Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner

Where foreigners can own

Dubai allows non-UAE nationals to own property outright only in designated freehold areas (Law No. 7 of 2006 and related regulations). Well-known freehold districts include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, JVC, JLT and Dubai Hills Estate. Before you commit to any address, ask your agent to confirm its status, or check the property on the Dubai REST app. Our freehold areas guide and freehold vs leasehold comparison explain the difference.

Documents you will need

• Valid passport (copy for Form F, original at transfer unless an attorney attends)
• Emirates ID if you are a UAE resident
• Proof of address and source-of-funds documents your bank and agent ask for under anti-money-laundering rules
• Mortgage offer and bank documents if borrowing
• A notarised and attested power of attorney if someone signs for you

Expect the agent and trustee office to carry out identity and source-of-funds checks. This is standard and protects you too.

Moving money and paying

Funds normally move by bank transfer into a UAE account, from which manager's cheques are drawn for the seller, DLD and other parties. Plan transfers early, because international payments and compliance checks take time. Keep every transfer record; banks and the trustee office may ask for them. Our guide to sending money for a Dubai purchase covers the practicalities.

Mortgages for non-residents

Some UAE banks lend to non-residents, but criteria are stricter and the maximum loan-to-value is set by Central Bank rules that differ for residents and non-residents. Ask lenders directly for their current policy. See mortgages in Dubai for expats and our mortgage calculator.

Buying without travelling

Many overseas buyers complete without flying in. You can sign Form F electronically or by courier, and appoint an attorney for the transfer. The POA usually needs notarising where you sign it, legalising through the UAE embassy or consulate, and attesting in the UAE, often with an Arabic translation. Confirm the exact wording with the trustee office before signing. See buying with a power of attorney, or, if you prefer to visit, planning a buying trip.

Common mistakes for overseas buyers

• Assuming every project is freehold for foreigners
• Paying deposits to personal accounts instead of escrow (off-plan) or agreed agency arrangements
• Using a generic POA that the trustee office will not accept
• Not planning how the property will be managed from abroad — see managing a rental from abroad
• Ignoring estate planning; read wills and inheritance for Dubai property

Who does what for a foreign buyer

Your agent finds and negotiates the property, prepares Form F and coordinates the NOC and transfer. Your bank (UAE or overseas) moves funds and, if you borrow, a UAE lender issues the mortgage. The developer issues the NOC on resale or registers Oqood on off-plan. The trustee office checks identity, the POA if used, and payments, then registers the transfer with DLD. If you are abroad, a lawyer or your attorney attends on your behalf. Agree in writing who handles each step before you pay anything, and keep copies of every document you sign.