Where foreigners can buy
Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas including Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Dubai Hills Estate, JVC and most new communities.
The fees
- Dubai Land Department transfer fee: 4% of the price
- Agent commission: 2% plus VAT
- Trustee office fee: about AED 4,000
- Mortgage registration (if any): 0.25% of the loan
The process
- Agree the price and sign the Form F sale contract through a RERA-registered agent.
- Pay a 10% deposit, usually held as a cheque by the agency.
- No Objection Certificate from the developer, which confirms service charges are paid.
- Transfer at a DLD trustee office: pay the balance and fees, receive the title deed the same day.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying any deposit to an agent without a permit number on the advert.
- Ignoring service charges, which range from AED 10 to AED 40+ per sq ft per year.
- Buying off-plan without checking the escrow account and the developer's delivery record.
Frequently asked
Does buying property give me a residence visa?
Property worth AED 750,000 or more can qualify for a two-year investor visa; AED 2 million or more can qualify for the ten-year golden visa. Rules change, so confirm with your agency.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax and no tax on rental income for individuals. You pay the 4% transfer fee once, plus yearly service charges.
