How to Legally Buy Property in Dubai as a Foreigner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Yes. Dubai allows non-UAE nationals to buy, own, and sell property in designated freehold areas.

This rule was set under Dubai’s Law No. 7 of 2006, which gives foreigners full ownership rights in approved freehold zones, including:

• Downtown Dubai

• Palm Jumeirah

• Dubai Marina

• Business Bay

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

• Dubai Hills Estate

• Dubai South (and many others)

Important: Foreigners cannot buy freehold property outside of these approved zones.

Foreign buyers can invest in:

• Freehold Properties: Full ownership of the unit and a share of common areas.

• Leasehold Properties: Rights to use the property for a defined period (typically up to 99 years).

For maximum flexibility and resale potential, freehold is usually recommended.

To buy a property in Dubai, you'll need:

• Valid passport copy

• Emirates ID (if you're a UAE resident)

• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)

• Tax ID (for overseas buyers in some cases)

• Reservation form and signed Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)

No UAE residency is required to own property, but if your investment exceeds AED 2 million, you may be eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa.

Once you’ve selected a property:

• Pay the reservation fee (typically 5–15% of the purchase price)

• Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), outlining payment terms, handover dates, and legal responsibilities

Tip: Always ensure your funds are paid to a Dubai Land Department (DLD)-approved escrow account.

• For Ready Properties:

  • Pay 100% (or mortgage balance) at transfer

  • 4% Dubai Land Department registration fee

  • AED 4,200 Oqood/Title Deed issuance fee

  • NOC fee from developer (AED 500–5,000)

• For Off-Plan Properties:

  • Pay in installments as per developer’s schedule

  • Register the property under Oqood (pre-title) during construction

  • Full title deed issued upon completion

Artha Realty ensures all payments are securely tracked and aligned with legal compliance.

Foreigners can apply for mortgages from UAE banks if:

• The property is in a freehold area

• The buyer provides a 20–50% down payment (depending on the property and bank)

• Income and creditworthiness meet the bank’s criteria

• Oqood: Confirms ownership of off-plan property (issued by DLD)

• Title Deed: Official proof of ownership for ready properties

We recommend buyers check the Dubai REST app to verify property status, ownership, and service fees anytime.

• Golden Visa: Buy property worth AED 2M+ (can be off-plan or ready) to qualify for a 10-year UAE residency

• No Property Tax: Dubai charges no annual property tax—only a one-time registration and service fees

• Rental Income Tax: Zero if you are a non-resident and your home country does not tax foreign rental income

We don’t just sell properties—we guide you through every legal and regulatory checkpoint:

• Verification of developer credibility & escrow compliance

• Golden Visa eligibility assessment

• Ongoing advisory from reservation to title deed

• Mortgage liaison (if required)

• Post-handover legal and resale support