Foreign buyers can purchase freehold homes in Dubai, obtain full legal title and complete the whole transaction without travelling. Dubai drew AED 148.4 billion in foreign real estate investment in Q1 2026 from buyers of more than 150 nationalities.
1. Confirm you are eligible
Non-UAE nationals can buy freehold property in designated zones, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, JVC and Dubai Hills Estate.
2. Off-plan or ready?
Off-plan offers a lower entry price and a payment plan tied to construction milestones, suiting buyers with a 3–5 year horizon. Ready property can be inspected and rented immediately.
3. Choose and verify a licensed agent
Every legitimate agent holds a RERA Broker Registration Number (BRN), which you can check on the Dubai REST app.
- Confirm the project is registered in the Oqood system
- Check the developer under Registered Developers in Dubai REST
- Track off-plan escrow status with the project’s Oqood number
- Make sure milestones and penalties are written into the SPA
4. Sign the MOU and pay the deposit
The Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) can be signed remotely; a 10% deposit is paid into a trust account.
5. Obtain the NOC
The developer issues a No Objection Certificate confirming there are no outstanding dues.
6. Complete the transfer
The transfer takes place at a DLD-approved trustee office, or through a representative with Power of Attorney: usually 2–4 weeks for cash buyers and 4–8 weeks with a mortgage.
Costs
There is no personal income tax, capital gains tax or annual property tax. The main cost is the one-time 4% DLD transfer fee plus agent commission. Non-residents can typically borrow 75–80% on properties under AED 5 million.
The Golden Visa route
Property valued at AED 2 million or more qualifies for a 10-year Golden Visa; several properties can be combined, and off-plan property qualifies once the Oqood certificate is registered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming freehold access applies everywhere
- Focusing only on price
- Skipping official checks
- Treating ready and off-plan property as the same
- Signing without a careful document review
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit Dubai? No, the process can be completed remotely.
Title deed or Oqood? A title deed is for completed property; an Oqood is the provisional registration for off-plan property.
Can non-residents get a mortgage? Yes, typically 75–80% for properties under AED 5 million.
