Property

South Africans are investing millions to move to this country

Kirsten Minnaar • 24 July 2025

South African investors are increasingly turning to Dubai for offshore property investments, attracted by high rental yields, tax-free returns, strong economic growth, and the opportunity to secure a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.

Global volatility experienced in recent years has seen South African and international investors increasingly turning to Dubai.

The country has solidified its position as a global hub for real estate investment, and offers a combination of high returns, stability, world-class infrastructure and lifestyle benefits.

For investors seeking a sound offshore property investment to diversify their portfolio, or those looking to acquire the flexibility of Golden Visa status, Dr Andrew Golding, CEO of the Pam Golding Property Group, said Dubai ticks all the boxes.

Dubai does not charge taxes on personal or rental income, and also has no property taxes. It also offers 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,” Golding said.

The country’s central location further adds to its appeal. It is approximately eight hours’ travel from critical regions such as Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Dubai is also recognised as one of the safest and fastest-growing cities in the world. With about 85% of the population comprising expatriates, Dubai is considered one of the top five luxury residential markets globally.

Confidence in the city’s thriving economy and business sector and a strong buyer base underpins the strong demand for luxury homes.

“A further incentive for acquiring Dubai residential property is the prestigious and sought-after 10-year UAE (United Arab Emirates) Golden Visa,” said Chris Immelman of Pam Golding International.

Those who make a property investment of at least 2 million Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) are eligible. This Visa allows them and their family, including parents, to live, work and study in the UAE.

“This residence visa is renewable and does not require you to reside in Dubai, nor is there any time limit on how long you can remain outside the country,” Immelman said.

“For those looking to invest the required AED2 million, which is approximately R9.72 million or $544,500 at current exchange rates, this is comparable in price to the Portugal Golden Visa when it was first launched.”

With Europe rapidly closing EU residency programmes – although Greece is still available – the UAE Golden Visa is a compelling option, particularly given the stability of the UAE’s currency.

Opportunities for investors

Immelman said Dubai also consistently delivers attractive rental yields, often surpassing global cities like London or New York, making it ideal for generating passive income.

The fact that no property or capital gains taxes are charged ensures that investors’ returns are in no way eroded, maximising profitability.

“With a diversified and thriving economy, the UAE’s GDP is anticipated to grow by 4.1% in 2025, underpinning a stable and resilient property market,” he said.

The country’s rising population, fuelled by expatriates and tourists – with 9.31 million visitors in the first half of 2024 alone – is also driving consistent demand for residential properties, ensuring strong rental and resale potential.

Tapping into this market, Pam Golding has partnered with Azizi Developments, one of Dubai’s leading real estate and lifestyle development companies, to bring to the South African market.

Their latest projects, Azizi Venice and Azizi Milan, are being targeted towards the South African market. These two new developments are each creating small townships based on their sheer size and scale.

Prices for these properties start from around AED550,000 (R2.63 million) and go up to AED10 million (R47.73 million), and development is set to be completed in two years.

Immelman said that even though they have just started marketing these residential properties to the South African market, they are already soliciting interest, particularly for Golden Visa purposes.

The qualifying requirement starts at a minimum of AED2 million (R9.55 million). “Many of the interested investors are high-net-worth individuals who already own other investment properties around the world,” he said.

Azizi Venice is a luxury, water-inspired community near Al Maktoum International Airport. Designed after Venice, this project spans 136 hectares.

It will feature a central 18 km swimmable crystal lagoon, waterfalls, beachfront, and interconnected luxury waterfront mansions and apartments ranging from one to eight bedrooms.

Residents will also be able to enjoy a climate-controlled retail boulevard with restaurants and boutiques, an opera house offering world-class entertainment, and 5 km of jogging and cycle tracks.

Other amenities nearby in the community include a hotel, a hospital, and an international school.

Azizi Milan, inspired by Italy, features a wide array of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, multiple retail boulevards, a canal and a shopping mall, cafes, galleries, and boutiques.

It is situated in a community comprising various residential neighbourhoods, hotels, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.