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Buying property in Dubai from abroad

How non-residents buy without living in the UAE: identification, powers of attorney, paying, borrowing, and the visas property can bring.

Updated 16 September 2026

Who can buy

Buyers of any nationality can own freehold property in Dubai's designated freehold areas. Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 allows non-UAE nationals to hold freehold there without a time limit, or leasehold rights for up to 99 years. You do not need a UAE residence visa to buy.

Identification and documents

At a Dubai Land Department registration trustee, buyers and sellers identify themselves with an Emirates ID or, for non-resident foreigners, a valid passport. On a resale in a freehold area DLD also requires the developer's electronic no-objection certificate, the e-NOC, which is issued through the Dubai REST app.

If you cannot be in Dubai

You can appoint someone to complete the purchase for you with a power of attorney. Under DLD Circular No. 29/R/2025, as summarised by Dubai law firms, a power of attorney issued outside the UAE must be:

  • Notarised by the competent authority in the country where it is issued
  • Legalised by the UAE embassy or consulate there
  • Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Presented as the original document, not a scan
  • Translated in full into Arabic by a UAE-licensed translator, if it is in another language
  • Issued no more than two years before it is used

A power of attorney notarised in the UAE and entered in the electronic register generally remains valid unless it states a time limit. Either way, its wording must clearly authorise the transaction; general wording is rejected, so have it drafted for the purchase.

Paying for the home

DLD accepts its fees by ePay, Dubai Pay, the Noqodi wallet and manager's cheque. By market practice the price itself is paid to the seller by manager's cheque from a UAE bank, so plan how your funds will reach the UAE well before the transfer date.

DLD's Digital Sale service on the Dubai Now app runs a whole sale online, but both parties need an Emirates ID, an active UAE Pass and a UAE bank account, and the home must be a mortgage-free unit in a freehold area with a single owner.

Borrowing as a non-resident

UAE banks lend to non-residents at their own discretion, commonly 50% to 60% of the price of a ready home and 50% off-plan. How mortgages work in Dubai covers the fees and the order to do things in.

Residence visas through property

  • Investor residence visa, two years. The Dubai Land Department's service page lists it for a sole owner of property of any value, or a joint owner whose share is worth at least AED 400,000, with an investor fee of AED 10,212.50.
  • Golden Visa, ten years. For property worth AED 2 million or more, in one property or several, including mortgaged property with a letter from the bank. The Golden Visa through property has the detail.

In April 2026 GDRFA Dubai and DLD agreed to move property residency services into GDRFA Dubai's system, so confirm the current channel and fees before you apply.

Tax on owning and letting

The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. Under Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023, a person's income from property held in their own name is not subject to UAE corporate tax, whatever the amount, as long as the activity is not carried out, and is not required to be carried out, under a licence. Your home country may tax that income, so check with an adviser there.

Questions buyers ask

Can I buy property in Dubai without visiting?

Yes, through an attorney appointed with a power of attorney. One issued abroad must be notarised, legalised by the UAE embassy or consulate, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, translated into Arabic and issued no more than two years before it is used.

Do I need a UAE bank account to buy property in Dubai?

Not to pay DLD's fees, which it accepts by ePay, Dubai Pay, the Noqodi wallet or manager's cheque. By market practice the price is paid by manager's cheque from a UAE bank, and DLD's fully digital sale service requires a UAE bank account.

Does buying property in Dubai give me residency?

It can. The Dubai Land Department lists a two-year investor residence visa for a sole owner of property of any value (a joint owner needs a share of at least AED 400,000), and a ten-year Golden Visa for property worth AED 2 million or more.

Do non-residents pay tax on rental income from Dubai property?

The UAE has no personal income tax, and a person's rental income from property in their own name is not subject to UAE corporate tax when no licence is required. The buyer's country of residence may tax it.

Sources

How to buy a home in Dubai, step by step

From setting your budget to collecting the title deed: every stage of buying a ready home, what you sign and what you pay.

Read the guide

What it costs to buy property in Dubai

Every fee on a ready home, an off-plan home and a mortgage, with the government figures checked against the Dubai Land Department.

Read the guide