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Can You Get the Dubai Golden Visa with Off-Plan Property?
Off-plan purchases can support the 10-year visa under current Dubai conditions. What the recorded contract value must reach, what "registered developer" actually means, and the documentation point to confirm with DLD before you rely on it.
Yes. Off-plan property can qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Under current DLD and GDRFA Dubai service conditions (re-verified 26 August 2026), eligibility rests on the DLD-certified value reaching AED 2 million; GDRFA's conditions name no minimum paid-in amount, though DLD's own page still asks mortgaged buyers to evidence AED 2 million paid. Investment-migration press reports that off-plan qualifies on its recorded contract value regardless of the amount paid; GDRFA's conditions accept the value certified by a property status statement certificate issued by DLD, but DLD's published document list names the e-Certificate of Title / Title deed, so confirm the current off-plan documentation basis with DLD or the Cube before applying.
| Fact | Position |
|---|---|
| Off-plan qualifies | Yes - the reported basis is the recorded contract value of AED 2,000,000+ |
| Amount paid required | None named in GDRFA Dubai's conditions; DLD's page still asks mortgaged buyers to evidence AED 2M paid - confirm with DLD |
| Developer | The project must be DLD-registered ("approved developer" is the press shorthand) |
| Value basis | Press reports the Oqood (initial sale contract) value; DLD's document list names the e-Certificate of Title / Title deed - confirm with DLD |
| Visa length | 10 years, renewable |
| Combining | Multiple qualifying properties can be added to reach AED 2M |
The February 2026 Change and the Off-Plan Route
This is the headline. Under current DLD and GDRFA Dubai service conditions, the old rules that required cash upfront or a large paid-in amount no longer apply (removed in earlier policy updates - first reported January 2024 and most recently restated in a February 2026 policy circular reported by investment-migration press). Two things went:
- The "AED 1 million paid upfront in cash" interpretation.
- The "50% equity on a mortgaged property" requirement.
What matters is the DLD-certified value reaching AED 2 million on your application day. For off-plan, investment-migration press reports this runs on the recorded contract value. DLD's own published document list names the e-Certificate of Title / Title deed rather than the Oqood, so confirm the current off-plan documentation basis with DLD or the Cube service centre before you rely on it.
How Off-Plan Qualifies, Step by Step
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Buy off-plan | Reserve a unit worth AED 2M+ from a DLD-registered developer and pay the initial instalment. |
| 2. Contract registered | DLD registers the initial sale contract, recording the full contract value. |
| 3. DLD nomination | DLD confirms the AED 2M+ recorded value and generates the Golden Visa nomination. |
| 4. GDRFA Dubai processing | GDRFA Dubai processes the residence file on the unified platform; federal identity steps (Emirates ID, biometrics) sit with ICP. |
| 5. Medical + Emirates ID | Standard medical fitness test and Emirates ID enrolment. |
| 6. Visa issued | The 10-year residence is issued by GDRFA Dubai (which lists around 5 working days) once documents, medical and biometrics are complete; DLD lists 7-10 business days for its service. |
What "Registered Developer" Means
Off-plan can qualify when the developer is registered and the project is approved, so that DLD can record the sale contract. In practice this covers the major Dubai developers, but you should confirm the specific project is DLD-registered before you buy. If a project cannot register the sale contract with DLD, it cannot support the visa.
Honest Limits to Know
- Value, not just booking: the recorded contract value must reach AED 2 million. A cheaper unit will not qualify on its own, though you can combine properties.
- Developer and project must be registered so DLD can record the sale contract.
- Rules can change again. The February 2026 circular is current; confirm the position with DLD and ICP at the time you apply.
- Handover risk sits with you as a buyer - the visa depends on the property, so keep the purchase in good standing.
New to the route? Start with the complete Golden Visa guide, or see the full verified cost table.
Do you qualify?
Six questions cover ownership shares, spouses, mortgages and off-plan. See whether your off-plan purchase qualifies and the route that fits.
Check your eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get the Golden Visa with off-plan property?
Off-plan can qualify for the 10-year visa when the recorded contract value reaches AED 2 million or more, under current DLD and GDRFA Dubai conditions. DLD's published document list centres on the title deed / e-Certificate of Title, so confirm the current off-plan documentation basis with DLD before applying.
How much do I need to have paid?
GDRFA Dubai's published conditions name no minimum paid-in amount - the value test runs on the DLD-certified AED 2 million, and press reporting says the recorded contract value counts even if you have only paid the deposit. DLD's own page still asks mortgaged buyers for a bank letter evidencing AED 2 million paid (re-verified 26 August 2026), so confirm your specific off-plan case with DLD or the Cube service centre.
Does the developer have to be registered?
Yes. The developer and project must be registered so DLD can record the sale contract. Confirm the specific project is DLD-registered before you buy.
What value counts for off-plan?
The recorded contract value registered with DLD, which must reach AED 2 million.
Can I combine two off-plan units to reach AED 2 million?
Yes. Multiple qualifying properties can be combined so the total DLD-certified value reaches AED 2 million.
What happens to my visa if the project is delayed?
The visa depends on the qualifying property, so keep the purchase in good standing. Confirm the current position with DLD and ICP if a project is delayed.
Sources
- Dubai Land Department - Golden Visa (Investor) service page
- GDRFA Dubai - golden residence for property investors
- Gulf News, 29 April 2026 - off-plan qualification on recorded contract value (with investment-migration press)
Accessed July 2026. Confirm current documents and project registration with DLD before applying.