Golden Visa rules for joint property owners in Dubai (2026)
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Buying with a spouse, relative or partner is common in Dubai. If residency is part of the plan, the ownership split decides who qualifies.
Quick answer
For the 10-year property Golden Visa, each joint owner's registered share must be worth at least 2 million on its own. Shares cannot be combined between co-owners, including spouses. For the 2-year investor visa the bar is lower: 400,000 per owner's share.
Buying with a spouse, relative or partner is common in Dubai. If residency is part of the plan, the ownership split decides who qualifies.
Why the rules are share-based
The threshold is meant to reflect a real investment. If two people could split a small flat and each get ten years, the system would not work — so the DLD looks at each owner's share, not the total.
Examples
- 4M property, 50/50: both owners qualify
- 3M property, 50/50: neither qualifies for the Golden Visa
- 3M property, 70/30: only the 70% owner qualifies
Couples
Usually only one spouse needs the Golden Visa — that person can sponsor the other and the children. Put a qualifying share in that spouse's name.
Planning before you buy
Decide who will apply and set the deed percentages at registration. Changing ownership later involves DLD fees.
From July 2026, co-owners and couples cannot pool separate portfolios either — each applicant qualifies on their own holdings.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Can both spouses get a Golden Visa on one property?
Only if each share is 2 million or more.
What if my share is below 2 million?
Consider the 2-year investor visa, buying more property in your name, or being sponsored by your spouse.
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