Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai in 2025? Full Guide

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Dubai in 2025. Non‑UAE nationals, including non‑residents, can own freehold property outright in designated areas, with no age limit to own. Buyers also benefit from clear title deeds via the Dubai Land Department and may qualify for long‑term residency (Golden Visa) with eligible investments.

Why Dubai welcomes foreign buyers in 2025

Dubai remains one of the world’s most open real estate markets. Foreigners have had the right to own in designated freehold areas since 2002; today the framework is mature and buyer‑friendly. The UAE Government portal clearly states that foreigners can acquire freehold, usufruct, or long‑term leasehold (up to 99 years) in approved zones, with title deeds issued by the Dubai Land Department and no age limit to own.

For investors, the policy clarity pairs with practical incentives: no annual property tax, digital transfer processes through trustee offices, and a pathway to long‑term residency via the Golden Visa when investing in qualifying real estate.

Who can buy, and where?

Foreign nationals—residents and non‑residents—can buy freehold property in designated areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JBR, JLT, Business Bay, Dubai Hills Estate, and many more. The official rule is simple: buy within the designated freehold zones to enjoy full ownership.

If you’re comparing ownership types, West Gate Dubai has a helpful primer on freehold vs leasehold and what each means for control, duration, and resale. See: Freehold vs Leasehold in Dubai: What’s the difference?

Golden Visa via real estate (10‑year residency)

Buying real estate can open the door to a 10‑year UAE Golden Visa for you and your family.

• Minimum investment threshold: AED 2,000,000 (one or more properties in your name). Dubai’s official DLD service page confirms the requirement and documents needed, including title deed/e‑title, passport copy, and photo. Mortgaged properties are eligible if the bank provides a no‑objection letter and you can show AED 2M paid to date.
• Family sponsorship: Spouse, children, and parents can be included (with conditions).
• Processing: Typically 7–10 business days once submitted through DLD’s Golden Visa service centers.

The buying process, step by step

• Define your strategy and location. Decide whether you’re end‑using or investing for yield and capital appreciation. Shortlisting based on lifestyle and returns is key. West Gate can help you shortlist and compare ready and off‑plan options across prime and emerging districts.
• Mortgage pre‑approval (if financing). Foreigners can obtain UAE mortgages; down payments often start from 20–25% for residents and may be higher for non‑residents. Banks will run KYC/AML checks, review income, and require a property valuation.
• Property selection and due diligence. View units (physically or virtually), check developer reputation, community service charges, and any building‑specific rules. Your agent should verify the title and any encumbrances.
• Offer and Form F (MOU). Once agreed, parties sign the standard Dubai MOU (Form F), specifying price, payment terms, and timeline. A 10% security deposit is typical and is held per agreed terms.
• NOC and trustee transfer. The developer issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The parties finalize the transfer at an approved Property Registration Trustee office. You’ll pay the DLD transfer fee and registration fees here; the new Title Deed is issued in your name.
• Handover, utilities, and (if renting) Ejari. After transfer, set up DEWA and cooling accounts. If you intend to let your property, register tenancy with Ejari.

Tip: If you plan to operate your property for short‑term rentals, speak with a specialist property manager early. West Gate Dubai’s property management team can handle licensing, furnishing, marketing, and end‑to‑end operations to maximize yield.

Costs and fees in Dubai (what to budget)

Dubai has no recurring annual property tax, but you should budget for one‑time purchase fees and ongoing service charges.

Fees at purchase (indicative):

Ongoing costs:

• Service charges: Paid annually per square foot, covering building/community maintenance, common areas, and master community fees. These vary widely by community and building.
• Utilities: DEWA (electricity/water), plus cooling if district‑cooled.
• Insurance: Building insurance is often included in service charges for apartments; owner’s contents/landlord insurance is optional but recommended.
• If renting: marketing, leasing, and ongoing management costs if you engage a property manager.

Financing as a foreigner

• Non‑residents can get UAE mortgages, though maximum loan‑to‑value may be lower than for residents. Expect to provide bank statements, income proofs, and meet lender country lists and KYC standards. A third‑party valuation is standard, and banks charge arrangement fees.
• Currency: If your income is in a foreign currency, consider FX risk and whether to keep a dirham account for repayments.
• Prepayment and early settlement: Check fees, caps, and whether your mortgage is fixed, variable, or hybrid.

For a deeper read on what lenders look for, see West Gate’s Dubai Mortgage Advice for Expats and Property Financing in Dubai.

Ready vs. off‑plan: which suits you?

• Ready property: Immediate handover and rental income potential. You can inspect the exact unit and community. Transfer is fast once finance is ready.
• Off‑plan property: Often lower entry prices, staged payments, and potential capital gains by completion. You’ll register the sale on the interim register and receive Oqood until the title deed is issued on completion.

Explore current launches and incentives on West Gate’s Off‑Plan hub.

Landlord strategy and management with West Gate Dubai

If your goal is passive income and strong occupancy, the difference is in execution. West Gate Dubai provides full‑service property management—pricing strategy, marketing across top portals, guest/tenant screening, maintenance oversight, and transparent owner reporting. This helps protect your asset while maximizing returns and minimizing vacancy.

• Learn more: West Gate Property Management
• Looking to rent out quickly? Browse Properties for Rent in Dubai
• Building a portfolio? See Properties for Sale in Dubai

Quote from our team: “We treat every home like an investment. Our job is to protect your downside and unlock your upside with data‑led leasing and diligent care.”

Popular freehold neighborhoods for foreign buyers

• Downtown Dubai: Prime landmark living with high liquidity and global tenant demand.
• Dubai Marina and JBR: Waterfront lifestyle with strong short‑term rental appeal.
• Palm Jumeirah: Ultra‑prime villas and apartments with unique scarcity value.
• Business Bay: Central location, corporate demand, attractive yields.
• Dubai Hills Estate: Master‑planned community with villas, townhouses, and new‑build apartments—strong family demand.
• JLT and JVC: Value entries with robust rental markets and improving infrastructure.

Legal guardrails that protect you

Dubai’s framework is built for clarity and buyer protection. Title deeds are issued by the Dubai Land Department; transactions are recorded digitally; and agents must be RERA‑licensed. The UAE Government portal provides a concise summary of how expatriate ownership works, designated areas, and the core legislation behind it.

If you are purchasing for Golden Visa purposes, confirm the property value, payment status (especially if mortgaged/off‑plan), and documents required at a DLD Golden Visa service center. DLD’s official page outlines the investor pathway, including minimum value (AED 2M) and acceptable evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a UAE residence visa to buy?

No. You can buy as a non‑resident. Many investors later apply for residency via the Golden Visa when they meet the AED 2M threshold. See DLD Golden Visa investor page and the UAE’s Golden Visa overview.

Can I buy in any area?

Foreigners must buy in designated freehold zones. The list is broad and covers most of Dubai’s best‑known communities. See the UAE Government’s Dubai section on expatriate ownership.

Are there property taxes?

There is no annual property tax. At purchase you’ll pay the DLD transfer fee (4%), registration, title deed admin, and (if financing) mortgage registration. You’ll also have annual service charges. See the fee breakdown by Engel & Völkers and Driven Properties.

Can I buy off‑plan and still qualify for a Golden Visa?

Off‑plan can be eligible subject to conditions. For Dubai, DLD’s investor page focuses on value (AED 2M+) and documentation; reputable guides note mortgaged and off‑plan can be accepted with proof of payments and developer documents. Always verify current rules at DLD before applying.

How long does the transfer take?

With cash purchases, transfers can complete in days once due diligence and NOC are in place. Mortgaged purchases depend on bank timelines, valuation, and final approvals.

Should I use a property manager?

If you’re overseas or value hands‑off investing, yes. A licensed manager like West Gate can oversee compliance, leasing, maintenance, and reporting—vital to protect uptime and yield. Explore: West Gate Property Management.

Handpicked resources on West Gate Dubai

• Buy Property Dubai Guide: end‑to‑end steps and checklists
• Off‑Plan Properties in Dubai: current launches and payment plans
• What are the costs of buying property in Dubai?: line‑item budgeting
• Freehold vs Leasehold in Dubai: what’s the difference?
• Dubai Mortgage Advice for Expats: how banks assess overseas buyers

And if you’re measuring Dubai against other global hubs, you’ll find these helpful too: Why invest in Dubai’s real estate market in 2025? and How does Dubai’s property market compare internationally?

How West Gate Dubai can help you next

• Explore inventory now: Properties for Sale in Dubai and Properties for Rent in Dubai.
• Prefer off‑plan? Browse new releases and payment plans: Off‑Plan Projects in Dubai.
• Want passive income? West Gate Property Management.

We also have many more properties off‑market and coming soon. If you don’t see exactly what you want, simply fill out the form on our Contact Us page and a professional West Gate Agent will get in touch to tailor options and share full details.