A New Revolution in Dubai’s Real Estate Market

A New Revolution in Dubai’s Real Estate Market: UAE Residency Now Possible Through the Purchase of Any Property

Major Change in Dubai Property Residency Rules: Removal of the AED 750,000 Minimum Investment Requirement for Property Visas

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has introduced one of the most significant real estate law changes of 2026 by removing the minimum property value requirement for obtaining a two-year property investor residency visa for sole property owners. This decision is being described as a major transformation in Dubai’s real estate market and has attracted strong attention from international investors.

Under the previous regulations, any foreign investor seeking a two-year UAE residency through property ownership in Dubai was required to purchase a property worth at least AED 750,000. However, according to the new directive, if the buyer owns 100% of the property, there is no longer any minimum price requirement. (VisaHQ)

This means that even purchasing a studio or a small apartment in areas such as:

• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Dubai South
• International City

can now qualify the buyer for UAE residency — something that was not previously possible.

Full Details of the New Law

According to information published by official sources and reputable UAE media outlets:

1. Complete Removal of the Minimum Price Threshold for Sole Ownership

If the buyer:

• Is the full owner of the property
• Holds an official Dubai title deed
• Owns a ready property (completed and handed over)

then there is no longer a requirement for the property to be worth AED 750,000. (VisaHQ)

2. New Rules for Joint Ownership

If two or more people jointly purchase a property:

• Each person’s share must be at least AED 400,000.

Previously, each partner was required to hold a minimum share value of AED 750,000. (Exclusive Links)

3. Why Has Dubai Introduced This Change?

Real estate analysts believe the Dubai government aims to achieve several key objectives through this decision:

• Attract small and medium-sized investors
• Increase sales of affordable housing units
• Support the growth of emerging urban communities
• Improve liquidity in the property market
• Compete with residency-by-investment programs in Europe and Gulf countries

(APIL Properties)

A New Revolution in Dubai’s Property Market

Impact of the New Law on Dubai Real Estate

Experts believe this regulation could significantly increase demand in Dubai’s affordable housing sector.

The strongest impact is expected in:

• Studio apartments
• One-bedroom apartments
• Affordable housing projects
• Developing communities

According to market reports:

• Demand for properties under AED 1 million has increased
• Transaction volumes in affordable areas have grown
• New foreign investors are entering the market

(VisaHQ)

Difference Between the 2-Year Property Visa and the Golden Visa

2-Year Property Investor Visa

• No minimum property value requirement anymore (for sole ownership)
• Renewable residency permit
• Family sponsorship is allowed

10-Year Golden Visa

Still requires:

• A minimum property investment of AED 2 million.

This requirement remains officially listed on the Dubai Land Department website. (Dubai Land Department)

Official and Trusted Sources

Official Website of Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Official Investor Residency Application Page

Investor Residence Application – DLD

UAE Economic News Report

Gulf News – Dubai eases residency rules

Real Estate Law Change Analysis

Luxhabitat Analysis

Report on the New Updates

Emirates247 Report

Full Report on the Law Change

VisaHQ Report