Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners Buying Property in Dubai – 2025 Insights

The idea of living in Dubai long-term has always appealed to people. But until recently, it felt like something you had to renew, reapply for, or re-explain every few years.

The Dubai Golden Visa through property investment changed that. It gave people a way to stay, not just visit. If you own a qualifying property, you could be eligible for a 10-year renewable visa.

No sponsor. No job requirement. Just a stable investment and a place to call home. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re serious about putting down roots or just want more freedom to come and go, it’s one of the cleanest paths forward to golden visa real estate residency.

Dubai Golden Visa Through Property Investment | A New Path to Stay

The Golden Visa is Dubai’s way of saying, if you're investing here, you're welcome to stay.

It's a long-term residency, five or ten years, depending on how you qualify, that gives you the freedom to live, work, and come and go without the usual sponsor requirements. You can renew it. You can include your family. And you don’t have to be in the country all year to keep it.

For a lot of people, it’s the difference between feeling like a visitor and feeling like a resident. That’s why the golden visa for property owners has become such a popular route and why more golden visa real estate investors are choosing it as a way to commit long-term.

It’s not just a stamp in your passport; it’s a kind of agreement, on both sides.

How to Qualify for a Golden Visa for Property Owners

To qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa through property investment, you need to own property in Dubai worth at least AED 2 million.

It can be a single unit or a group of properties long as the total value hits that number. Off-plan works too, as long as you’ve paid enough of it upfront. Even mortgages are allowed, as long as the bank gives you a no-objection letter.

There are no income requirements, no employment checks. Just the property. That’s what makes the golden visa on property so direct, you’re not proving your potential, just your ownership. For golden visa real estate investors, it’s one of the simplest paths with the fewest conditions.

Applying for the Golden Visa Property Investment

There’s no ceremony to it. Once you own the property, you take your documents and start the process.

The title deed, a copy of your passport, maybe a letter from the bank saying they’re fine with it, that’s the part people sometimes forget. After that, you apply. You’ll go through a medical test, give your fingerprints, and wait for the residency stamp. Some people do it through the Dubai Land Department, others use a typing center, or apply online. It doesn’t really matter.

If everything’s in place, it moves quickly. If something’s missing, it doesn’t. That’s what makes the golden visa property investment process so approachable; it’s paperwork, not bureaucracy.

Golden Visa Real Estate | More Than Just AED 2 Million

People focus on the AED 2 million. And yes, it’s a lot.

But most of the people who go this route aren’t doing it just for the visa. They’re doing it because they already wanted to buy property here. The visa is just what makes it feel like a long-term move instead of a short-term risk. It makes staying feel easier. It takes the pressure off.

And once it’s done, it changes how you see the place. You stop thinking like a visitor and start thinking like someone who made a golden visa real estate commitment. For many, Dubai Golden Visa through property investment isn’t the reason they buy; it’s the reason they stay.

Golden Visa Real Estate Projects | Where It Comes to Life

Not every property in Dubai is just an address — some are built with the Golden Visa in mind. Developments like:

• Greenway 2 at Emaar South

A community designed around open green spaces and modern townhomes. Greenway 2 gives buyers an affordable entry into Emaar’s lifestyle while also qualifying for the Golden Visa, making it a smart step for long-term living.

• Dubai Harbour Residences

Set between the Marina and Palm Jumeirah, this waterfront address combines views, prestige, and eligibility for the Golden Visa. For investors, it’s as much about owning a landmark as it is about securing residency.

• Bluewaters Bay by Meraas

Overlooking the iconic Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Bay balances resort living with city convenience. Buying here doesn’t just give you a lifestyle on the water — it also places you within reach of the Golden Visa’s long-term benefits.

Golden Visa for Property Owners | Who It’s Really For?

It’s usually the people who were going to buy anyway. Not for the visa, just for themselves. Maybe they’ve lived here for years. Maybe they’re ready to stop renting.

The visa just makes it easier to stay without having to explain yourself every two years. Some do it for their kids. Some just want to know they can come and go without thinking about expiry dates.

It’s not about the passport. It’s about feeling settled, and that’s why the golden visa for property owners has become such a quiet favorite. It turns a home into something more permanent.

Why Mada | Smart Help for Golden Visa Buyers

Mada Properties helps people make sense of the real estate world without the noise.

Whether you’re buying for a visa or just looking for the right place to land, we keep things simple, clear, and grounded.

From finding the right home to navigating the Dubai Golden Visa through property investment, our team gives you the support you need to make a decision you’ll feel good about. No hype. Just real help.

Conclusion | More Than a Visa: It’s a Long-Term Choice

The visa is the headline, but it’s not the whole story.

What you’re really getting is the freedom to stay and the space to plan without rushing. For some, that’s worth more than the property itself.

And for those who qualify through the Dubai Golden Visa through property investment, that freedom feels a little more real. A little more permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What property value qualifies for a Golden Visa?
• AED 2 million or more.

• Can I qualify if the property is mortgaged?
• Yes, as long as the bank gives a no-objection letter.

• Is the visa permanent?
• No, but it’s renewable. Usually 10 years.

• Can I include my family?
• Yes. Spouse and kids can be added.

• Does this lead to UAE citizenship?
• No. It’s residency, not citizenship.

Everyone has an opinion about Dubai. Some say it’s expensive. Others say it’s manageable if you plan it right.

The truth is somewhere in between. The cost of living in Dubai depends on how you live, where you live, and what you’re willing to spend on comfort.

This guide won’t give you one perfect number, but it will provide you with a real picture. What it costs to get by. What it takes to live well. And how does the cost of living in Dubai per month change if you’re coming here on your own or with a family?

The Real Cost of Living in Dubai per Month | Singles vs Families

If you’re living alone in Dubai, you can expect to spend somewhere between AED 7,000 and 12,000 a month. That covers rent, food, transport, and basic bills, nothing fancy, but nothing too tight either.

If you’re more frugal, it can go lower. If you eat out often or live alone in a bigger place, it’ll go higher. This is the typical Dubai living cost per month for one person.

For families, it’s a different scale. A couple with two children will typically spend AED 20,000 to 35,000 per month, depending on their location, the children's school, and the level of assistance required at home.

The Dubai living cost for a family comes with more layers but also more stability. There’s no single answer, but if you’re trying to plan for living expenses in Dubai for a single person or a household, this is the range most people fall into.

Living Expenses in Dubai | Full Breakdown

Most people don’t realize how fast the basics add up until they get here.

Rent is usually the biggest piece that can take anywhere from a third to half of your monthly income, depending on where you live. A studio in an outer area might cost AED 3,000 to 5,000, while a two-bedroom in a central spot can easily hit AED 10,000 or more.

Then there’s utilities, electricity, water, and cooling, usually between AED 500 and 1,200, depending on the season. Internet costs around AED 300 a month.

Living expenses in Dubai, like groceries, can vary too: AED 800 to 1,200 for one person, and closer to AED 3,000 to 4,000 for a family.

Transport depends on your setup you’re using the metro, it’s affordable. If you’re driving, expect fuel, parking, and maintenance.

The cost of living in Dubai isn’t always dramatic, but it adds up quietly. Not painfully steadily.

Single vs Family | Monthly Living Costs Compared

If you’re on your own, you can keep things simple. A small flat. Groceries for one. A MetroCard. You make the choices, and you live with them. Some months cost more, some less, but it’s manageable.

That’s why the average cost of living in Dubai for a single person often stays within reach. With a family, it’s different. You don’t just spend more, you have fewer shortcuts. Rent gets higher. School fees come in. Groceries double, sometimes triple. And even if you’re careful, the living expenses in Dubai for a family add up fast.

That doesn’t mean it’s not doable. It just means the numbers shift because life does, too.

What Salary Covers a Comfortable Life in Dubai?

It depends on what “comfortable” means to you.

Some people feel fine spending AED 8,000 a month in a studio, cooking at home, taking the metro, and living simply. Others won’t feel settled without a spare room, a car, a school nearby, and a bit of help at home.

If you're alone, AED 15,000 gives you room to breathe. If you're a couple, AED 25,000 covers most things without stress. For a family, AED 35,000 is where comfort starts to feel real.

The average cost of living in Dubai shifts based on what you expect from life and what you’re willing to give up. You can spend less. Many people do. But if you want a life that isn’t tight every month, that’s the range most people aim for. Because the cost of living in Dubai isn’t just a number. It’s a decision.

Hidden Pressures Behind the Average Cost of Living

Dubai looks smooth on the surface, but living here comes with pressures that don’t always show up in a budget. Rents go up. Groceries creep higher. And salaries don’t always keep pace.

If you’re in a midlevel job, you might feel squeezed in ways that don’t make sense on paper. Then there’s the lifestyle part. Everyone seems to be spending more on nicer cars, nicer restaurants, and weekend getaways. You don’t have to join in, but it’s hard not to feel it. That’s what makes the cost of living in Dubai tricky.

It’s not just what you pay, it’s what you feel you need to keep up with. And that’s where the average cost of living in Dubai can be misleading. It doesn’t always reflect the pressure people actually feel.

Why Mada | Real Help for Real Life in Dubai

Mada Properties isn’t flashy. We’re not the loudest name in the market and we’re not trying to be.

What we do is simple: we help people figure out where they belong. Whether you’re new to Dubai or just trying to find something that feels right, we take the time to listen, really listen, and walk you through it without pushing. From rent to schools to the cost of living in Dubai, we help you see the full picture before making a move.

We’re the kind of company where you don’t feel like a lead. You feel like someone we actually want to help.

Whether you are looking for a cozy studio, a stylish apartment, or a profitable investment property, Mada Properties offers a wide range of options to match your needs and budget. Explore the best rental and investment opportunities in Dubai with diverse properties designed to suit every lifestyle.

Conclusion | Making Dubai Work for Your Budget

Living in Dubai can be expensive. It can also be manageable.

It all depends on how you live, what you need, and what you’re willing to let go of. No one number fits everyone. But once you understand the cost of living in Dubai, where the money goes, and what kind of life you want, it gets easier to plan for it.

The city moves fast. Prices shift. And living expenses in Dubai can surprise you if you’re not ready. But with the right expectations and the right support, you can make it work on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the average cost of living in Dubai per month?
• Between AED 7,000 and 12,000 for a single person.

• How much do living expenses in Dubai cost for a family?
• Most families spend AED 20,000 to 35,000 each month.

• What’s the living cost in Dubai for a single person?
• Around AED 7,000 to 10,000, depending on lifestyle.

• Is the cost of living in Dubai high?
• It can be rented, and schooling is the biggest factor.

• What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dubai?
• AED 15,000 for singles, AED 35,000+ for families.

Before you fall in love with a villa view or bookmark a property in Dubai Marina, there’s one number that deserves your full attention: your salary.

More specifically, whether it meets the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai. Because no matter how ready you feel to buy, the first thing banks will look at is your monthly income.

Whether you're a resident or an expat, knowing the minimum salary for a home loan helps set realistic expectations from the start.

There’s no universal figure that applies to everyone, but understanding the minimum income for a home loan and how it shifts depending on your background saves you time, stress, and costly surprises.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what banks typically require, how the rules change for expats, and what kind of property you can afford based on your income, even if you're just wondering about the minimum salary to buy a house in the UAE.

Why the Minimum Salary for a Mortgage in Dubai Matters

A mortgage in Dubai doesn’t begin with the property. It begins with your payslip.

Before any talk of approvals or loan terms, banks want to see one thing: a stable, reliable income. That’s what determines how much they’ll lend and whether they’ll lend at all.

The minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai plays a central role in that decision. While the minimum salary for a home loan can vary between banks, the logic behind it stays the same. Lenders want to know you can handle monthly payments without stretching yourself too thin. 

That’s where your minimum income for a home loan becomes more than a number; it’s a reflection of financial trustworthiness, not in theory, but in practice.

How Income Affects Your Home Loan Approval

Most banks in Dubai don’t publish one clear rule for who qualifies and who doesn’t. But over time, a pattern starts to show.

If you're earning AED 15,000 a month, you're generally in the range where banks start to take you seriously, especially when it comes to the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai.

Some might consider a little less, particularly for UAE nationals, while others could ask for more depending on your job, history, or the property you're eyeing.

That makes the minimum salary for home loan approval less of a fixed number and more of a comfort zone. And if your minimum income for home loan eligibility falls below that range, the process becomes harder, even if it’s not entirely out of reach.

Minimum Salary Requirements for Home Loans in Dubai

There’s no single rule that applies everywhere, but here’s the honest version: most banks in Dubai want to see at least AED 15,000 coming in every month before they’ll consider a mortgage application.

That figure has come to represent the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai, especially for expats applying alone.

Some banks might accept a bit less if you’re a UAE national. Others may stretch the rules if you’ve been with the same employer for years or have a strong credit score.

Still, AED 15K is generally the minimum salary for home loan eligibility across the board. Below that, the door doesn’t always shut, but it does get harder to walk through.

Bank Comparison | What Minimum Income They Expect

Not all banks play by the same rules, but most follow the same logic. Here’s a quick look at what some of the major lenders typically expect regarding the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai, especially for expats:

• Emirates NBD usually asks for a minimum salary for home loan in UAE for expats of AED 15,000, and AED 10,000 for UAE nationals. They also prefer applicants who’ve been in their current job for at least a year.
• HSBC tends to set the bar at AED 15,000 as well, offering home loans only for properties valued above AED 350,000 in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) starts around AED 12,000 if you’re salaried, but if you’re self-employed, expect to show at least AED 20,000 in monthly income.
• United Arab Bank (UAB) usually requires AED 15,000 for salaried applicants and AED 25,000 for the self-employed.
• RAKBANK also holds to the AED 15,000 minimum, particularly when evaluating expat applications.

These figures aren’t carved in stone; they shift depending on the property, your job title, and whether you're applying solo or jointly.

But if your minimum salary to buy a house falls short of AED 15K, most of these doors will stay closed or only open halfway.

Expats in the UAE | Minimum Salary for Home Loan Access

If you're an expat, the bar is a little higher. Not impossible, just stricter. Most banks will want to see at least AED 15,000 coming in every month.

That’s where the process usually starts. It’s what many consider the minimum salary for home loan in UAE for expats, and it lines up with the broader minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai.

Below that, you might still qualify-but only with a bigger down payment, tighter terms, or fewer banks willing to play ball.

And if you’re not living in the UAE at all, just investing from abroad-you’ll need even more. A higher minimum income for home loan, a larger upfront payment, and fewer financing options. The offers exist. They’re just harder to reach.

What You Can Afford Based on Your Monthly Income

If you’re earning AED 15,000 a month, you’re not priced out of the market, but you won’t have your pick of the city either.

That number is often the minimum salary to buy a house through financing in Dubai. At that level, you’re mostly looking at studios and small one-bedroom apartments, in places like JVC, Liwan, or parts of Dubailand.

If your income climbs to AED 30,000 or more, you can start considering townhouses in newer communities. Villas? That usually takes something closer to AED 40,000 to 50,000 a month-sometimes more, depending on the location.

It’s not just about the property price. It’s about what the bank thinks you can handle, month to month. And that’s the part most people overlook when they start browsing listings.

Beyond Income | Other Rules to Qualify for a Home Loan

Even if your salary checks out, there are a few things that can still stop the process.

If you’re already paying off loans or credit cards, the bank will look at how much of your income is left over, and if the math doesn’t work, they’ll say no. It’s not just about hitting the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai-it’s about the full picture.

Some banks won’t consider you unless you’ve been with your employer for at least six months. Others want a year.

If you’re self-employed, expect more questions, more paperwork, and sometimes a higher minimum income for home loan approval. It’s not about making it harder. It’s about making sure you can actually afford the loan once it’s yours.

Real Stories | What People Say About Mortgage Approval

If you ask around, you’ll hear the same thing over and over: AED 15,000 a month is the bare minimum to even be considered. Some people earning less have tried, but most end up turned away or offered deals that don’t make much sense.

A few manage it with help from a co-applicant, or by putting down a huge deposit, but that’s not the norm. The system isn’t built to flex much. And while the ads make it all sound easy, the truth is, most people need to earn a steady, decent income before a mortgage becomes realistic.

About Mada Properties

Mada Properties helps people make smarter real estate decisions without the pressure and without the noise.

Whether you’re buying your first home or investing from abroad, our team brings real insight to the table, not just listings. They guide you through every step from understanding the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai to comparing neighborhoods to navigating bank approvals. They work across ready and off-plan properties in Dubai and stay involved long after the papers are signed.

It’s not just about finding a place to live. It’s about finding the right move for now, and for what’s next.

Contact us today to schedule your free real estate consultation and take the first step toward finding your perfect property.

Final Thoughts

There’s no official rule carved in stone, but in practice, most people need to earn at least AED 15,000 a month to qualify for financing.

That figure is often seen as the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai. Some get approved with less. Others don’t, even when they meet the number. It depends on the bank, the paperwork, and everything else you’ve got on your plate.

That’s why it helps to understand your position early, whether you’re checking your minimum income for home loan eligibility or just wondering if you’ve reached the minimum salary to buy a house. The goal isn’t just to get approved. The goal is to take on something you can actually afford-and feel good about for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What’s the minimum salary for a home loan in Dubai?
• Usually AED 15,000 per month, especially for expats.

• Can expats get a mortgage with an AED 10,000 salary?
• It’s possible, but unlikely. Most banks won’t approve it.

• What income do I need to buy a villa in Dubai?
• Typically AED 35,000–50,000+ per month, depending on location.

• How long do I need to be employed before applying?
• At least 6–12 months in your current job.

• What’s the maximum debt I can have?
• Total loan payments can’t be more than 50% of your monthly income.

• Do banks treat nationals and expats the same?
• Not always. Nationals often get slightly more flexible terms.