By Dubai Tax Resident Editorial Team · Last reviewed: October 2026
Foreigners can buy property in Dubai on a freehold basis in designated areas, with full ownership registered at the Dubai Land Department. Expect to pay around 7% to 8% on top of the purchase price in fees, mainly the 4% DLD transfer fee and a 2% agent commission. There is no annual property tax and no tax on rental income or capital gains for individuals in the UAE, and a property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa.
Key facts
- Ownership: freehold for foreigners in designated areas
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the price, plus registration and trustee fees
- Agent fee: typically 2% plus VAT
- Mortgages: UAE residents can borrow up to 80% on a first home under AED 5 million; non-residents usually less
- Taxes: no annual property tax; no personal tax on rent or gains in the UAE
- Golden Visa: available with property worth AED 2 million or more
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Under Dubai’s real estate law, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property in designated areas, which include most districts popular with expatriates, such as Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, JLT, JVC, Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches. You do not need to be a UAE resident to buy. Ownership is recorded with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which issues the title deed.
The buying process step by step
- Set your budget including fees, and get mortgage pre-approval if you need financing.
- Choose a property through a RERA-registered agent or directly from a developer for off-plan units.
- Sign the sale agreement (for resale, the standard Form F memorandum of understanding) and pay a deposit, commonly 10%.
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges.
- Transfer ownership at a DLD trustee office, where the price, fees and any mortgage are settled and the new title deed is issued.
For off-plan purchases, payments go into a regulated escrow account, and the contract is registered with the DLD through the Oqood system.
How much does it cost to buy property in Dubai?
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of purchase price |
| Title deed and registration fees | Fixed fees, a few thousand dirhams |
| Trustee office fee | About AED 2,000 to 4,000 plus VAT |
| Agent commission | About 2% plus 5% VAT |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of loan amount plus fees |
| Bank arrangement and valuation fees | Up to about 1% of loan plus valuation |
| Annual service charges | Varies by building, charged per square foot |
As a rule of thumb, budget 7% to 8% of the price for a cash purchase through an agent, and more with a mortgage. Off-plan purchases from developers often have no agent fee, and some developers cover part of the DLD fee as an incentive.
Mortgages for foreigners
UAE Central Bank rules allow expatriate residents to borrow up to 80% on a first home valued under AED 5 million, and up to 70% above that. Non-residents can obtain mortgages from several banks, but typically with lower loan-to-value ratios, stricter income checks and higher rates. Lenders will review your income, existing debts and credit history from your home country.
Off-plan vs ready property
Off-plan units are bought from developers before completion with staged payment plans, sometimes extending after handover. They can be cheaper and require less cash upfront, but carry completion and delay risk. Check the developer’s track record and confirm the project is registered and that payments go into escrow. Ready properties can be rented out or lived in immediately and are easier to value, but require more cash at purchase.
Taxes on Dubai property
- No annual property tax. Owners pay service charges to the building and, if they live in the property, a housing fee based on its value (see our cost of living guide).
- No personal tax on rental income for individuals who hold property privately. Corporate tax can apply if property is held through a company or as part of a licensed business.
- No capital gains tax for individuals when you sell.
- Your home country may still tax you. If you remain tax resident in Germany, the UK or elsewhere, your Dubai rental income and gains may be taxable there, subject to the relevant tax treaty.
Property and the Golden Visa
Property worth at least AED 2 million, either a single unit or several units combined, can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa. Off-plan and mortgaged properties can qualify under DLD conditions. Smaller investments can still support a standard property investor visa in some cases. See our Dubai Golden Visa guide for the requirements.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the 4% DLD fee and agent commission in the budget.
- Buying off-plan from a developer with a weak delivery record.
- Underestimating annual service charges, which reduce net rental yield.
- Assuming rental income is tax-free everywhere, while still being tax resident at home.
- Buying just under AED 2 million when the Golden Visa is the goal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai, including Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills. You do not need to be a UAE resident, and ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
The main costs are the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, registration and trustee fees, and around 2% agent commission plus VAT. Budget 7% to 8% of the price for a cash purchase, more with a mortgage.
Yes, several UAE banks lend to non-residents, but usually with lower loan-to-value ratios, stricter income checks and higher rates than for residents, who can borrow up to 80% on a first home under AED 5 million.
Individuals who own property privately pay no tax on rental income in the UAE. Corporate tax can apply if the property is held through a company or licensed business, and your home country may tax the income if you are still resident there.
There is no annual property tax in Dubai. Owners pay building service charges, and residents pay a municipality housing fee. A 4% transfer fee applies when you buy.
Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa. Off-plan and mortgaged properties can qualify under Dubai Land Department conditions.
Off-plan purchases are regulated, with payments held in escrow and contracts registered with the DLD, but they still carry delay and completion risk. Choose established developers and verify the project’s registration before paying.
A cash resale purchase can complete in a few weeks once the sale agreement is signed and the developer NOC is issued. Purchases with a mortgage usually take longer because of bank approval and valuation.
No. Individuals pay no capital gains tax in the UAE when selling privately held property. Your home country may tax the gain if you are still tax resident there.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Fees and lending rules change; confirm current terms with the Dubai Land Department, your bank or a qualified adviser.