Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai? A Comprehensive Guide by Saurabh Srivastava

Dubai has long been a hub of global attention for its opulent lifestyle, futuristic architecture, and investment opportunities. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether foreigners can buy property in Dubai. The answer is a resounding yes!

Since the introduction of property ownership laws in 2002, Dubai has opened its doors to foreign buyers, offering lucrative real estate opportunities in designated freehold areas.

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Foreign nationals can buy property in two specific types of areas: ???????????????? and ??????????????????.

???????????????? ?????????? allow foreigners to have complete ownership of the property and land without any time restrictions. Some of the most popular freehold areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Arabian Ranches.

?????????????????? ?????????? grant buyers rights for 99 years or less, and while you own the property, the land belongs to the local landlord. These are typically government-regulated.

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As a foreigner, you can purchase a variety of properties in Dubai, including:

????????????????????: Located in urban centers like Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Business Bay.

???????????? & ????????????????????: Ideal for families, available in communities like Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Emirates Hills.

??????-???????? ????????????????????: These are properties under construction and are usually cheaper than ready properties, but they come with the risk of delays.

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Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner involves several steps:

???????????????? & ???????????? ????????????????: Choose your property type (apartment, villa, or townhouse) and location.

???????? ???? ??????????: Once you've decided, submit an offer through a real estate agent or directly to the developer.

?????? & ???????? ??????????????: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed, and a 10% deposit is paid to secure the property.

???? ?????????????????? ?????????????????????? (??????): The developer issues an NOC to ensure no dues are left on the property.

???????????????? & ?????????? ??????????????: The transaction is finalized at the Dubai Land Department (DLD), where you will pay a 4% transfer fee, agent commission, and other costs. The buyer and seller sign the final contract, and ownership is transferred.

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For foreigners, Dubai offers flexible mortgage options. However, if you're an expatriate, you will need to make a ????% ???????? ?????????????? for properties under AED 5 million and a ????% ???????? ?????????????? for properties exceeding AED 5 million. Working with banks that have experience in foreign financing can make the process smoother.

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Aside from the property's price, there are several fees to consider:

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???????????? ???????????????????? (??-??%)

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?????????????????? ???????? (???? ????????????????????)

???????????? ?????????????? ?????????????? for maintaining the property and its surroundings

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Dubai continues to attract global investors due to several factors:

???????? ???????????????? ??????: There is no annual property tax, making it an appealing long-term investment.

???????? ???????????? ????????????: Dubai offers attractive rental yields, often higher than in global cities like London or New York.

??????????-?????????? ???????????????????????????? ?????? ??????????????????: The city boasts some of the best infrastructures in the world, from advanced transport systems to high-quality healthcare and education facilities.

As a RERA-licensed agent with years of experience, I’ve guided many international buyers through Dubai’s dynamic real estate market. Whether you’re looking to buy a holiday home, an investment property, or a permanent residence, Dubai’s property market has something for everyone. With its tax-free environment and high returns on investment, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

If you're ready to take the next step or want to learn more about your options as a foreign buyer, feel free to reach out to me for personalized advice.

-Saurabh Srivastava

Your Real Estate Expert PAN India & Dubai

Let's turn your Dubai property dreams into reality!