Foreign buyers

An off-plan property may qualify for a UAE Golden Visa in some circumstances, but eligibility should never be assumed simply because the property’s sale price is AED 2 million or more. Dubai Land Department’s current Golden Visa investor service requires qualifying property worth at least AED 2 million under the applicant’s name. However, its published document checklist specifically refers to an...

You generally need qualifying UAE property worth at least AED 2 million to apply for a Golden Visa through real estate investment. The threshold may be reached through one property or several properties held in the applicant’s name. Joint ownership can also qualify, but the applicant’s own registered share—not necessarily the property’s full value—must generally be worth at least AED 2...

Dubai allows expatriates and foreign non-residents to own property in designated areas. Eligible buyers can acquire apartments, villas, townhouses and certain land plots without UAE citizenship and, in many cases, without holding a UAE residence visa. Dubai expat property ownership is based on formal registration with the Dubai Land Department. Once a completed property sale is registered, DLD issues...

Dubai property investment is accessible to international buyers, including people who do not live in the UAE. Foreign investors can acquire freehold property in designated areas, purchase completed or off-plan units, earn rental income and sell their assets through the Dubai Land Department’s regulated registration system. The opportunity is substantial, but international investors face risks that...

Yes, a company can buy property in Dubai, provided the entity is eligible to own the specific property and is properly registered with the Dubai Land Department. Corporate buyers may include Dubai mainland companies, eligible free-zone entities, branches and certain foreign or GCC company structures. The property is registered in the company’s legal name rather than in the name of an individual...

Transferring money to Dubai is a critical part of buying property, especially for an overseas purchaser dealing with international banks, currency conversion and unfamiliar payment procedures. A Dubai property transfer may involve several separate payments rather than one transfer to the seller. The buyer could need to pay a reservation deposit, contractual deposit, Dubai Land Department fees, agency...

Foreigners can buy property in Dubai without UAE citizenship and, in designated freehold areas, without UAE residency. However, buyers must provide valid identification and the transaction documents required by the Dubai Land Department, developer, registration trustee and—where applicable—the mortgage lender. The exact Dubai property documents required depend on whether the buyer is: A UAE...

Yes, foreigners can get a mortgage in Dubai. UAE residents and some non-residents may obtain financing from UAE banks to purchase eligible apartments, villas, townhouses and other approved properties. Foreign mortgage applicants do not receive automatic approval. The lender will assess the buyer’s residency status, nationality, income, employment, credit profile, age, existing debts and selected...

Yes, you can buy property in Dubai without UAE residency. Foreign nationals living outside the UAE may purchase apartments, villas, townhouses and certain land plots in areas designated for foreign ownership. You do not ordinarily need a UAE residence visa, Emirates ID or local employment contract to own an eligible Dubai property. A valid passport is generally the primary identification document for...

Dubai buyers can choose between newly launched properties purchased from developers and resale properties acquired from existing owners. Both can be good investments, but they involve different costs, risks and timelines. New property may provide contemporary design, modern amenities, staged payment plans and lower immediate maintenance. Resale property offers physical inspection, transaction evidence,...