Dubai's One Million New Residence Permits in H1 2026 Support Property Market
Dubai issued more than one million new residence permits during the first half of 2026, including 66,000 Golden Visas, in figures that underscore the emirate's continued appeal as a global destination for living, working and investing while supporting demand across its residential property market.
Data released by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai showed that 1,051,978 new residence permits were issued during the first six months of the year. The data also recorded 910,552 residence permits renewed and 5,078,078 entry permits issued over the same period.
The figures highlight Dubai's continued ability to attract residents, investors and skilled professionals, expanding the population base that supports both the residential sales and rental markets.
Population Growth Continues to Support Real Estate
The issuance of more than one million new residence permits in six months is a positive indicator of Dubai's continued population growth, one of the key long-term drivers of the emirate's property market.
While the figures do not necessarily represent more than one million new individuals relocating to Dubai—because they include different residence permit categories, family members and changes in residency status—they nevertheless reflect the continued expansion of the resident base requiring housing and related services.
Most newcomers initially enter the rental market before many transition to homeownership after establishing themselves in the emirate, supporting demand across both leasing and residential sales.
Rental Market Benefits First
Population growth typically has the most immediate impact on Dubai's rental market, as increasing numbers of residents drive demand for apartments and villas, particularly in communities close to business districts, transport links and key amenities.
Continued population expansion also helps keep vacancy rates relatively low across many residential communities while supporting rental values, particularly as Dubai's population continues to grow at a robust pace.
Golden Visas Support Luxury Housing Demand
One of the most notable indicators in the latest data was the issuance of approximately 66,000 Golden Visas during the first half of 2026.
Golden Visa holders typically include investors, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and highly skilled professionals, groups that have historically been more inclined to purchase residential property and hold it as a long-term investment.
As a result, continued growth in Golden Visa issuance is expected to support demand for luxury homes, premium residential developments, ready properties and activity in Dubai's secondary market.
Residence Permit Renewals Reflect Market Stability
The renewal of 910,552 residence permits also points to the continued stability of Dubai's resident population, an important factor underpinning long-term housing demand.
Residents who remain in the emirate are more likely to move from renting to owning a home over time, supported by wider mortgage availability and an expanding pipeline of residential developments.
Entry Permits Reflect Strong Economic Activity
Dubai also issued more than 5.07 million entry permits during the first half of the year, highlighting the scale of business, tourism and economic activity across the emirate.
Although the figure does not represent more than five million individual visitors, it reinforces Dubai's position as a global hub for business and tourism, supporting demand for hotel apartments and short-term rentals while helping attract additional property investors.
Demographic Growth Remains a Key Market Driver
Population growth continues to be one of the strongest structural drivers of Dubai's real estate market, with an expanding resident base translating into sustained demand for housing through both rentals and home purchases.
At the same time, maintaining a healthy balance between supply and demand will remain essential to supporting long-term market growth as developers continue launching new residential projects to meet the needs of residents and investors.
With resident inflows continuing and the Golden Visa programme expanding, demographic trends are expected to remain supportive of Dubai's property market in the months ahead, helping sustain demand across both residential sales and rental housing.
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