UAE Golden Visa Through Property in Abu Dhabi

Who qualifies

The UAE grants a 10-year Golden Visa to investors who own property worth at least AED 2 million. It is a self-sponsored residence visa: the property is the basis of your residency, so you do not need an employer or a local sponsor.

One or more properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million.
Fully owned and registered in your name; in Abu Dhabi, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
In Abu Dhabi, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property only in designated investment zones.
UAE health insurance for you and each family member you sponsor, and a medical fitness test.

Which property counts

The AED 2 million threshold does not have to be one finished home. These purchase routes can qualify, each with its own conditions:

Ready

Completed property

A DMT-registered purchase agreement or a DMT Real Estate Unit Value Certificate showing AED 2 million or more.

Off-plan

Under construction

Bought from an approved developer. In Abu Dhabi, at least AED 2 million must already have been paid to the developer.

Mortgaged

Bought with finance

Financed by a UAE bank. In Abu Dhabi your own equity must be at least AED 2 million: on an AED 5 million home, a loan of up to AED 3 million.

Combined

Several properties

Two or more properties in your name can be added together to reach the AED 2 million total.

Abu Dhabi counts what you have paid. With a mortgage, your own equity must reach AED 2 million; off-plan, at least AED 2 million must already be paid to the developer. Rules reported for Dubai do not automatically apply here. Official criteria refer to property registered in your own name, so confirm joint or company ownership with the authority before you buy.

Where to buy in Abu Dhabi

Non-UAE nationals can buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi’s designated investment zones, of which there were 50 by mid-2026. Areas named by the UAE government include:

Saadiyat Island
Yas Island
Al Reem Island
Al Maryah Island
Al Raha Beach
Al Lulu Island
Al Reef
Masdar City
Sayh Al Sedairah

Freehold status applies to the specific property, so confirm it for the unit before you commit. Prime Hills focuses on Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, and Al Raha Beach, and can shortlist homes that meet the threshold on their own or alongside property you already own.

How to apply, step by step

Choose qualifying property
Select property in an Abu Dhabi investment zone worth AED 2 million or more, and confirm the specific unit’s freehold status before you commit.
Register it with DMT
Complete the purchase and obtain the DMT documents that show ownership and value. For mortgaged property, add a DMT certificate confirming there is no judicial seizure.
Request nomination and apply
UAE residents request a Golden Visa nomination from the Abu Dhabi Residents Office through TAMM. Applications can also be made through ICP’s smart services website and app.
Enter the UAE if you are abroad
Investors outside the UAE receive a six-month multiple-entry permit, renewable once, to complete the process in the country.
Medical test and health insurance
Adjust your status, cancelling any existing UAE residency, then complete the medical fitness test and arrange UAE health insurance.
Biometrics and Emirates ID
Give biometrics if requested. The residence visa is issued and your Emirates ID is delivered.

Documents to prepare

Passport valid for at least six months, and a personal photograph
DMT-registered purchase agreement or DMT Real Estate Unit Value Certificate showing at least AED 2 million
A letter from the property registry confirming ownership worth AED 2 million or more
Off-plan: the developer’s purchase agreement and proof that at least AED 2 million has been paid
Mortgaged: a DMT certificate showing the property is not under judicial seizure
UAE health insurance for you and each sponsored family member

The authorities may ask for more documents depending on your nationality, how the property was bought, and who you are sponsoring. Confirm the current list with ICP or the Abu Dhabi Residents Office before you apply.

What the visa gives you

Ten years, renewable

ICP issues the real estate Golden Visa for 10 years, renewable while you continue to meet the criteria.

No sponsor needed

Your property is the basis of your residency, independent of any employer or local sponsor.

Your family, too

Sponsor your spouse, children regardless of age, and parents. If the holder dies, family members may stay until their own permits expire.

Time abroad

The visa stays valid even if you spend more than six months outside the UAE.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum property investment for a UAE Golden Visa?

One or more UAE properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million, fully owned and registered in your name.

How long is the property Golden Visa valid?

ICP issues it for 10 years. It can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the criteria.

Can I combine several properties?

Yes. The properties must be in your name and their combined value must reach AED 2 million.

Can I use a mortgaged property in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, if it is financed by a UAE bank. Abu Dhabi requires your own equity in the property to be at least AED 2 million. For example, on an AED 5 million property the outstanding loan can be no more than AED 3 million.

Does off-plan property qualify in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, if it is bought from an approved developer. In Abu Dhabi you must show that at least AED 2 million has already been paid to the developer.

Can jointly owned or company-owned property qualify?

The official criteria refer to property fully owned and registered in the investor’s name. Confirm joint or corporate ownership with ICP or the Abu Dhabi Residents Office before you buy.

Where in Abu Dhabi can foreigners buy freehold property?

In designated investment zones, of which Abu Dhabi had 50 as of mid-2026. They include Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef, and Masdar City. Check the status of the specific unit.

How do I apply in Abu Dhabi?

Register the property and obtain the DMT ownership or value documents. UAE residents then request a nomination from the Abu Dhabi Residents Office through TAMM; applications can also be made through ICP’s smart services. If you are abroad, you receive a six-month entry permit, then complete the medical test, health insurance, biometrics if requested, and the Emirates ID.

Who can I sponsor on a property Golden Visa?

Your spouse, your children regardless of age, and your parents. Domestic workers can be sponsored under the applicable regulations. If the holder dies, family members may stay until their own permits expire.

What does it cost, and do I have to live in the UAE?

ICP publishes its individual service fees, but the total varies with medical, Emirates ID, and insurance costs, so check ICP for current amounts. You can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without the visa being cancelled.

Does Prime Hills issue or process the visa?

No. Golden Visas are issued by ICP, and applications go through the official channels; ICP has said no consultancy is an approved intermediary. Prime Hills helps you find and buy property that meets the threshold.

Sources and review

This guide summarises official UAE government guidance. It was last reviewed by Prime Hills Real Estate on 9 October 2026.

This page is general information, current as of its review date, and not legal or immigration advice. Requirements, fees, and procedures are set by the UAE authorities and can change. Confirm them with ICP (600 522222), the Abu Dhabi Residents Office or TAMM, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport before you buy or apply. Prime Hills is a real estate brokerage and does not issue or process visas.

Talk to an advisor about qualifying property

The UAE Golden Visa through Abu Dhabi property.