Buying Dubai Property from Abroad

Who can buy

In Dubai, ownership is set by Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 on real property registration. UAE and GCC nationals can own property anywhere in the emirate. Other foreign nationals, whether they live in the UAE or not, can own freehold property, or hold usufruct or long leasehold rights, in areas designated for them. The UAE Government portal also notes that there is no age limit to own property in Dubai.

Because the designated areas are defined plot by plot, check that the specific project sits on designated land before you book. Read the full guide: Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

What you can do remotely

Most of an off-plan purchase does not need you in Dubai:

• choosing and comparing projects, with video viewings of the show unit, the site and the community;
• checking the project, developer and broker in official records;
• sending copies of your documents;
• paying the booking amount and every instalment into the project’s escrow account;
• following construction and payments in Dubai REST.

Whether you can sign electronically depends on the developer. If it does not accept electronic signatures, you sign in person or through a representative. Handover and the title deed can also be handled by a representative with a power of attorney. DLD requires a power of attorney issued outside the UAE to be ratified by a notary public and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, the UAE Embassy there, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Read the full guide: Buying property in Dubai remotely.

How a remote purchase works

1. Discovery call. We talk through your goals, budget, timeline and the language you prefer.
2. Shortlist with official checks. You receive a shortlist of projects, each checked for developer licence, project registration and escrow account.
3. Video viewings. We show you the show unit, the site and the surrounding community on a live video call.
4. Documents and identity checks. You send copies of your passport and other documents the developer and the law require.
5. Signing and payment into escrow. You sign the reservation and the sales and purchase agreement as the developer allows, and pay into the project’s escrow account by bank transfer.
6. Registration and tracking. The developer registers the sale in the interim register, DLD emails you a provisional registration certificate, and you follow progress in Dubai REST.
7. Handover. You attend in person or appoint a representative to inspect the unit, receive the keys and complete the title deed.

Documents

For an individual buyer, DLD’s interim registration asks for a copy of the sales and purchase agreement and a valid UAE ID, or a valid passport for non-residents. Developers and banks may ask for more, such as proof of address or proof of where your funds come from. Our guide lists what to prepare at each stage: Documents you need to buy property in Dubai.

Financing from abroad

You can pay the construction instalments from your own funds. If you want a UAE mortgage, Central Bank rules cap borrowing on an off-plan purchase at 50% of the property value, and each lender decides whether it lends to non-residents and on what terms. Rules in your home country may also limit how much you can send abroad or how you can borrow for it. Read the full guide: UAE mortgages for non-residents.

A team that speaks your language

Our team of 30 speaks English, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam and Punjabi. You choose your language when you enquire, and every call, update and document walk-through can be in that language. For help with the whole process, see our remote buying service.