Buyer questions

Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner

The rules that matter before you buy, each with the official page it comes from.

Checked against official sources on 20 October 2026.

Can foreigners own property in Dubai?

Yes, in freehold areas. Under Law No. 7 of 2006 on real property registration, people who are not UAE nationals can own property outright, without a time limit, or hold usufruct and leasehold rights of up to 99 years, in areas the Ruler of Dubai designates.

Most of the communities buyers ask about are freehold: every sale recorded by Dubai Land Department in the areas covered by our area guides was a freehold sale. Ownership is registered with Dubai Land Department, and the title deed is in your name.

Can I buy from abroad?

You do not need a UAE residence visa to own property. Off-plan homes are bought from the developer: your payments go into the project’s escrow account, as Law No. 8 of 2007 requires, and the sale is registered with Dubai Land Department in its interim (off-plan) register.

For a ready home, the transfer is completed at a Dubai Land Department trustee office. Buyers who cannot attend usually sign through a power of attorney; check with the trustee office which form of power of attorney it accepts for your country.

What fees do I pay?

Dubai Land Department charges a registration fee of 4% of the sale price. Its fee table for the initial sale of an off-plan unit splits this as 2% for the seller and 2% for the buyer, plus small fixed fees. On resales the buyer usually pays the full 4%, but who pays is set in the sale contract, so read it.

Expect trustee office and title deed charges on top, and a brokerage fee if you buy through a broker.

Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?

For UAE residents who are not nationals, the Central Bank caps a first-home mortgage at 80% of the property value up to AED 5 million and 70% above it (Central Bank resolution 96/2019, amending circular 31/2013).

We found no Central Bank figure specific to non-residents. Banks that lend to non-residents set their own limits, usually lower than those for residents, so plan for a larger down payment and ask the bank for its current terms.

Does buying property give me a Golden Visa?

Owning property worth at least AED 2 million makes you eligible for a Golden Visa. Dubai Land Department’s Golden Visa service describes a renewable 10-year residence permit with your spouse, children and parents as dependants, allows a mortgaged property with a no-objection letter from the bank, and requires you to be in the UAE when you apply. The ICP guide accepts an off-plan purchase from an approved developer.

The national portal u.ae lists the real estate Golden Visa as 5 years, and the Dubai Land Department FAQ also lists a shorter residency for property worth AED 750,000 or more. Because official pages differ, confirm the current term and conditions with Dubai Land Department before you buy for the visa.

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Short answers

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Yes. Non-UAE nationals can own property outright in the freehold areas designated by the Ruler of Dubai, under Law No. 7 of 2006.

Do I need a residence visa to buy property in Dubai?

No. You can own property in Dubai without a UAE residence visa.

What is the property registration fee in Dubai?

Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the sale price. Its fee table for initial off-plan sales splits it 2% seller and 2% buyer; on resales the buyer usually pays it, as agreed in the contract.

Is my off-plan payment protected?

Off-plan payments must go into the project’s escrow account under Law No. 8 of 2007, and the sale is registered with Dubai Land Department.

How much can I borrow for a home in Dubai?

Residents who are not UAE nationals can borrow up to 80% of the value for a first home up to AED 5 million and 70% above it. Banks set lower limits for non-residents.

What property value gets a Golden Visa?

At least AED 2 million. Dubai Land Department’s service describes a 10-year renewable permit; u.ae lists 5 years for real estate, so confirm the term with Dubai Land Department.

Can I get a Golden Visa with a mortgaged property?

Dubai Land Department’s Golden Visa service accepts a mortgaged property with a no-objection letter from the bank.

Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan property?

The ICP Golden Residency guide accepts an off-plan purchase from an approved developer.

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Official sources

This page explains public rules. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.