Foreigners Buy Property Dubai

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai? Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Q: Can I buy property in Dubai remotely?

Yes—using Form F and a Power of Attorney, foreigners can complete the purchase remotely through Dubai Land Department Trustee services.

Q: Do foreigners need residency to buy?

No. Expats and non-residents can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai without a UAE residency visa.

Q: What are the main fees?

The main costs include a 4% Dubai Land Department fee, AED 2,000–4,000 trustee fee, AED 250 title deed issuance, and 0.25% mortgage registration fee if financing.

Q: Does property ownership qualify for a visa?

Yes. Properties worth AED 750,000 or more may qualify for a 2-year Investor Visa, while those worth AED 2 million or more can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.

Foreigners can buy freehold property in Dubai without residency. This 2025 step-by-step guide explains areas, fees, mortgages, visas, and how to get your title deed.

Solid Cars

Sep 5, 2025 • 3 min read

Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most international-friendly in the world. Since reforms in 2006 (Regulation No. 3 of 2006), foreigners have been able to buy property in designated freehold areas, gaining full ownership rights (UAE Government Portal).

Whether you’re an expat dreaming of a beachfront apartment on Palm Jumeirah or an investor looking at Dubai Hills, the process is transparent, regulated, and increasingly digital. Let’s break down exactly how foreigners can buy property in Dubai in 2025.

Can foreigners really buy property in Dubai?

Yes, they can. Non-UAE nationals may acquire:

Freehold ownership in zones such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and JVC (UAE Government Portal).
Leasehold (usufruct) rights up to 99 years.
Corporate ownership via entities in UAE free zones (Dubai Land Department FAQs).

Foreign buyer and seller shaking hands after signing Dubai property sale agreement with sold sign

💡 No local sponsor or residence visa is required to buy property. However, certain investments can qualify you for long-term residency.

Freehold vs Leasehold: What’s the Difference?

Freehold: Complete ownership—you can sell, lease, or pass it down indefinitely. Best for long-term investors and end-users.
Leasehold (usufruct): Usage rights (usually 30–99 years), common in commercial or specific master communities.
These rules are set out in Regulation No. 3 of 2006.

Step-by-Step: How Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai

1. Define Your Goals & Budget

Are you buying to live, rent out, or hold for appreciation? Include transaction fees and ongoing service charges (Mollak Service Charge Index).

📖 Related reads:

2. Ready vs Off-Plan

Ready property: Completed homes transferred at DLD Trustee offices (Trustee locator).
Off-plan: Bought before completion. Protected under Law No. 8 of 2007 (Escrow Law) (full DLD legislation PDF).
- Check developer compliance via escrow account activation and certified trustees.

External resource: Properstar expat property guide.

3. Research & Due Diligence

Validate ownership and title via the Dubai REST app.
For off-plan, confirm escrow compliance and Oqood registration.
Estimate service charges via Mollak.

External resource: GuestReady Dubai buying guide.

4. Prepare Documents

Mandatory: passport.
Optional: UAE bank account (for smoother transactions).
Residency not required at this stage.

5. Secure Financing (If Needed)

Non-residents: typically 20–25% down payment.
Residents: up to 80% LTV for first property.
DLD charges a 0.25% mortgage registration fee (Mortgage Registration service).

6. Make an Offer & Sign Form F

Once price and terms are set, both parties sign RERA Form F (Form F page, official guide PDF). A ~10% deposit is standard.

7. Obtain the NOC

Seller must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming no dues on the property. Fees: AED 500–5,000 (DLD eNOC overview).

8. Transfer & Get Your Title Deed

Dubai Land Department main office building where property ownership and title deed transfers are registered

At the DLD Trustee office, you:

Pay the balance & fees.
Complete the sale.
Receive your digital title deed via Dubai REST app.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Typical Cost
DLD transfer fee	4% of property price
Trustee office fee	AED 2,000 (≤ AED 500k) / AED 4,000 (> AED 500k)
Title deed issuance	AED 250
Mortgage registration	0.25% of loan amount
Developer NOC	AED 500–5,000
Off-plan Oqood/admin	AED 3,000–5,250
Annual service charges	Check via Mollak

Can Buying Property Get You a Visa?

Yes—property ownership can unlock residency options:

2-year Investor Visa (Taskeen): Minimum AED 750k (DLD Investor Visa).
10-year Golden Visa: Minimum AED 2m (DLD Golden Visa Investor, ICP Golden Residency).

Aerial view of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai with luxury villas and apartments available for foreign property buyers

Checklist for Buyers

Verify property via Dubai REST app
Confirm escrow status (DLD Escrow Law PDF)
Budget for all fees (DLD, Trustee, NOC, mortgage)
Check service charges via Mollak
Work with RERA-registered agents

FAQs

Can I buy property in Dubai remotely?
Yes—using Form F and a Power of Attorney.

Do foreigners need residency to buy?
No. Expats and non-residents can buy freehold property (UAE Gov Portal).

What are the main fees?
4% DLD fee, AED 2k–4k trustee fee, AED 250 title deed, and 0.25% mortgage registration.

Does property ownership qualify for a visa?
Yes—AED 750k+ (2-year Investor Visa), AED 2m+ (10-year Golden Visa).

Conclusion

Foreigners can legally and safely buy property in Dubai—whether freehold or leasehold. With a transparent process, regulated escrow accounts, and options for investor visas, Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive property markets worldwide.

📖 Planning to relocate? Don’t miss our how to move to Dubai guide.