Dubai has updated the rules for obtaining a two-year residence visa for property owners. The main change concerns the minimum property value: the previous threshold of AED 750,000, around USD 204,000, no longer applies to sole property owners. For jointly owned properties, a separate threshold has been set at AED 400,000 per owner.

📌 It is important to note that this applies specifically to the two-year residence visa for property owners, not the 10-year Golden Visa. Previously, a buyer had to own a property worth at least AED 750,000 to qualify for this type of residency. Now, the entry barrier has been lowered, making the market more accessible for buyers with smaller budgets.

📊 The updated conditions are as follows:

— the previous minimum threshold of AED 750,000 has been removed for sole property owners;
— for jointly owned properties, the threshold is AED 400,000 per owner;
— the visa remains valid for two years and is linked to property ownership;
— the changes are especially relevant for buyers of studios and one-bedroom apartments.

🏘 According to analysts, the new rules may support demand in the more affordable segment of the market. This primarily applies to studios and one-bedroom apartments in areas where prices remain lower than in Dubai’s central and premium locations. Experts highlight areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubailand, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Arjan, Majan, and Dubai Production City.

📈 This is an important signal for the market. Properties priced below AED 750,000 already account for a significant share of transactions. According to ValuStrat analysts, such properties made up 24% of ready-home purchases in 2026, while apartments priced below AED 500,000 accounted for 8.6% of transactions. This shows that the affordable segment remains active despite strong competition in higher-priced areas.

🏡 The easing of rules may be particularly important for buyers who previously viewed Dubai mainly as a rental or short-term investment market but did not meet the visa threshold. Now, purchasing a smaller apartment can become not only an investment decision but also a basis for obtaining residency.

📊 Against this backdrop, Dubai’s real estate market remains highly active. In the first quarter of 2026, the total value of real estate transactions reached AED 252 billion, up 31% year-on-year. The number of transactions increased by 6% to 60,303. Over the same period, 29,312 new property investors entered the market, 14% more than a year earlier.

⚖️ At the same time, the effect of the new visa rules may unfold gradually. Analysts expect the lower entry threshold to expand the buyer pool, but actual demand growth will depend on prices, mortgage conditions, the volume of available properties, and investor confidence in the market’s further development.

🔎 You can explore available properties in Dubai for investment, living, or obtaining a residence visa on our website.