The short answer
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Dubai, with full freehold ownership, in areas designated for foreign ownership. You do not need to be a UAE resident. Expect to pay the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4% of the price plus fixed registration charges and, usually, a 2% agency commission, so budget around 7% to 10% above the purchase price in total. Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.
Where foreigners can own
Article 4 of Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 on Real Property Registration allows non-UAE nationals, subject to the Ruler's approval, to hold freehold ownership without time restrictions in areas the Ruler determines. Those areas are set out in Regulation No. 3 of 2006 and later amendments. They cover most of the communities international buyers ask for, including the markets LMG works in:
Outside freehold areas, foreigners can usually only hold long leasehold or usufruct rights. Always confirm the status of a specific plot with the DLD before paying a deposit.
What it costs on top of the price
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of the purchase price, usually paid by the buyer |
|---|---|
| Title deed issuance | AED 580 |
| Trustee office (registration) fee | AED 4,000 plus 5% VAT for AED 500,000 and above; AED 2,000 plus VAT below |
| Agency commission | Typically 2% of the price, plus 5% VAT |
| Developer NOC (resale) | Varies by developer, roughly AED 500 to AED 5,000 plus VAT |
| Mortgage registration (if financed) | 0.25% of the loan amount plus an administration fee |
| Bank valuation (if financed) | Roughly AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 |
Example: on a ready apartment bought for AED 2,000,000 in cash, the DLD transfer fee is AED 80,000, the trustee office fee AED 4,200 including VAT and the title deed AED 580. A 2% agency commission adds AED 42,000 including VAT. That is about AED 126,780, or 6.3% of the price, before any developer NOC or service-charge adjustments.
Also plan for annual service charges, set per community and published by the DLD, and for utility connection deposits.
Financing: what banks can lend to foreigners
Mortgage limits for non-UAE nationals are set by the Central Bank of the UAE:
| First home, under AED 5 million | Up to 80% of value |
|---|---|
| First home, AED 5 million or more | Up to 70% of value |
| Second and later properties | Up to 60% of value |
| Off-plan property | Up to 50% of value |
| Maximum loan term | 25 years |
Total monthly debt repayments may not exceed 50% of the borrower's income. Banks set their own policies within these caps and are usually more conservative with non-residents, so get pre-approval before making an offer. LMG introduces buyers to financing as part of its service.
Step by step: buying a ready property
- Set the brief. Purpose (home, rental income, visa), community, budget and whether you will pay cash or finance.
- Shortlist and view. In person or by video. Every property LMG lists is vetted by the Dubai team for location, build quality and investment potential.
- Agree the price and sign the sale agreement. In Dubai this is the standard DLD contract known as Form F, usually with a deposit of around 10% held against the transfer.
- Seller obtains the developer NOC. The developer confirms there are no outstanding service charges.
- Mortgage approval and valuation, if you are financing.
- Transfer at a DLD trustee office. Fees are paid, the price is settled by manager's cheque or transfer, and the new title deed is issued in your name.
- Handover. Keys, access cards, utility registration and, if you are letting, tenant sourcing and management.
Buying off-plan
Off-plan property is sold before completion on a payment plan. It is registered on the DLD's interim register (Oqood) rather than with a title deed until handover. Buyers' payments go into project escrow accounts regulated under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007, which limits how developers can use the money. Two points matter for foreign buyers: off-plan mortgages are capped at 50% of value, and the Golden Visa route through DLD requires a title deed, so it normally applies once the property is complete.
The Golden Visa through property
The Dubai Land Department's Golden Visa service grants a 10-year renewable residence visa to investors whose property, alone or combined, is worth AED 2 million or more at purchase. Mortgaged property can qualify with a no-objection letter from the bank. The visa can sponsor a spouse, children and parents. DLD lists total fees of about AED 9,885 for the main applicant.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a deposit before checking the property's registration and any outstanding service charges
- Budgeting for the price but not the 4% transfer fee and other costs
- Assuming an off-plan purchase qualifies for the Golden Visa straight away
- Making an offer without mortgage pre-approval
- Using an unlicensed intermediary. Brokers in Dubai must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)
How LMG helps
LMG Properties is a Dubai-based real estate firm offering residential and investment property across Dubai, the UAE and selected international markets. For overseas buyers the team manages the full journey from Dubai: sourcing, negotiation, due diligence, financing introductions, handover and property management. See our Dubai and UAE property page, our services, and our international desk if you are also buying abroad.
Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property without time limits in areas designated for foreign ownership, which include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Business Bay. Buyers do not need to live in the UAE.
What fees do you pay when buying property in Dubai?
The main cost is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price, usually paid by the buyer. Add a title deed fee of AED 580, a trustee office fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT for properties of AED 500,000 or more (AED 2,000 plus VAT below that), and typically a 2% agency commission plus VAT. Buyers should budget roughly 7% to 10% of the price on top for all costs.
How much can a non-UAE national borrow for a Dubai property?
UAE Central Bank rules cap loans for expatriates at 80% of the value for a first home under AED 5 million, 70% at AED 5 million or more, 60% for second and later properties, and 50% for off-plan property. The maximum loan term is 25 years. Individual banks may set stricter limits, especially for non-residents.
Does buying property in Dubai give you a visa?
Property worth AED 2 million or more, owned outright or with a bank no-objection letter if mortgaged, can qualify for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa through the Dubai Land Department. The application requires a title deed, so ready property is the usual route.
Is off-plan property in Dubai safe to buy?
Off-plan sales are regulated: developers must register projects and buyers' payments go into escrow accounts under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007. Buyers should still check the developer's record, the project's registration and the payment plan before committing.
How long does it take to buy a ready property in Dubai?
A cash purchase of a ready property can often complete within a few weeks once the price is agreed, because transfer happens at a Dubai Land Department trustee office. Mortgaged purchases take longer because of bank approval and valuation.
Fees and rules as published by the Dubai Land Department, the Dubai Legislation Portal and the Central Bank of the UAE, checked on 2026-09-30. They change from time to time; confirm current figures before you commit. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.
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