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In Dubai/UAE, buying an off-plan property does not automatically give you a residence visa. In practice, visa eligibility depends on the visa type, the property value, and whether the property is officially registered/issued:
• UAE Golden Visa (property route): Generally requires property valued at AED 2 million+. Off-plan can be eligible in some cases if purchased from approved developers and the required proof/conditions are met (as per government guidance and local reporting).
• Dubai 2-year investor residence visa: Generally requires a title deed / registered property with a minimum value (commonly AED 750,000+). For off-plan, this typically means you usually qualify only after handover/title deed issuance, not at the reservation stage.
Internationally, “property-to-visa” rules vary widely by country. Many residence-by-investment programs require completed/registered ownership (or specific government-approved projects), so off-plan often doesn’t qualify until completion—and thresholds, timelines, and documentation differ by jurisdiction. Always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant immigration authority before purchasing.
Sometimes — but it depends on the developer, the project, and the construction stage.
In Dubai, many developers may allow limited customizations (typically finish upgrades like flooring, kitchen/bath selections, lighting packages, or smart-home add-ons) early in the build, while major layout/structural changes are usually restricted and require formal developer approval (often with extra cost and potential timeline impact). Your SPA/contract and the developer’s written policy determine what’s possible.
Internationally, the principle is similar: off-plan buyers often can choose from pre-approved upgrade packages or interior options within a defined window, but custom changes beyond standard options are typically limited, regulated by local building rules, and must be approved/documented by the developer.