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There are lots of people always wanting to move to Dubai and why not!? It’s an incredible city with so much to offer and the opportunities are endless both for a stunning family life and also for your career.

Many potential buyers are often unsure about the residency requirements for buying property in Dubai. In this blog, we will explore whether you have to be a resident to buy a property in Dubai.

The short answer is no, you do not have to be a resident to buy a property in Dubai. In fact, Dubai has long been a popular destination for international investors, and the government has created an investor-friendly environment that makes it easy for foreigners to invest in the city’s booming real estate market.

Things to consider:

Is the property for you or an investment?
To purchase a property in Dubai, you will need to provide a copy of your passport and a valid visa. If you do not have a visa, you can still purchase a property in Dubai, but you will need to obtain a visa before you can take possession of the property. It’s worth noting that the process of obtaining a visa can vary, so it’s best to speak to a legal expert or a reputable real estate agent who can guide you through the process.

Costs

For a normal purchase of an existing property bought from an individual, here’s what you need to know:

Dubai Land Department Transfer and Registration Fees (for completed properties) – 4% plus 580 AED. This is paid directly to the DLD for the transfer of ownership.

Dubai Land Department Trustee Fees – An additional 4,200AED.

Agent fee – 2% plus VAT.

NOC – A no objection certificate has to be paid by the seller. This is a note from the developer who owns the building showing that the seller has paid all their debts, services charges and that there is no liability on the property before the sale. The developer has to sign this off and the cost can vary from 525 AED to 5250 AED.

Utilities/Water – The new owner has to pay a deposit with Dubai Electricity and Water (DEWA) to register a new connection to the property, and there will also be costs associated with an AC/chiller or cooling system. These are relatively inexpensive and can vary across properties.

Service fees – if your new property comes with parking, a pool and buildings and grounds maintenance, there will be a service fee. Again, these vary but should be very clearly explained by the seller/developer.

Off-plan property – if you’re buying a property off-plan, many of the costs remain the same, except the trustee fees with the DLD increases to 5,250 AED. There are no service charges until the property is yours.