Facts checked as of Oct 2026 against official sources (listed at the end). Fees and rules change: confirm with the authority before you pay or sign.
Can foreigners buy an apartment in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 lets non-UAE nationals own freehold property, or hold usufruct or leasehold rights for up to 99 years, in areas designated by the Ruler. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 named the first 23 areas, including Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Jebel Ali and Al Jaddaf, and more plots have been added since. Read where foreigners can buy.
Ready apartment or off-plan apartment?
| Type | Registration | DLD fee | Max mortgage (CBUAE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready (completed) | Registered at a trustee office; you get a title deed | 4% DLD fee plus fixed fees | Expat first home under AED 5M: up to 80% LTV |
| Off-plan | Registered in the provisional register (Oqood) within 90 days of signing | 4% (listed as 2% + 2%) plus AED 20 | Up to 50% LTV |
Details: off-plan property in Dubai.
What it costs to buy an apartment in Dubai
Beyond the price, budget for the 4% DLD registration fee (legally shared equally unless agreed otherwise), AED 250 title deed, AED 250 map fee for apartments, AED 20 knowledge and innovation fees, and the trustee fee of AED 4,000 + VAT on sales of AED 500,000 or more. If you borrow, add 0.25% of the loan for mortgage registration. Full table: DLD fees in Dubai.
Financing: mortgages for expats
The Central Bank of the UAE caps loans for expatriates buying a first home at 80% of value up to AED 5 million and 70% above that, 60% for second or investment homes and 50% for off-plan. The maximum term is 25 years and total debt payments are capped at 50% of income. See mortgage in Dubai for expats.
Does buying an apartment give you a visa?
Property worth AED 2 million or more in total can qualify an investor for the UAE Golden Visa, subject to conditions. See Golden Visa through property.
A short checklist before you buy an apartment in Dubai
- Confirm the plot is in a freehold area for non-UAE nationals.
- Check your agent’s DLD broker card.
- Get mortgage pre-approval if you need finance.
- Read who pays the 4% DLD fee in the sale agreement.
- For resale, the developer issues an e-NOC through the Dubai REST app before transfer.
- For off-plan, confirm the project is registered with DLD and pay only into its escrow account.
For agents: turn apartment buyers into closed deals
If you are a Dubai real estate agent, buyers will ask you these questions on the first call. The RealtorOne app helps you answer with confidence and keep the deal moving: the DealFlow CRM keeps every buyer in the right stage, Dubai DealRadar shows live DLD-open transaction data you can share, and SkillUp courses and Live Labs sharpen your calls. See how to find clients in Dubai.
Buying an apartment in Dubai: FAQ
Can foreigners buy an apartment in Dubai?
Yes, in freehold areas designated under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 and Regulation No. 3 of 2006 (and later additions).
How much deposit do expats need?
Under Central Bank rules, at least 20% for a first home up to AED 5 million (80% max loan), plus fees.
Do I need to live in the UAE to buy?
DLD accepts a valid passport for non-resident foreigners when registering a sale.
Sources
- Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration
- Dubai Regulation No. 3 of 2006 Determining Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals
- DLD: Property Sale Registration (fees and documents)
- DLD: Request to register the initial sale (Oqood)
- Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook: Mortgage Loans, Article 3 Important Ratios
- Central Bank of the UAE: amendment to mortgage LTV for first-time buyers
- UAE Ministry of Economy: Golden Visa conditions for real estate investors