How UK Investors Can Get a UAE Golden Visa with a Mortgage
You can now obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by purchasing a property with a mortgage. The previous requirement to pay a minimum down payment of AED 1 million has been abolished. As long as the total property value is AED 2 million (approx. GBP 425,000) or higher, you are eligible, provided you obtain a specific No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your bank.
If you are a UK national considering a property purchase in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the pathway to long-term residency has shifted in your favor. Recent regulatory changes have removed the high upfront cash barriers that previously excluded many investors.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the 2025 eligibility criteria, the specific documents you need, and how to navigate the new mortgage rules.
The Major Rule Change: No More AED 1 Million Down Payment
In early 2024, the UAE government removed the regulation requiring property investors to pay at least AED 1 million (approx. GBP 212,000) of the property value upfront to qualify for the Golden Visa.
What this means for you:
- Old Rule: You needed to have paid off AED 1M equity, even if the property was worth AED 5M.
- New Rule (2025): You qualify immediately if the property’s title deed value is AED 2 million+, regardless of how much you have paid off or how high your mortgage is.
Critical Requirement: The Bank NOC
While the financial barrier is lower, the documentation requirement is stricter. To apply for the visa with a mortgaged property, you must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or developer.
- The condition: The letter must explicitly state the bank has no objection to the Golden Visa issuance.
- The specific detail: It must confirm the total value of the property and the amount paid to date (though the amount paid is no longer the eligibility blocker, the proof of ownership is).
Why UK Investors Are Switching to the Golden Visa
Unlike standard employment visas, the Golden Visa offers unique strategic advantages for British expatriates and investors:
- The “6-Month Rule” Exemption: Standard residents lose their visa if they spend more than 6 months outside the UAE. Golden Visa holders are exempt from this rule, allowing you to maintain tax residency in the UK (or elsewhere) while keeping your UAE status active.
- Extended Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your spouse and children. The age limit for sponsoring sons has been raised to 25 years, while unmarried daughters can be sponsored indefinitely.
- Self-Sponsorship: You are not tied to a local employer. This grants you the freedom to work remotely, consult, or retire without risking your residency status.
The Retirement Visa Alternative (For Lower Budgets)
If your investment portfolio does not meet the AED 2 million threshold, UK citizens aged 55+ can utilize the 5-Year Retirement Visa.
- Property Value Required: AED 1 million (approx. GBP 212,000).
- Financial Alternative: Alternatively, proof of AED 1 million in savings or a monthly pension income of AED 20,000 (AED 15,000 for Dubai) is accepted.
Use NA Law Solicitors for clear, specialist immigration support with your UAE Golden Visa or retirement visa.
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UK‑regulated immigration firm focused solely on visa strategy and documentation for UK nationals.
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Expertise in Golden Visa, 5‑year retirement visa, and family sponsorship applications, including checking titles, valuation letters, and bank NOCs for immigration purposes.