UAE Eliminates Upfront Payment Rule for Property Golden Visa, Expanding Investor Base

In a significant policy shift, the UAE has eliminated the requirement for investors to make a hefty upfront payment to qualify for the 10-year Property Golden Visa. A recent circular issued on 20 February 2026 outlines these new regulations, simplifying the investment process for prospective property buyers.

Changes in the Property Golden Visa Rules

Under the revised guidelines, investors are no longer obligated to pay 50% of a property’s value or a minimum of AED 1 million upfront. Instead, the total value of the property must simply meet or exceed the AED 2 million threshold. This means that payments made via various schedules, including off-plan, mortgaged, and combined-title-deed purchases, will be accepted as long as the overall value is sufficient.

Impact on the Investment Landscape

The removal of the upfront payment requirement is anticipated to release significant demand from mid-tier global investors. These investors had previously struggled to commit large sums before the property handover. Experts predict a considerable rise in loan-to-value (LTV) products, estimating increases of 80–85% as banks prepare longer-term loans for residency-oriented buyers.

Market Expectations from Developers

Developers in the UAE are gearing up for a faster sales pace, particularly for off-plan projects located in popular areas like Dubai Creek Harbour, Rashid Yacht City, and Yas SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi. This surge is part of a broader strategy to attract foreign investment while maintaining market stability.

Conditions for Retaining Visa Benefits

While the new rules encourage more foreign purchases, investors must still hold the property for a minimum of three years to keep their visa benefits. This provision is designed to deter speculative market behavior.