Are you a foreigner looking to buy a property in Dubai? Discover below how to complete the process in just a few steps with the help of our property lawyers.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Specific legislation applicable (YES/NO) |
– Law No. 6 Concerning Ownership of Jointly Owned Real Property in Dubai, – Law No. 4 Concerning the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, – Law No. 7 Concerning the Land Department in Dubai |
|
Possibility of foreigners to acquire UAE properties (YES/NO) |
Yes |
|
Types of properties that can be purchased in Dubai |
– residential, – commercial, – industrial |
| Real estate due diligence required (YES/NO) | No, but recommended. This service can be offered by our real estate lawyers in Dubai. |
| Documents to prepare for property acquisition |
– pre-sale agreement, – sale-purchase contract, – identification papers for the seller and buyer |
| Financing options availability (YES/NO) |
Yes, mortgages are available for property purchases in Dubai. |
| Special property acquisition programs for foreign citizens (YES/NO) |
Yes, Dubai has several residency programs that enable real estate acquisition. |
| Timeframe to acquire a property in Dubai (approx.) |
1 – 2 months |
| Fees to consider upon a property purchase |
– notary fees, – Land Registration fees, – Property Title issuance fee |
| Registration requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, the property must be registered with the Dubai Land Registry. |
| Special requirements for foreign buyers (if any) |
Yes, foreign citizens must obtain No Objection Certificates before acquiring properties. |
| Residency requirements for foreign citizens buying real estate |
No, foreign citizens do not need to be residents, however, they can secure residency through property acquisition. |
| Possibility to appoint a local representative during the transaction (YES/NO) |
Yes, you can rely on our property lawyers in Dubai. |
| Property tax rate in Dubai |
There is no property tax in Dubai. |
| Support in buying a property in Dubai (YES/NO) | Yes, our law firm in Dubai can help you buy a property. |
Table of Contents
Can foreigners purchase properties in Dubai?
Yes, regardless of their nationality, foreigners in Dubai can buy properties, can rent or sell houses in compliance with the local laws.
Foreign citizens, without residency in the UAE, have the possibility of buying properties in Dubai in two areas:
- freehold areas;
- leasehold areas.
What are the differences between freehold and leasehold rights over a Dubai property?
Freehold ownership enables the buyer to own the property and land on it without any restrictions.
Leasehold ownership enables the buyer to use the property for a specific period of time, usually up to 99 years.
NOTE: Each type of right also has additional rights attached to it, which is why it is recommended to discuss your options with one of our Dubai lawyers.
What are the conditions to buy a property in Dubai as a foreigner?
- if you are a non-resident, you can acquire freehold or leasehold rights;
- if you are a Dubai (UAE) resident, you can acquire the property by following the standard route or through one of the dedicated investment programs.
NOTE: You can also obtain residency by purchasing a property in Dubai.
What are the steps to buy a property in Dubai?
- property selection and verification;
- documents preparation;
- memorandum of understanding or pre-sale agreement signing;
- non objection certificate issuance;
- price payment;
- property transfer.
When do I need to obtain the no objection certificate?
The buyer will apply to the developer for a no objection certificate (NOC) when the seller gives the final permission. To finish the transfer, an appointment must be made at the Land Department. Only in the event that there are no unpaid service fees on the property would the developer grant the no objection certificate (NOC).
It is good to know that the Real Estate Regulatory Agency in Dubai is the one responsible for approving registered developers in Dubai.
Are there any other restrictions I should know about when buying real estate in Dubai?
Yes, for foreign buyers, there are specific areas in which they can acquire properties.
We also have an infographic on this subject:
What are the documents to prepare when buying a Dubai property?
- valid passport and visa (if necessary);
- proof of income;
- bank statement;
- a no objection certificate issued by the developer;
- details about the property (type, price).
How long does it take to buy a property in Dubai in 2026?
One to one and a half months.
Is it necessary to make an advance payment when I buy a property in Dubai?
Yes, a 5% to 10% advance payment is usually required to retain the property.
Can I obtain residency if I buy a property in Dubai in 2026?
Yes, the following options are available for those interested in obtaining residency based on a property purchase in Dubai:
- an investment of at least AED 1 million in a freehold property that grants a 3-year renewable residence permit;
- an investment of at least AED 5 million for a 5-year renewable residence permit;
- an investment of AED 2 million for a 5-year renewable visa for retired persons aged above 55.
The procedure of buying a property in Dubai this way is quite simple as it does not even require a residence permit upon arrival in the Emirate.
You can also watch our video on this topic below:
Our law firm in Dubai can help you with real estate due diligence in Dubai and other legal services. Please contact our Dubai attorneys for more information. Our lawyers can also help you start a company in Dubai with no minimum share capital required for LLC, in 1-3 weeks.