Upgrading a 2-year property visa to a 10-year Golden Visa
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Both visas come from owning property in Dubai, but they are separate products. Moving up means a fresh application, not a renewal.
Quick answer
There is no upgrade button. Once the property you own in your name is worth 2 million or more, you file a new Golden Visa application; when it is approved, the 2-year visa is cancelled and replaced. You do not have to wait for the 2-year visa to expire, and in most cases you can do it without leaving the UAE.
Both visas come from owning property in Dubai, but they are separate products. Moving up means a fresh application, not a renewal.
What changes at 2 million
Below the threshold you hold the 2-year investor visa. At 2 million or more for your own holdings — one property or several — you become eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa, which is self-sponsored and not affected by long stays abroad.
Three steps
- Reach 2 million in property registered in your name
- Apply for the Golden Visa through the DLD service
- Your 2-year permit is cancelled when the new visa is issued
What does not carry over
Time spent on the 2-year visa does not shorten the process or reduce the fees. The Golden Visa is assessed as a new file.
You can apply as soon as your property qualifies — even with a year or more left on the 2-year visa.
Family members
Family sponsored on your 2-year visa are moved onto the Golden Visa file, with new medical tests and Emirates IDs as required.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wait for my 2-year visa to expire?
No. Apply as soon as you qualify.
Can I combine properties to reach 2 million?
Yes, several properties in your own name can be added together.
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