Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner is permitted in 2026: non-UAE nationals can hold freehold, usufruct or leasehold interests in areas designated by the Ruler, as set out in Article 4 of Law No. 7 of 2006. For a ready flat priced at AED 2,000,000, the illustrative transaction-cost estimate in this guide is AED 126,720, including DLD charges and an assumed agency commission. You can arrange a purchase from abroad using a properly legalised power of attorney, although the steps and documents depend on the transaction.
Where can a foreigner buy property in Dubai?
Foreign buyers may purchase in the areas designated for non-UAE nationals. Those areas are specified by plot in Regulation No. 3 of 2006, so check the property’s location and title details rather than assuming that every part of Dubai has the same ownership rules.
Depending on the property and area, the permitted interest may be freehold, usufruct or leasehold for a term of up to 99 years. Check the applicable rights for the specific property before committing, particularly if your plans depend on a particular form of ownership.
What does Dubai’s property market look like?
Dubai’s transaction volumes provide context for overseas buyers, but they do not predict the performance of an individual property. Dubai Government Media Office data records more than 270,000 transactions worth AED 917 billion in 2025, while Dubai Land Department reported AED 252 billion in transactions in Q1 2026, including AED 148.35 billion in foreign investment. Read the figures in the 2025 market release and the Q1 2026 DLD update.
For an investor, the relevant question is how a specific property fits their objectives, available funds, holding period and risk tolerance. Consider the location, building or developer, likely running costs and potential resale or rental demand. Market-wide transaction figures alone cannot answer those questions.
Dubai skyline views. M&M Real Estate’s investor FAQ covers questions about buying, legal structure and the purchase process.
How does buying a ready property work?
For a completed property, the usual steps are to agree the price and terms, carry out due diligence, arrange payment and register the transfer with the Dubai Land Department. Confirm who is responsible for each payment in the sale agreement and make sure the funds and documents will be ready for registration.
For a resale, the no-objection certificate is obtained from the developer, not RERA. Ask the developer what it requires and allow time for the certificate to be issued. Before proceeding, check the property details, ownership documents and any relevant service-charge information with the appropriate parties.
Use independent legal advice where needed, especially if the purchase involves a company, shared ownership, a mortgage or cross-border tax questions. A broker can assist with the transaction, but should not replace a lawyer’s review of your legal position.
How much does it cost to buy property in Dubai?
For a ready property, DLD’s published sale-registration schedule lists a transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price. In market practice, the buyer usually pays this fee, though the parties should confirm the arrangement in their contract. DLD also lists AED 250 for the title deed, AED 250 for the map, AED 20 in fixed charges, and a trustee fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT. See the DLD property sale registration service for the published charges.
Broker commission is separate from DLD’s charges. For the illustration below, the agency fee is assumed to be 2% of the purchase price plus VAT. This is an assumption for budgeting, not a government tariff. Other costs may also apply depending on the transaction and the services you use.
Worked example: ready flat bought for AED 2,000,000
- DLD transfer fee: AED 2,000,000 × 4% = AED 80,000.
- Title deed, map and fixed charges: AED 250 + AED 250 + AED 20 = AED 520.
- Trustee fee: AED 4,000 plus VAT = AED 4,200.
- Assumed agency commission: 2% of AED 2,000,000, plus VAT = AED 42,000.
- Total: AED 80,000 + AED 520 + AED 4,200 + AED 42,000 = AED 126,720, or 6.34% of the purchase price.
This cash-purchase illustration excludes mortgage and lender charges. If the same flat were bought with a 50% mortgage, DLD mortgage registration would add AED 6,970: 0.25% of the AED 1,000,000 loan is AED 2,500, plus AED 270 in fixed charges and AED 4,200 for the trustee fee, before any bank fees. Check the DLD mortgage registration service for the applicable charges.
What foreign buyers get wrong in Dubai off-plan, what each mistake costs, and exactly what to do instead.
Download free→What should you check before buying off-plan?
With an off-plan purchase, check the developer, the project’s approvals, the payment schedule and the terms for delays or cancellation. Before marketing or selling a project, a developer must meet applicable requirements, including holding the land and obtaining the necessary approvals under Executive Council Resolution No. 6 of 2010. Payments for the project go to its escrow account under Law No. 8 of 2007.
Oqood records an off-plan sale in the interim register; it is not the final title deed. DLD’s initial-sale registration service lists an Oqood fee of 4% plus AED 20. You can review the project’s status through the DLD Project Status service and read M&M Real Estate’s guide to buying off-plan property before making a decision.
Do not rely on a generic construction or bank-guarantee threshold without checking the rules and documents that apply to the specific project. For a practical due-diligence checklist, see the guide to common off-plan purchase mistakes.
Can you buy property in Dubai from abroad?
Yes. A power of attorney made abroad must be notarised and legalised through the relevant home-country foreign ministry, the UAE embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dubai Land Department’s FAQ states that a power of attorney for a purchase is valid for five years, while one for a sale or mortgage is valid for two years. Check the DLD frequently asked questions for the documentation process.
DLD also allows sales to be registered by recorded video call. The remote process and documents required can vary, so confirm what applies to your transaction before signing or transferring funds. If you expect to sell later and transfer the proceeds overseas, review the requirements described in this guide to payment rules for overseas property sellers.
Can a foreign buyer use a mortgage?
Yes, subject to the lender’s assessment and the Central Bank of the UAE’s mortgage limits. Under the CBUAE mortgage-loan regulations, an expatriate’s mortgage for an investment property is capped at 60% of the property value. That means a buyer borrowing at the maximum needs at least 40% equity, as well as funds for transaction costs; it is not a universal fixed down-payment rule. The cap for off-plan property is 50%. Check the CBUAE mortgage regulations and discuss eligibility with a UAE lender.
Can property ownership qualify you for a Golden Visa?
Dubai Land Department’s property-investor service describes eligibility for a 10-year residence permit when a property, or several properties combined, has a total purchase value of at least AED 2,000,000 at the time of purchase and is wholly owned in the applicant’s name. Review the DLD Golden Visa investor service for the current application requirements and M&M Real Estate’s property Golden Visa guide for further context.
For a mortgaged property, DLD’s published checklist asks for a bank letter showing AED 2,000,000 paid, along with a bank no-objection letter stating the amount paid and the outstanding balance. Obtain current written guidance from DLD before relying on a financed property for visa eligibility, as application documentation can change.
Plan the purchase around your circumstances
Buying from overseas involves more than selecting a property. Confirm the permitted ownership rights, assess the developer or seller, budget for registration and professional fees, and check how financing and home-country tax or reporting obligations affect your plans. The right structure and due diligence depend on your circumstances, so obtain advice from a qualified lawyer and relevant tax adviser.
M&M Real Estate provides cross-border support from structuring through acquisition. Its country guides cover buyers investing from the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia. To discuss your requirements with the team, contact M&M Real Estate.
