Can foreigners buy property anywhere in Dubai?

No. Foreign ownership is restricted to designated freehold areas. Outside these zones only leasehold options up to 99 years are available.

What mortgage percentage can expats get in 2026?

Residents can borrow up to 80 percent on properties under 5 million AED. Non-residents are usually limited to 50 percent financing.

Does buying property give me a visa?

Yes. Properties of 2 million AED or more qualify for a 2-year renewable Golden Visa processed by ICP after title deed issuance.

How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Dubai 2026

Who Can Buy and Where

Foreign nationals may purchase freehold property in designated areas across Dubai. Popular freehold zones include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Business Bay. Outside these zones, foreign ownership is limited to leasehold structures of up to 99 years.

Current Purchase Process

Start with a reservation agreement and pay a 10 percent deposit. A Dubai Land Department registered sales and purchase agreement follows. The buyer pays the 4 percent transfer fee plus a 540 AED admin fee to the DLD. Title deed issuance usually takes 5 to 10 working days once payment clears.

Mortgage Options for Expats

Non-residents and residents can apply for mortgages. Banks typically offer up to 50 percent financing for non-residents and 80 percent for residents on properties under 5 million AED. Interest rates in 2026 average between 4.25 percent and 5.5 percent fixed for five years. Pre-approval takes 3 to 7 days with documents such as passport, visa, salary certificate, and 6 months of bank statements.

Fees and Ongoing Costs

DLD transfer fee: 4 percent of purchase price
Agent commission: 2 percent plus 5 percent VAT
Registration fee: 540 AED
Annual service charge: 15 to 45 AED per square foot depending on building
DEWA deposit: around 2,000 AED for new connections

Buyers should budget an extra 7 to 9 percent on top of the purchase price for first-year costs.

Residency Linked to Property

Properties valued at 2 million AED or more qualify for a 2-year renewable Golden Visa. The visa is processed through ICP after title deed issuance. Investors with 1 million AED or more in off-plan projects may also receive residency once 50 percent of the unit value is paid.

Key Checks Before You Sign

Always verify the project is RERA registered. Review the escrow account details and developer track record. For ready properties, request the last 12 months of service charge statements and confirm no outstanding dues with the building management.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →