South African doctor Wandile Sikhulu wanted a nest egg, so he has taken up a Golden Visa after buying a two-bedroom apartment valued at about AED2.5m (UAE dirham) — about R11.8m — in Dubai.
Sikhulu, 36, is one of a growing trend of wealthy South Africans who are paying millions of rands for a life in Dubai that offers all the benefits of a strong economy, world class infrastructure, security, no property taxes and a high-end lifestyle.
Property experts say global volatility experienced in recent years has seen South African investors increasingly turning to Dubai, which has solidified its position as a global hub for real estate investment, offering a unique combination of high returns and stability.
The 10-year Golden Visa, they say, is a drawcard for individuals with at least $1m (R17m) in liquid assets.
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency in Dubai to eligible individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and high-achieving students. Investors can qualify for a 10-year residency visa by investing in property worth a minimum AED 2m market value (about R9.6m). After 10 years, they have an option to renew.
“For me, investing in Dubai was not just about property, it was about securing a future.
“Through the Golden Visa, I’ve gained long-term residency, which gives me stability, peace of mind, and opportunities that stretch beyond just owning a home. The property market here is strong, but what truly appealed to me was the lifestyle: safety, world-class healthcare, education and the chance to live in a global hub that connects me to Africa, Europe and Asia with ease,” said Sikhulu.
Sikhulu sees the Golden Visa as a “smart hedge — it diversifies my portfolio and gives my family a base in a city that is progressive, well-governed and intentional about growth. This wasn’t just an investment in real estate, it was an investment in mobility, security and quality of life”.
“The Golden Visa was a key drawcard — it provides long-term security, stability and the freedom to invest and build without the constant worry of renewals.”
It’s a solid investment in a growing market, while also giving me the flexibility to make Dubai a permanent home if I decide to
— Wandile Sikhulu
Sikhulu said the investment serves two purposes.
“It’s a solid investment in a growing market, while also giving me the flexibility to make Dubai a permanent home if I decide to.”
The apartment is not just an investment for Sikhulu but about building a life.
“Traditional destinations might offer permanent residency, but Dubai offers something more dynamic — a place where my family can thrive.
“With the two-bedroom purchase, I wasn’t only thinking about rental yields; I was thinking about schools, healthcare and a community that feels safe and global. The fact that my wealth grows tax-free and my family gets to enjoy world-class living makes Dubai far more attractive than the old ‘go-to’ countries.”
Sikhulu said the value of the apartment “comfortably qualified me for the Golden Visa, so the property part wasn’t challenging at all”.
“The visa process is streamlined — medicals, biometrics and documentation all handled step by step. Compared to emigration systems in countries like Australia or Canada, it’s incredibly straightforward. The key is working with professionals who understand both the property and residency side.”
Thami Ndlovu, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, bought a one-bedroom apartment for about AED1.5m (around R7m).
“I chose Dubai because it offers strong rental yields, zero property tax and a stable, investor-friendly market. For me, it’s not just about owning property, it’s about securing an asset in a city that’s globally connected and future focused.
“The property is primarily an investment but I also see Dubai as a long-term base. It gives me both — strong returns in a thriving market and the option to relocate permanently if I choose.
“For me, Dubai is a lot more appealing than the typical destinations South Africans consider. I wasn’t looking for the long immigration queues or high taxes that often come with places like the UK or Australia. Dubai stood out because of its simplicity — I could invest in a one-bedroom apartment, secure a Golden Visa, and immediately enjoy a safe, modern city with strong rental demand. It’s a quick flight home if I need to be in South Africa, and yet it gives me exposure to global living,” said Ndlovu.
Nombasa Mawela, licensee for Seeff Dubai, said the Dubai property market has exploded in the past two years with growth last year amounting to a 36% rise in transaction volumes and a 20% increase in overall value.
Mawela said sales topped a few hundred million rands over the past year, with most buyers investing in the AED1m-AED3m (R4.8m-R14.4m) range, mostly apartments and town houses for which there is high rental demand.
Mawela said rentals yield up to 5%-8% in popular areas such as Dubai Marina, downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Luxury villas have been sold for upwards of AED3m (about R14.4m) in prime locations such as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills and Dubai Hills Estate.
“Aspects such as the lifestyle, stability, ease of doing business, tax benefits and ability to open a bank account and obtain property finance are all attractive for local buyers.
“There is also a buoyant short- and long-term rental market. There’s already a large South African expat population there, but investors from South Africa and other countries such as Nigeria are increasingly investing in the lucrative rental market, especially off-plan developments with favourable payment plans.”
Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property Group, said for astute investors seeking a sound offshore property investment to diversify their portfolio, or those looking to acquire the flexibility of Golden Visa status, “vibrant and alluring Dubai ticks all the boxes”.
“With no taxes on personal or rental income, no property taxes, strong economic growth and rising property prices within a booming property market — including high demand for rental properties — Dubai has emerged as one of the globe’s most sought-after luxury residential property destinations.”
The group recently partnered Azizi Developments — a real estate and lifestyle development company — to bring a range of stylish, luxury apartments and waterfront mansions — Azizi Venice and Azizi Milan — to the South African market.
Chris Immelman, head of Pam Golding International, said the residence visa was renewable and did not require investors to live in Dubai, nor is there any time limit on how long one may remain outside the country.
“With Europe rapidly closing EU residency programmes — though Greece is still available — the UAE Golden Visa is a compelling option, particularly given the stability of the UAE’s currency. We are now offering two new, lavish developments, Azizi Venice and Azizi Milan, as an alternative Golden Visa programme and/or a pure offshore investment with rentals projected at 8%-10% and with attractive future capital growth potential,” said Immelman.
“While we have only just begun marketing these residential properties to the South African market they are already soliciting interest, particularly for Golden Visa purposes. Many of the interested investors are high net worth individuals who own other investment properties around the world,” he said.
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