How to Buy Property in Dubai Without Residency: Step-by-Step Guide

Can you buy property in Dubai without residency? Buying property in Dubai is not limited to residents or UAE nationals. In fact, Dubai has one of the most open real estate markets globally, allowing non-residents to purchase property under clearly defined legal frameworks.

This guide explains whether you can buy property in Dubai without residency, the legal rights involved, the full step-by-step process, costs to expect, and how property ownership may later support residency options.

• Legal framework and ownership rights in Dubai
• Eligibility – do you need residency?
• Step-by-step buying process for non-residents
• Costs and financial considerations
• Visas and residency options through property ownership
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Timeline – how long the process takes
• Key takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

Legal framework and ownership rights in Dubai

Dubai’s property laws clearly define how and where foreign nationals can own real estate.

Under Law No. 7 of 2006 concerning real property registration, non-UAE nationals are permitted to purchase property in specific areas designated by the Ruler of Dubai. These areas allow full ownership or long-term usage rights, depending on the property type.

Ownership structures include:

• Freehold: Full ownership of the property and land
• Leasehold: Long-term lease, usually up to 99 years
• Usufruct: Right to use the property without owning the land
• Musataha: Development right over land for a fixed term

Foreign buyers may purchase freehold properties only within officially designated freehold zones, which include many of Dubai’s established residential and investment areas.

Eligibility — do you need residency?

One of the most common questions is whether residency is required to buy property in Dubai.

Residency is not required to purchase property in Dubai. Non-residents can legally own property in designated freehold areas with the same ownership rights as residents.

A UAE residency visa and a local UAE bank account are not mandatory for property ownership or registration. In most cases, a valid passport is sufficient to purchase and register property in the buyer’s name.

Eligibility considerations include:

• Age: Buyers must be of legal contracting age; minors may own property via a legal guardian
• Nationality: No nationality restrictions apply within designated freehold areas

Step-by-step buying process for non-residents

The buying process for non-residents closely mirrors that of residents, with a few additional documentation and verification steps.

1. Find and verify the property

The first step is selecting a property located in a designated freehold zone.

Buyers should:

• Confirm the property is in a freehold area
• Work with a RERA-licensed real estate agent
• Verify the developer’s registration and project status
• Request proof of title and review Dubai Land Department maps

2. Submit an offer and sign the sales agreement

Once a property is selected, the buyer submits an offer and signs either:

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ready properties, or
• A Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for off-plan units

Key points include:

• The deposit, which typically ranges from 5% to 20%.
• The agreement that include price, payment schedule, and handover terms.

3. Arrange payment or financing

Non-resident buyers may choose between cash or mortgage financing.

• Cash purchases are common and completed via international bank transfers
• Mortgages are available to non-residents, typically up to 50–60% Loan-to-Value (LTV)
• Non-resident mortgages usually require higher down payments of 40–50% and stricter income verification

4. Prepare documents and Power of Attorney (if buying remotely)

Required documents usually include:

• Valid passport copy
• Proof of funds and bank statements

If the buyer cannot travel to Dubai, a Power of Attorney (PoA) may be issued. As of 2026, PoA procedures include enhanced verification and security checks.

The PoA must be:

• Notarised in the home country
• Legalised by the UAE Embassy
• Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• Legally translated into Arabic if required

5. Register the transaction with the Dubai Land Department

The final step is registering the transaction with the Dubai Land Department.

This includes:

• Payment of the 4% DLD transfer fee
• Title deed issuance
• Knowledge and innovation fees
• Developer No Objection Certificate (NOC), where applicable

Once completed, the buyer receives the official title deed, increasingly issued in verified digital format and accessible via the Dubai REST App.

Explore the Available Properties for Sale in Dubai

Costs and financial considerations

Beyond the property price, buyers should budget for additional costs.

For non-residents using mortgages, lenders typically require larger down payments and may apply higher interest margins compared to resident buyers.

Visas and residency options through property ownership

While residency is not required to buy property, ownership may later support eligibility for UAE residency visas.

Available options include:

• Investor Residence Visa: Property value of at least AED 750,000, typically granting a 2-year visa
• Golden Visa: Property or properties worth AED 2,000,000 or more, granting a 10-year residency

As of 2026, Golden Visa eligibility includes mortgaged properties, provided the investor has paid at least AED 2 million of the property value. The previous minimum cash or down-payment requirement was removed.

For off-plan properties, eligibility generally requires the project to be at least 50% complete, with the investor having paid at least 50% of the value, subject to DLD and immigration approval.

Explore the Available Off-Plan Properties for Sale in Dubai

Only completed or qualifying titled properties are accepted for visa issuance.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Non-resident buyers should remain cautious of common issues:

• Purchasing outside designated freehold areas
• Working with unlicensed brokers
• Underestimating service charges and maintenance fees
• Incorrect or improperly attested Power of Attorney

Professional legal advice and RERA-licensed representation significantly reduce these risks.

Timeline — how long the process takes

Key takeaways

Residency is not required to buy property in Dubai, and non-residents can legally own property in designated freehold zones using only a valid passport. Several ownership structures exist, with freehold offering full ownership rights. Total additional costs typically add around 7–10% above the purchase price. High-value property investments may qualify buyers for Investor or Golden Visas, including mortgaged properties under current rules. Thorough due diligence and proper legal documentation remain essential.

Frequently asked questions

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