Can Pakistani citizens get residency in United Arab Emirates by buying property?

Yes. Golden Visa (real estate investor): from AED 2,000,000 (about $546k). One or more properties worth AED 2m or more in total at purchase, held in the applicant's own name. Mortgaged property is accepted with a bank no-objection letter showing the amount paid and the balance; a lien keeps the property from being sold for the life of the permit.

How long does it take?

Golden Visa (real estate investor): about 5 working days (GDRFA Dubai); Dubai Land Department quotes 7-10 business days. The permit runs 10 years, renewable.

Does it lead to citizenship?

No set path to permanent residence or citizenship through this route.

The Residency Index2027 edition

United Arab Emirates residency for Pakistani citizens.

From: $546k
Permit in: 0.2 mo
Passport in: No
Index score: 64

Pakistani passport Today: e-visa. Residency changes that.

Homes in United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates map

For Pakistani citizens

What is different for Pakistani citizens.

Pakistan allows dual nationality only with a listed set of countries (21 on the official list, including the UK, US, Canada and Australia).
Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, Dual nationality
Since February 2021, SBP's revised Chapter 20 of the Foreign Exchange Manual lets some categories of resident equity investment abroad proceed without prior SBP approval, while other categories still need it.
State Bank of Pakistan, press release 10 Feb 2021

1 open route

The routes to living in United Arab Emirates.

Golden Visa (real estate investor)

Open64

Minimum: AED 2,000,000 · about $546k
What counts: One or more properties worth AED 2m or more in total at purchase, held in the applicant's own name. Mortgaged property is accepted with a bank no-objection letter showing the amount paid and the balance; a lien keeps the property from being sold for the life of the permit.
Processing: about 5 working days (GDRFA Dubai); Dubai Land Department quotes 7-10 business days
Permit: 10 years, renewable
Time you must spend there: none (holders may stay outside the UAE beyond the usual 6-month limit)
Path to a passport: No set path to permanent residence or citizenship through this route.
Family: spouse, children and parents
Tax: no personal income tax

Official source · Second source · checked 2026-10-20

Residency rules, thresholds and fees change often, sometimes without notice. Everything here is general information, checked on the date shown, not legal, tax or immigration advice: confirm with the official source and a licensed adviser before you act. Continental sells property; we don’t arrange visas or residency.

Homes

Homes from the AED 2,000,000 minimum.

Our homes in the United Arab Emirates priced at the Golden Visa (real estate investor) minimum or above. Whether a purchase qualifies turns on the route’s conditions: the authorities and your adviser decide. We sell the home, not the visa.

All homes in the United Arab Emirates

AvailableFrom£521,000
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai
Trump-branded residences at the Downtown end of Sheikh Zayed Road
Type
Apartment
Bedrooms
1–4
Completion
Q4 2031
AvailableFrom£1,210,000
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
D-Villas at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Four- and five-bedroom villas on Jumeirah Golf Estates
Type
Villa
Bedrooms
4–5
Completion
Q4 2028

Buying in the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates map

Short answers

What people ask.

Can Pakistani citizens get residency in United Arab Emirates by buying property?: Yes. Golden Visa (real estate investor): from AED 2,000,000 (about $546k). One or more properties worth AED 2m or more in total at purchase, held in the applicant's own name. Mortgaged property is accepted with a bank no-objection letter showing the amount paid and the balance; a lien keeps the property from being sold for the life of the permit.
How long does it take?: Golden Visa (real estate investor): about 5 working days (GDRFA Dubai); Dubai Land Department quotes 7-10 business days. The permit runs 10 years, renewable.
Does it lead to citizenship?: No set path to permanent residence or citizenship through this route.

The Wealth Atlas

What living well in United Arab Emirates costs.

Read it for your passport

United Arab Emirates residency, passport by passport.

Visa-free stays: GOV.UK for British visitors (visa on arrival, 90 days in 180); the UAE visa-on-arrival list for American and Chinese visitors (30 days); Indian nationals need a visa, except a 14-day visa on arrival for holders of a US visa or green card or of UK or EU residence. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

Homes

Looking for a home in United Arab Emirates?

We sell homes in United Arab Emirates. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll show you what’s available, including homes at the price points these routes ask for. The visa itself is a matter for the authorities and your own adviser.