa support, helping you navigate documentation requirements and ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria.

Key Takeaways: Off-plan property and the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE’s 2025 Golden Visa reforms have revolutionised property investment pathways to long-term residency, making it more accessible.

• No minimum down payment required: The government has eliminated down payment thresholds, focusing solely on the total property value of AED 2 million for Golden Visa eligibility.

• Off-plan properties now qualify: Can buying an off-plan property in the UAE make me eligible for a Golden Visa? Yes, investors can apply for a Golden Visa with under-construction properties at 50% completion, enabling earlier access to residency during development.

• Multiple properties can be combined: Investors may aggregate several smaller properties to reach the AED 2 million threshold, allowing portfolio diversification strategies.

• Mortgaged properties are eligible: Do I need to pay the full AED 2 million upfront for an off-plan property to qualify? Bank-financed properties now qualify with proper NOC documentation, removing the previous cash-only restriction for Golden Visa applications.

• Family sponsorship included: Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children, making it an attractive option for the entire household relocation to the UAE.

FAQs

Whether you’re interested in ready properties or off-plan developments, the Golden Visa pathway has never been more accessible. You can learn more about the UAE Business Golden Visa, which also makes you eligible for long-term residency.

To learn more about life in the UAE, subscribe to MyBayut!