Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign nationals can own freehold property outright in designated areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills and MBR City — with no annual property tax, no capital gains tax and no income tax on rent for individuals.

Question 2

What are the total costs when buying?

Accepted Answer

Budget roughly 7–8% on top of the purchase price: the 4% DLD transfer fee, around 2% agency fee, a trustee office fee of about AED 4,200, and — if financing — a 0.25% mortgage registration fee plus a bank valuation.

Question 3

How do I verify a broker or a project?

Accepted Answer

Every agent must hold a RERA broker card and every listing a Trakheesi permit — check both on the Dubai REST app before paying anything. For off-plan, confirm the project is registered and payments go into a RERA-regulated escrow account.

Question 4

Can buying property get me a Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify the owner for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa — mortgaged and off-plan properties can qualify too, subject to conditions.