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Yes, you can buy Dubai property remotely from overseas without physically visiting the emirate.
Foreign buyers can purchase freehold properties in Dubai's designated zones through Power of Attorney arrangements, with the entire transaction process manageable from abroad. The Dubai Land Department now facilitates remote registrations, making property investment accessible to international buyers who want to invest in Dubai's real estate market without traveling.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Dubai, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Foreign buyers can purchase freehold properties in Dubai's designated zones remotely, with minimum down payments of 20-30% depending on property value.
The complete transaction process typically takes 30-45 days and can be handled entirely through authorized representatives without physical presence required.
| Property Type | Average Price (AED) | Minimum Down Payment | Typical Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments | 1.3 million | 20% (up to 5M AED) | 5-8% annually |
| Villas | 5.2 million | 30% (above 5M AED) | 4-6% annually |
| Townhouses | 3 million | 20-30% depending on value | 5-7% annually |
| DLD Registration Fee | 4% of property price | Paid at completion | One-time cost |
| Service Charges | AED 10-40 per sq ft/year | Ongoing obligation | Annual payment |
| Mortgage LTV Ratio | Up to 80% (under 5M) | Interest: 4-6% p.a. | 25-year term max |
| Residency Visa Threshold | AED 2 million minimum | 2 or 10-year options | Renewable visa |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Jean-Charles Salvin 🇫🇷
Co-Founder, Best Dubai Condos
What types of Dubai properties can foreign buyers purchase and in which freehold areas?
Foreign buyers can purchase apartments, villas, and townhouses in Dubai's designated freehold zones only.
These freehold areas grant full ownership rights, including the ability to sell, lease, or transfer the property indefinitely. As of September 2025, the main freehold zones include Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Business Bay, and Emirates Hills.
Additional freehold areas where foreigners can buy include Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Barari, Al Furjan, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, and Sobha Hartland. The Dubai government has expanded this list recently to attract more international investment.
Outside these designated zones, foreign nationals cannot purchase property, as these areas are restricted to UAE nationals and GCC citizens only. Each freehold area offers different property types and price ranges, from affordable apartments in International City to luxury villas in Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah.
What are the current minimum and typical property prices in Dubai's freehold zones?
Dubai property prices vary significantly by location and property type as of September 2025.
| Property Type | Average Price (AED) | Entry Level Price | Luxury Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments | 1.3 million | 500,000 (peripheral zones) | 5+ million (premium areas) |
| Villas | 5.2 million | 2.5 million (mid-tier areas) | 18-90 million (Palm Jumeirah) |
| Townhouses | 3 million | 1.5 million (emerging communities) | 4.5+ million (established areas) |
| Downtown Dubai | Above average | 2+ million (1BR) | 15+ million (penthouses) |
| Dubai Marina | Above average | 1.5+ million (1BR) | 12+ million (high floors) |
| JVC/JLT | Below average | 800,000-1.2 million | 3-4 million |
| Emirates Hills | Luxury only | 15+ million | 50-90+ million |
How much down payment do non-residents need for Dubai property purchases?
Non-resident buyers must provide higher down payments compared to UAE residents when purchasing Dubai property.
For properties valued up to AED 5 million, non-residents must pay at least 20% as a down payment. This means a minimum cash requirement of AED 200,000 for a AED 1 million apartment or AED 1 million for a AED 5 million villa.
For properties above AED 5 million, the minimum down payment increases to 30% of the property value. Some banks may require even higher deposits ranging from 25% to 50% depending on the buyer's risk profile, nationality, and income verification.
These requirements are stricter than those for UAE residents, who can often secure financing with just 15-20% down payment for properties in the same value ranges. The higher deposit requirement reflects the increased risk banks associate with non-resident borrowers.
It's something we develop in our Dubai property pack.
Can overseas buyers get mortgages in Dubai and what are the terms?
Yes, several Dubai banks offer mortgages to non-resident overseas buyers with competitive terms.
The typical loan-to-value ratio ranges from 70-80% depending on the property value. For properties up to AED 5 million, banks usually offer up to 80% financing, requiring a 20% down payment. For more expensive properties above AED 5 million, the LTV ratio drops to around 70%, necessitating a 30% down payment.
Current interest rates for non-residents range from 4% to 6% per annum as of September 2025, with rates varying based on the lender, borrower's profile, and loan amount. Most mortgages are offered on variable rate basis, though some fixed-rate options are available for shorter terms.
Repayment terms typically extend up to 25 years, but the loan must be completed before the borrower reaches age 65-70, depending on employment status and the specific bank's policies. Eligibility requirements include proof of stable income, acceptable nationality from approved countries, and comprehensive financial documentation.
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What additional costs should buyers budget beyond the property price?
Dubai property buyers face several mandatory fees and ongoing costs beyond the purchase price.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee is 4% of the property price, paid during the registration process. For a AED 2 million property, this amounts to AED 80,000. Additionally, buyers pay a registration fee ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 depending on the property value.
Real estate agent commissions typically cost 2% of the property price, split between buyer and seller agents. For mortgage-financed purchases, expect processing fees, valuation costs, and insurance requirements that can add AED 10,000-20,000 to the total cost.
Ongoing service charges range from AED 10-40 per square foot annually for apartments, depending on the community's facilities and management quality. Villas may have fixed annual maintenance fees instead. These charges cover common area maintenance, security, landscaping, and building management services.
Is physical presence required to complete a Dubai property transaction?
No, you do not need to physically visit Dubai to complete a property purchase transaction.
Remote property purchases are fully legal and commonly executed through Power of Attorney arrangements. Buyers can authorize licensed real estate agents, lawyers, or trusted representatives to handle all aspects of the transaction on their behalf, including contract signing, fund transfers, and title deed registration.
The Dubai Land Department has modernized its systems to facilitate remote transactions, allowing online registration and digital processing of most documentation. Many developers and established real estate companies offer comprehensive remote purchase services specifically designed for overseas buyers.
However, some buyers choose to visit Dubai for due diligence purposes, to physically inspect the property, or to establish banking relationships. While not mandatory, a personal visit can provide additional confidence in the investment decision, especially for first-time buyers in the Dubai market.
What documents do foreign buyers need and do they require special authentication?
Foreign buyers must provide comprehensive documentation, much of which requires notarization and UAE embassy legalization.
1. Valid passport with UAE entry visa (if applicable)2. Proof of address from home country (utility bill or bank statement)3. Comprehensive proof of income (salary certificates, tax returns, business records)4. Source of funds documentation showing legitimate origin of purchase money5. Bank statements covering 6-12 months of financial history6. Credit report from home country (for mortgage applications)7. Power of Attorney document if buying remotelyMost financial institutions and the Dubai Land Department require documents to be notarized by a public notary in your home country and then legalized by the UAE embassy or consulate. This process can take 2-4 weeks, so early preparation is essential.
Some countries have streamlined apostille processes that the UAE accepts, reducing the authentication timeline. Professional property consultants typically guide buyers through the specific requirements based on their nationality and chosen financing options.
How long does the complete purchase process take from contract to title deed?
The typical Dubai property purchase process takes 30-45 days from signed sales agreement to receiving the title deed in your name.
For ready properties, the timeline includes mortgage approval (if applicable), final due diligence, funds transfer, and DLD registration. Cash purchases can be completed faster, often within 2-3 weeks, while mortgage-financed transactions require additional time for bank approvals and valuations.
Off-plan property purchases have different timelines, as the title deed is only issued upon project completion and handover. However, the initial sales agreement and payment schedule can be established within the same 30-45 day timeframe.
Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation, slow international fund transfers, or complex mortgage approval processes. Working with experienced local representatives and ensuring all paperwork is properly prepared in advance significantly reduces processing time.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UAE versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Can I rent out my Dubai property while living abroad and what are the rental yields?
Yes, Dubai property owners can freely rent out their properties while living overseas without restrictions.
Gross rental yields in Dubai typically range from 5-8% annually for apartments and 4-6% for villas, depending on location, property condition, and management quality. Premium areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina often deliver yields at the higher end of these ranges due to strong rental demand.
Professional property management companies handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and regulatory compliance for annual fees typically ranging from 5-10% of rental income. These services are particularly valuable for overseas owners who cannot personally manage day-to-day property operations.
Rental income is subject to UAE tax regulations, though the country currently has no personal income tax. However, landlords must register rental agreements with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and may need to pay housing fees in certain communities.
It's something we develop in our Dubai property pack.
What residency rights does property ownership provide and what are the minimum investment thresholds?
Dubai property ownership does not automatically grant permanent residency, but qualifies buyers for renewable investor visas.
The minimum property investment threshold for residency eligibility is AED 2 million as of September 2025. Properties meeting this value requirement allow owners to apply for either 2-year or 10-year renewable investor visas, depending on the specific investment amount and additional criteria met.
The 10-year Golden Visa requires higher investment thresholds and may include additional requirements such as maintaining the investment, having health insurance, or demonstrating ties to the UAE. These visas provide residency rights but do not lead to UAE citizenship, which remains highly restricted.
Visa holders can live, work, and establish businesses in the UAE, and can sponsor immediate family members for residency. The visas are renewable as long as the property investment is maintained and other requirements continue to be met.
How can I safely transfer international funds and what banking protections exist?
Dubai's property market offers several secure fund transfer mechanisms and buyer protections for international transactions.
For off-plan properties, payments must go through RERA-approved escrow accounts, which provide legal protection by holding funds until construction milestones are met or completed. This system protects buyers from developer defaults or project delays.
For ready properties, international wire transfers can be sent directly to seller accounts or through designated escrow services. UAE banks facilitate foreign buyers with specialized property purchase accounts and currency exchange services at competitive rates.
Major international banks operating in Dubai offer private banking services specifically for property investors, including multi-currency accounts, preferential exchange rates, and expedited transfer services. These relationships can be established before property purchase to streamline the transaction process.
Anti-money laundering regulations require comprehensive documentation of fund sources, but provide additional security assurance that all transactions are legitimate and properly recorded with UAE authorities.
What ongoing obligations do property owners have after purchase completion?
Dubai property owners have several ongoing financial and regulatory obligations after completing their purchase.
Annual service charges are mandatory for apartment owners, typically ranging from AED 10-40 per square foot depending on building facilities, location, and management quality. Villa owners may pay fixed annual community fees instead, which can range from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 based on the community's amenities and services.
Utility connections with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) require monthly payments for electricity, water, and cooling services. Internet and cable services are additional monthly costs typically ranging from AED 200-500 depending on service packages selected.
Currently, Dubai has no annual property taxes, though this may change as the government evaluates new revenue sources. Property owners must comply with community rules and regulations, which may include restrictions on short-term rentals, renovation approvals, or noise regulations.
Rental property owners must register tenancy agreements with RERA, maintain property insurance, and comply with landlord-tenant regulations including rent increase caps and eviction procedures. Regular maintenance and upkeep are essential to preserve property values in Dubai's competitive rental market.
It's something we develop in our Dubai property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Buying Dubai property remotely is entirely feasible with proper preparation and professional guidance.
The key to success lies in understanding the specific requirements for non-residents, securing appropriate financing, and working with licensed professionals who can navigate the legal and administrative processes on your behalf.
Sources
- Driven Properties - Complete List of Freehold Areas in Dubai
- LinkedIn - Freehold Zones Expanding for Foreign Buyers Dubai
- Primo Capital - Dubai Real Estate Market Report July 2025
- BNW Partners - Mortgage Dubai Non Resident
- LinkedIn - Understanding Legal Requirements Non Resident
- Bayut - Complete List Freehold Areas Dubai
- PropertyFinder - Dubai Freehold Property Guide
- Properstar - UAE Dubai Real Estate Guide
- Engel & Völkers - Freehold Areas in Dubai
- ImmoAbroad - Dubai Property Prices 2025