Dubai has relaxed its residency visa requirements for property investors, scrapping the long-standing minimum investment threshold for single-property buyers in a move aimed at widening access to its real estate market.
According to a report by The Economic Times on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the new framework introduced by the Dubai Land Department allows individuals who fully own a property to qualify for a renewable two-year residency visa, regardless of the property’s value.
Previously, investors were required to commit at least AED 750,000 to be eligible, an entry barrier that excluded many mid-level and first-time buyers.
The policy shift is expected to attract a broader pool of foreign investors, particularly those seeking to enter Dubai’s property market at more affordable price points. Officials say the reform is part of a wider strategy to sustain growth in the sector and reinforce Dubai’s appeal as a global investment destination.
However, the relaxed rules primarily apply to sole ownership. For jointly owned properties, each co-owner must still meet a minimum investment threshold to qualify for residency benefits, ensuring eligibility reflects a meaningful financial stake.
The reform comes as Dubai continues to roll out investor-friendly measures to maintain momentum in its real estate sector, despite global economic uncertainties and regional tensions.
While the revised policy simplifies access to the standard two-year investor visa, higher-tier residency options such as long-term visas tied to larger property investments remain unchanged and still require significantly higher capital commitments.
Analysts say the move could boost demand in the mid-range property segment, attract new categories of investors, and further strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most accessible real estate markets for international buyers.
Commenting on the development, the CEO of Proact Luxury Real Estate, Ritu Ojha, said the policy strikes a balance between accessibility and market integrity.
“While it opens the door for solo buyers of any budget, the new AED 400,000 floor for joint owners ensures the market doesn’t turn into a visa pooling game.
“At the same time, the removal of the minimum property value for solo owners is a direct invitation to the global mid market to take root in Dubai,” she said.
