Yes, foreigners can buy property in Dubai. No residency required. No special permits. No hidden catches. Dubai is one of the most foreign-buyer-friendly real estate markets in the world.
Can Foreigners Really Buy Property in Dubai?
Absolutely. Since 2002, foreigners of any nationality can purchase freehold property in designated areas. Full ownership — you own the property and the land, permanently.
No restrictions on nationality, residency, number of properties, resale, or rental. The only limitation: purchases must be in designated freehold zones (which include virtually every popular area).
Freehold Zones
Premium: Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, DIFC, Bluewaters
Mid-Market: JVC, JVT, Business Bay, Dubai Hills Estate, MBR City, Arabian Ranches
Emerging: Dubai South, Dubailand, Dubai Creek Harbour, Damac Lagoons
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Step 1: Define Your Goals (Week 1)
- Investment or personal use?
- Budget (include 7-8% in additional costs)?
- Rental yield or capital appreciation?
- Ready property vs off-plan?
Step 2: Get Finances Ready (Week 1-2)
Cash buyers: Full amount plus ~8% for fees.
Mortgage buyers: UAE banks offer non-resident mortgages:
- Down payment: 25-50% (non-residents)
- Maximum tenure: 15 years (non-residents)
- Interest rates: 3.5-5.5% (early 2026)
Step 3: Find the Right Property (Week 2-4)
Work with a RERA-registered broker. They should provide transaction data, explain service charges, and be transparent about developer reputation.
Step 4: Make Offer & Sign MOU (Week 4-5)
- Negotiate the price
- Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU / Form F)
- Pay 10% deposit
Step 5: Obtain NOC (Week 5-6)
Seller requests No Objection Certificate from the developer. Fee: AED 500-5,000. Timeline: 1-5 business days.
Step 6: Transfer at DLD (Week 6-7)
Both parties attend Dubai Land Department. Pay 4% transfer fee + admin fees. Receive Title Deed in your name. Done.
Total Costs
| Cost | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% of price | Dubai Land Department |
| Agency Commission | 2% of price | Your broker |
| DLD Admin Fee | AED 580 | DLD |
| NOC Fee | AED 500-5,000 | Developer |
| Trustee Fee | AED 4,000 + VAT | DLD trustee |
Rule of thumb: Budget 7-8% on top of purchase price (cash deal).
Tax: The Dubai Advantage
- No annual property tax (zero)
- No capital gains tax (zero)
- No income tax on rental income (zero)
- No inheritance tax (with DIFC will)
Important Considerations
Succession Planning (Critical)
By default, UAE courts apply Sharia inheritance law. Solution: Register a will with the DIFC Wills Service (AED 10,000-15,000). This is not optional.
Service Charges
Apartments: AED 10-30/sqft/year. Villas: AED 2-6/sqft/year. Check the RERA Service Charge Index before buying.
Residency Visa Through Property
AED 750,000+ = 2-year investor visa. AED 2,000,000+ = 10-year Golden Visa.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking the developer's track record
- Ignoring service charges
- Skipping the DIFC will
- Buying purely on WhatsApp marketing
- Not verifying RERA registration
- Underestimating furnishing costs (AED 50,000-150,000)
Ready to Buy in Dubai?
We guide international buyers through every step — from shortlisting to title deed.