Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai — including Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills, and most other well-known neighbourhoods — with full ownership rights, no requirement for UAE residency before purchase, and no restriction on reselling or renting out the property afterwards. The process takes 4 to 8 weeks for a standard ready transaction, and 30 to 45 days from contract signing to title deed for most cases.
The 8-Step Process
Step 1 — Shortlist areas and property type
Decide between ready property (immediate handover, existing rental income possible) and off-plan (lower entry price, developer payment plan, 18–36 month wait). Most Dubai freehold zones permit both options.
Step 2 — Engage a RERA-licensed broker
Only brokers registered with Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) are legally permitted to represent buyers in Dubai. Ask for the broker’s RERA card number and verify it on the Dubai REST app.
Step 3 — Sign Form F (Memorandum of Understanding)
Form F is the RERA-approved sales contract. Both buyer and seller sign, a 10% deposit is paid (held by the agency or a trustee office), and the transaction is now legally committed.
Step 4 — Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The seller secures an NOC from the developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges or encumbrances. Typical fee: AED 500–5,000 depending on the developer.
Step 5 — Transfer at the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
Buyer, seller, and broker attend a DLD Trustee Office. The buyer pays:
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of purchase price + AED 580 admin
- Title deed issuance fee: AED 580
- Agency fee: typically 2% + VAT
- Trustee office fee: AED 2,000–4,000
The new title deed is issued in the buyer’s name on the day of transfer, or the same week for mortgaged purchases.
Step 6 — (If off-plan) Pay through developer escrow
All off-plan payments in Dubai must be made into a developer escrow account registered with RERA. This protects the buyer if construction is delayed or cancelled.
Step 7 — Register your title deed and utilities
Register with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and, if applicable, with the community management for service charge billing.
Step 8 — Apply for Golden Visa if eligible
A property investment of AED 2 million or more in a completed property qualifies the buyer for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa. A property worth AED 750,000 or more qualifies for the 2-year investor visa.
Documents You’ll Need
- Passport copy (buyer and seller)
- UAE residence visa (if applicable — not required)
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Proof of funds / mortgage pre-approval
- Power of Attorney (if buying remotely)
Can You Buy Remotely?
Yes. Many of our international clients complete Dubai property purchases without visiting the UAE. A notarised and UAE-attested Power of Attorney allows our team to attend the DLD transfer on your behalf.
FAQs
Do I need a UAE visa to buy property in Dubai?
No. A passport is all that’s required. UAE residency is not a prerequisite for property purchase in freehold zones.
How much is the DLD transfer fee?
4% of the property purchase price plus AED 580 admin fees. Some developers and promotions cover part or all of this fee on off-plan purchases.
How long does the process take?
4–8 weeks for a standard ready property purchase. Off-plan purchases are immediate (signing to payment plan), but handover typically takes 18–36 months depending on developer.
What’s the minimum property value to qualify for the Golden Visa?
AED 2 million in a completed property, mortgage-free or with qualifying equity, qualifies the buyer for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa.
Ready to Start?
Our team at Prime Real Estate Dubai handles the full process end-to-end — from area shortlisting through to DLD transfer and Golden Visa application. Book a consultation or WhatsApp us for a same-day response.