Buying Property in Dubai From Abroad: How It Works
Yes, foreigners can own property in Dubai’s freehold areas, and you do not always have to be in Dubai to buy. A representative can act for you with a legalised power of attorney, and every sale must be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Can Foreigners Own Property in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai’s Law No. (7) of 2006 on Real Property Registration allows non-UAE nationals to own property in areas set by the Ruler of Dubai.
In these areas, you can get freehold ownership with no time limit, or a usufruct or leasehold right of up to 99 years.
The areas are listed in Regulation No. (3) of 2006, which determines the areas where non-UAE nationals may own property. Your brokerage should confirm that the plot is in one of them.
Source: Law No. (7) of 2006, Article 4 · Regulation No. (3) of 2006
Do You Need to Be in Dubai?
A Power of Attorney
Someone you trust can buy for you under a legalised power of attorney, within the powers it gives. DLD says a purchase power of attorney is valid for five years from notarisation.
Legalised Abroad
A power of attorney made outside the UAE must be ratified by a notary and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, then the UAE Embassy there, then the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Passport Is Enough
For non-resident foreigners, DLD accepts a valid passport for the sale registration. DLD also describes a remote registration process by email and video call through its trustee offices.
Source: DLD — Frequently Asked Questions · DLD — Sale Registration
From First Question to Title Deed
Choose a Licensed Brokerage
Work only with a RERA-licensed brokerage. Ask for the company licence and the broker’s card before you send money or documents.
Check the Project and Developer
For off-plan, the developer must be registered with DLD and the project must have its own escrow account.
Reserve the Unit
Get a written reservation that names the unit, the price and who receives the payment.
Sign the Sale Agreement
Read the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) before you sign: price, payment plan, handover date and fees.
Pay Through Traceable Channels
Off-plan payments go into the project escrow account. Never pay cash or into a personal account.
Register With DLD
Off-plan sales go into DLD’s initial register (Oqood). Ready homes are registered at a Real Estate Registration Trustee office, and the title deed is issued.
DLD: all real estate transactions that are not registered in its registers are considered invalid.
Source: DLD — Frequently Asked Questions · Law No. (8) of 2007
What You Pay to Register
4% Registration Fee
Of the sale value. DLD’s service page lists it as 2% on the seller and 2% on the buyer. Your agreement says who pays what.
Trustee Office Fee
AED 4,000 + VAT if the price is AED 500,000 or more; AED 2,000 + VAT below that (service partner fee).
Title Deed
AED 250 to issue the title deed certificate, plus small knowledge and innovation fees of AED 10 each.
No Personal Income Tax
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, as the official UAE government portal states.
Fees can change. Check the official DLD page for your exact type of sale before you pay.
Source: DLD — Sale Registration fees · DLD — Initial Sale (Off-Plan) fees · u.ae — Taxation
How Your Money Is Protected Off-Plan
- Dubai’s Law No. (8) of 2007 on escrow accounts protects off-plan buyers.
- Each project must have its own escrow account, held by a bank or financial institution accredited by DLD.
- Your payments are deposited in that account, and the account is used only for building that project.
- A developer may not advertise off-plan sales without written approval from DLD.
Can Property Give You a Golden Visa?
Yes, if you meet the conditions. The ICP Golden Residency guide says real estate investors need one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, fully registered in their name.
The residency is for 10 years. A loan from an approved local bank is allowed, and off-plan units from an approved developer can count. Always check the current conditions with ICP or GDRFA Dubai before you buy for a visa.
Source: ICP — Golden Residency Guide · DLD — Golden Visa (Investor)
Before You Pay Anything
- The brokerage and the broker hold a valid RERA licence.
- The developer and the project are registered with DLD.
- For off-plan, you have the project’s escrow account details, and you pay only into it.
- You have read the sale agreement: price, payment plan, handover date and fees.
- You know the full cost: 4% registration fee, trustee office fee and title deed fee.
- Any power of attorney gives only the powers you need, and it is legalised.
- The deal will be registered with DLD (Oqood for off-plan, or the title deed).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Under Law No. (7) of 2006, non-UAE nationals can own property in the areas set by the Ruler of Dubai: freehold with no time limit, or usufruct or leasehold for up to 99 years.
Do I have to travel to Dubai to buy?
Not always. A representative can act for you under a legalised power of attorney. If it is made abroad, it must be ratified in your country, at the UAE Embassy and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DLD says a purchase power of attorney is valid for five years.
How much is the DLD registration fee?
4% of the sale value. DLD’s service page lists 2% on the seller and 2% on the buyer, plus AED 250 for the title deed and a trustee office fee of AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000). Your agreement says who pays.
Is my money safe if I buy off-plan?
Law No. (8) of 2007 requires each off-plan project to have its own escrow account with an accredited bank. Buyer payments go into it, and it is used only to build that project. Pay only into the project’s escrow account.
Can buying property give me a Golden Visa?
Yes, if you meet the conditions. ICP requires one or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, registered in your name, for a 10-year residency. Check the current rules with ICP or GDRFA Dubai first.
Have a Question Before You Buy?
Tell me your goal or the project you saw. I will explain the steps and what to check, in plain words. Free, with no obligation.
Ahmed Moawad is a real estate sales trainer, not a licensed real estate broker. He does not sell, advertise or list properties and does not take any payment from clients. Consultations are free general guidance; any purchase is completed through a brokerage licensed by the relevant emirate’s regulator (e.g. RERA in Dubai).