The short answer is yes. But let me explain exactly how, because the rules changed in April 2026, and most people haven’t fully understood the opportunity yet.
A client called me last week. He had AED 500,000 to invest and asked if residency was even possible for him. Six months ago, I would have said no. Today, my answer is completely different.
Let me walk you through what changed, what did not, and how you can take advantage of this right now.
What Changed in April 2026
In late April 2026, the Dubai Land Department updated the eligibility rules for the two-year property investor visa on its Cube Centre platform.
Here is the bottom line:
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Before April 2026: Sole owners needed a minimum property value of AED 750,000 to qualify.
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Now: Sole owners can apply regardless of their property value. No minimum. Any completed residential property registered in your name works.
This is official. It was published on the DLD’s Cube Centre platform. And it is one of the biggest shifts in Dubai’s residency landscape in years.
What About Joint Owners?
The rules changed for joint owners too, but differently.
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Before: Each co-owner had to meet the full AED 750,000 threshold individually.
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Now: Each co-owner must hold a minimum share of AED 400,000 to qualify.
You cannot combine smaller shares. If you own 50% of a AED 600,000 property, your share is AED 300,000. That does not qualify. Each person must have at least AED 400,000 in their own name.
Important exception for married couples: If you are spouses, you can apply for the visa through your spouse regardless of share distribution. Just provide your certified marriage certificate.
What Has Not Changed
Do not confuse the two-year visa with the Golden Visa. They are different products with different rules.
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The ten-year Golden Visa still requires AED 2,000,000. No change.
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The five-year Retiree Visa still requires AED 1,000,000. No change.
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Off-plan properties are still NOT eligible for the two-year visa. Only completed properties.
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Mortgaged properties are still allowed, but with conditions.
If you want ten years of residency, you still need AED 2 million. That has not moved.
What This Means for You as an Investor
This is a game changer for first-time buyers and smaller investors.
Before April 2026, you needed at least AED 750,000 to even think about residency. That priced many people out of the market entirely.
Now, you can buy a studio or a one-bedroom apartment for AED 400,000–500,000 and still qualify for a two-year renewable visa as a sole owner.
I am already seeing increased demand in affordable areas like JVC, Arjan, Dubai South, and International City. Buyers who previously could not get residency are now entering the market. According to property consultants, this policy “broadens the buyer pool to absorb incoming supply” and is a “meaningful demand-side catalyst”.
What About Mortgaged Properties?
If you are buying with a mortgage, you still have options.
For the two-year visa with a mortgaged property, you need:
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A No Objection Certificate from your bank
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Proof that at least 50% of the property value OR AED 375,000 has been paid (whichever is higher)
For the Golden Visa with a mortgaged property, the rules are more flexible. There is no minimum payment percentage. Eligibility is based on the total DLD-certified value of the property.
Two-Year Visa vs Golden Visa: Key Differences
Let me break down the key differences so you can decide which path is right for you.
Two-Year Investor Visa
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Sole owner minimum: No minimum
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Joint owner minimum: AED 400,000 per person
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Off-plan eligible: No
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Mortgage allowed: Yes, with 50% paid or AED 375,000
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Family sponsorship: Spouse and children
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Absence rule: Cannot exceed 180 consecutive days outside UAE
Ten-Year Golden Visa
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Sole owner minimum: AED 2,000,000
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Joint owner minimum: Each co-owner must meet AED 2,000,000
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Off-plan eligible: Yes, from RERA-approved developers
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Mortgage allowed: Yes, no minimum payment
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Family sponsorship: Spouse, children, and parents
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Absence rule: No minimum stay requirement
How to Apply
The application goes through the DLD’s Taskeen service.
المستندات المطلوبة:
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Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
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Electronic copy of your Title Deed
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Personal photograph
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Emirates ID (if you have one)
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Good Conduct Certificate from Dubai Police (addressed to DLD)
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Health insurance
For mortgaged properties, you also need a No Objection Certificate from your bank.
Timeline: 10 to 15 working days from submission to visa issuance, assuming all documents are complete.
Cost: The two-year investor visa fee is approximately AED 10,545 for new applications and AED 8,215 for renewals.
Important Note About Visa Renewal
Here is something many investors miss. At renewal time, the DLD re-verifies your property ownership.
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For sole owners under the new rules, a decline in your property’s market value does NOT affect your eligibility for renewal. You only need to prove you still own the property.
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For joint owners, each co-owner must still hold a share worth at least AED 400,000 at the time of renewal.
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For Golden Visa holders, however, there is a risk. If your property value drops below AED 2,000,000 by the time of renewal, you may face eligibility issues unless you request an official DLD valuation or combine additional properties.
نصيحتي الأخيرة
The April 2026 change is real. It is significant. And it is already moving the market.
If you are a sole buyer with a budget under AED 750,000, you now have a clear path to residency that did not exist two months ago. Studios and one-bedroom apartments in affordable areas have become much more attractive because they now come with a visa.
As Ali Siddiqui, research manager at Cavendish Maxwell, noted: “The revised thresholds mean that existing property owners who previously fell below the eligibility criteria may now qualify for residency, while potential buyers who had previously dismissed the residency benefit as out of reach may now see it as a compelling reason to invest.”
If you are considering buying with a co-owner, make sure your individual share is at least AED 400,000. And if you are married, use the spouse exemption to simplify the process.
Do not wait too long. I expect demand for affordable properties to increase as more buyers realise what has changed. The window for finding good deals at current prices may not stay open forever.
If you have questions about whether your specific property qualifies, or if you would like help finding the right investment for your budget, I am happy to help.
بقلم ليليا إبراجيموفا، مؤسسة شركة أليرا العقارية
احجز استشارة مجانية
📞 +971 58 833 7903
