Golden Visa · How-To Guide
How to Get the UAE Golden Visa Through Property
A step-by-step walkthrough — from choosing the right property to holding your 10-year residency visa.
Getting the UAE Golden Visa through property in Abu Dhabi is a well-defined process that thousands of international buyers complete each year. The journey involves selecting and purchasing qualifying freehold property, registering with the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA), and submitting your Golden Visa application through the ICP portal. From property signing to holding the visa, most buyers complete the process in 8–14 weeks for ready properties, or at construction handover for off-plan units. AD Residences guides buyers through every stage — from identifying the right unit at Jumeirah Residences through to the ADHA title deed.
Step 1: Identify a Qualifying Property
The property must be in an Abu Dhabi freehold investment zone and worth at least AED 2 million. For buyers looking at Jumeirah Residences on Al Maryah Island, every unit exceeds this threshold — 1-bedroom apartments start from AED 2.8M and 2-bedrooms from AED 5M. Request the property's ADHA pre-registration confirmation from the developer or agent to verify the zone and title eligibility before proceeding.
Step 2: Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
The SPA is your binding contract with the developer or seller. It specifies the unit, price, payment schedule, and completion date. For off-plan purchases, the SPA also details the construction timeline and handover conditions. Review the SPA carefully — AD Residences recommends engaging a UAE-qualified property lawyer for off-plan purchases over AED 5M.
Step 3: Pay the Abu Dhabi Land Department Transfer Fee
On purchase registration, you pay 2% of the property value to the Abu Dhabi Land Department (ADLD) as the transfer fee. For a AED 3M property, this is AED 60,000. You also pay approximately AED 1,000–3,000 in ADHA registration fees. These are standard costs borne by the buyer in Abu Dhabi (unlike Dubai, where the 4% DLD fee is usually split). Full fee details are covered in our buying fees guide.
Step 4: Obtain the ADHA Title Deed
Once payment and transfer fees are settled, ADHA issues your title deed — the official document proving property ownership. This is the central document for the Golden Visa application. It must clearly show your full name (as per passport), the property address, and the registered value at or above AED 2 million. For mortgaged properties, the bank lien is noted on the title deed but does not disqualify you if equity is AED 2M+.
Step 5: Complete Medical Fitness Test
Book a medical fitness certificate at an ICP-approved health centre in Abu Dhabi. The test covers standard health checks including blood tests and a chest X-ray. Results are electronically submitted to ICP. Costs range from AED 300–600. Most health centres in Al Maryah Island and Abu Dhabi island complete the test within 24–48 hours.
Step 6: Submit the Golden Visa Application
Apply online through the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or visit an authorised ADHA/ICP service centre. Upload your passport, title deed, medical certificate, health insurance certificate, and photographs. Pay the application fee (AED 2,300–3,600). The ICP typically processes applications within 5–10 working days. You will receive an SMS confirmation when approved.
Step 7: Collect Emirates ID and Visa Sticker
Once approved, attend the Emirates ID biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo). Your Emirates ID is issued within 5–7 working days and your visa sticker is placed in your passport. You are now a UAE Golden Visa holder with 10-year renewable residency. Dependent family members follow the same process simultaneously after the primary holder's approval.
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