FAQ

No, purchasing property in freehold areas is also possible for non-residents. Owners of properties worth at least 1 million AED may apply for a residence visa valid for 2–5 years.

  • Business Bay – central location next to Downtown, high rental demand and solid returns of approx. 6–7%
  • Dubai Creek Harbour – Emaar’s new “mini Downtown” with huge capital growth potential, a marina, metro access and direct connection to Downtown
  • Dubai South – the future of Expo City and the new Al Maktoum Airport; low entry prices and high growth potential
  • Dubai Hills Estate – Emaar’s green, family-friendly community with stable demand and high resale values
  • Dubai Islands & Maritime City – waterfront developments by Nakheel and Omniyat; growing interest in the luxury real estate market
  • Meydan / MBR City – central location with high-standard projects (Sobha, Ellington), offering an excellent balance of investment returns and prestige
  • DLD Fee (Dubai Land Department) – 4% of property value; mandatory registration fee
  • Trustee Office Fee (approx. AED 4,000) – required for DLD transaction registration
  • NOC Fee (No Objection Certificate) – AED 500–5,000; issued by the developer confirming no outsanding obligations
  • Title Deed Fee (approx. AED 580) – cost of issuing the official ownership documen

On the primary (off-plan) market, buyers do not pay any agent commission and all formalities are handled by the developer and DLD.

  • Off-plan properties – under construction, usually offered at lower prices and with flexible payment schedule.
  • Ready properties – available immediately, often fully finished and ready to move in.

Yes, non-residents can obtain a mortgage in Dubai. Banks typically finance 50–60% of the property value, offering flexible repayment terms and attractive interest rates.

  1. Property Selection – defining location, budget and terms with your agent
  2. Offer and Acceptance – offer submission and seller approval
  3. MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) – signing a reservation agreement (Form F)
  4. Deposit Payment – usually 10% of the property value paid to the trustee account
  5. NOC (No Objection Certificate) – document from the developer confirming no outstanding obligations
  6. Ownership Transfer at DLD – completion of the transaction and receipt of the Title Deed

Fees: 4% DLD + approx. 5–8k AED administrative costs.
Process duration: 2–3 weeks.

  1. Project and Unit Selection – choosing the developer and specific property (size, floor, view) checking location, construction status and expected return on investment (ROI)
  2. Reservation and Deposit – submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Booking Form, with approx. 10% of the property value paid into a secure escrow account
  3. Signing the SPA – signing the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA), with details on price, payment schedule, construction deadlines and withdrawal terms
  4. Payment Schedule – installments: 10–20% at SPA signing, 50–60% during construction, 20–30% at handover
  5. Registration at DLD – property registered with the Dubai Land Department and issuance of the Oqood Certificate; DLD fee is 4% + approx. 3–5k AED administrative costs
  6. Finalization – property handover, completion of the final payment and issuance of the Title Deed; the property can then be rented out or resold
  7. Additional Benefits – eligibility for an investor visa (for properties starting from 1 million AED), no income or property taxes, high ROI (6–9% per year) and protection of funds via the escrow system

There is no annual property tax or capital gains tax in Dubai. The buyer only pays a one-time DLD fee (4%) and small community service charges.

Yes, both long- and short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are allowed. The only requirement for short-term leasing is a holiday home license.