Buying Property in Dubai as a Non-Resident or From Abroad
There is no residency or citizenship requirement to buy in Dubai’s freehold areas. A passport is the only identity document a non-resident needs, and the whole purchase can be completed without travelling.
What you can buy
Any property in a designated freehold area — apartments, villas, townhouses, off-plan or ready. There is no limit on the number of properties.
Buying remotely
- Off-plan: booking forms and the SPA are signed electronically, and payments are made by international transfer to the project’s escrow account.
- Ready property: you either attend the transfer in person or appoint a representative under a power of attorney (POA). A POA signed abroad must be notarised and legalised for use in the UAE.
Paying from overseas
Funds are normally sent by bank transfer in your own name. Expect questions about the source of funds — UAE banks, developers and brokers are required to carry out anti-money-laundering checks, so keep documents that show where the money came from.
Mortgages for non-residents
Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, generally up to around 50–60% of the value and to a shorter list of nationalities and income types than for residents. Details are in our UAE mortgage guide.
Residency through property
Owning property can make you eligible for a UAE residence visa — including the 10-year Golden Visa for property worth AED 2 million or more. See Golden Visa through property.
After you buy
- Letting: a property manager can find tenants, register the tenancy (Ejari) and collect rent for a fee.
- Holiday rentals: possible with a permit — see our holiday homes guide.
- Tax: the UAE charges no annual property tax and no personal income tax on rent, but your home country may tax your overseas income — take advice there.
- Inheritance: non-Muslim owners can register a will in the UAE so the property passes as they wish.
Start by browsing off-plan projects and properties for sale, or read the step-by-step buying guide.
Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or your advisor before you commit — this guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.