Transferring Golden Visa property: what foreign investors need to know
1 min read 1
Investors restructure portfolios for many reasons. With a property-based visa, every change of ownership needs a residency plan.
Quick answer
Transferring or selling the property behind your Golden Visa removes the basis of the visa unless you hold or buy another qualifying property. Transfers to family members, companies or trusts also change ownership. Plan the replacement before the transfer so your residence continues.
Investors restructure portfolios for many reasons. With a property-based visa, every change of ownership needs a residency plan.
Types of transfer
- Sale to a third party
- Gift to a family member
- Transfer into a company or trust
- Change of shares between co-owners
Effect on the visa
If you no longer own 2 million of qualifying property in your own name, the visa basis is gone. The visa can be cancelled and a grace period applies.
Keeping residency
- Buy the replacement property first
- Keep at least 2 million in your own name
- Or move to another Golden Visa route before transferring
Costs
Transfers trigger DLD fees, including on gifts between some relatives at reduced rates. Check the fee before planning a restructure.
Properties held through companies do not count as personal ownership for the Golden Visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I gift my property to my child and keep my visa?
Only if you still hold other qualifying property or another route.
Can I transfer property into a company?
You can, but it will no longer count as your personal ownership for the visa.
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