Dubai's New 2026 Property Residency Rule, Explained

From 1 May 2026 the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has eased the conditions for the 2-year residency through property ownership. A sole owner of a completed residential property can now qualify regardless of its value, and on a joint purchase each co-owner's share of at least AED 400,000 qualifies. Here is what changed and what it means for buyers, explained by the AKT Real Estate team.

What changed?

Previously, the 2-year property investor residency required a property worth at least AED 750,000. On 1 May 2026 the DLD removed that floor in its official Taskeen service. A sole owner of a completed, title-deed-registered property now qualifies regardless of value, for a renewable 2-year residency that can also cover a spouse and children. The property must be completed with a registered title deed; an off-plan unit on an Oqood contract alone does not qualify for this 2-year route.

The joint-purchase rule

On a joint purchase, each co-owner's share must be at least AED 400,000. So if two buyers purchase an AED 800,000 property together, each share is AED 400,000 and both buyers, with their families, can qualify for the 2-year residency: two families, one property.

What about the 10-year Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa still requires a property valued from AED 2 million, but since February 2026 the AED 1 million upfront-payment condition has been removed. The value on the title deed or Oqood contract is what counts, so off-plan and mortgaged buyers can now qualify far more easily.

Mortgaged or installment properties

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or developer is required, and at least half of the property's value should have been paid before you apply. Every case differs slightly, so a case-by-case check before applying is worth it.

Costs and documents

Under the DLD's current tariff, the all-in government cost for the 2-year investor visa is roughly AED 10,000 to 12,000 (DLD Taskeen service, residence permit, medical test and Emirates ID), with separate fees to sponsor a spouse and children. The core documents are the title deed, passport and medical insurance. See prices by area and the full buying process on our Buy Property in Dubai page, and the Dubai residency and Golden Visa guide for visa details.

Official sources

Conditions vary by case and rules can change; confirm the latest status with a RERA-licensed advisor before deciding. AKT's consultation is free: message us on WhatsApp.

Dubai's New 2026 Property Residency Rule, Explained