Short answer: foreign nationals can buy freehold property in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, with no residency needed. For off-plan, you reserve a unit, sign the developer’s sale and purchase agreement (SPA), and the purchase is registered with the Dubai Land Department (Oqood). For a ready resale, you sign a RERA Form F with the seller and transfer ownership at a DLD trustee office. Either way, budget about 4% of the price for the DLD fee.
Updated 18 Oct 2026. Fees checked against DLD’s published service fees. Reviewed by the Vidabricks advisory team.
Off-plan: step by step
- Shortlist projects by budget, payment plan and completion date. Compare them with our payment plans index.
- Check the developer, the project’s DLD registration and its escrow account. See escrow and buyer protection.
- Reserve the unit: sign the reservation form and pay the booking amount into the project’s escrow account, plus the 4% DLD fee.
- Sign the SPA, usually digitally. It sets the payment schedule, completion date and specifications.
- Oqood registration: the developer registers your purchase with DLD; you receive the Oqood certificate.
- Pay instalments into the escrow account as construction progresses.
- Handover: pay the final amount (cash or mortgage), inspect the unit, receive the keys and the title deed.
Ready resale: step by step
- Agree terms with the seller and sign the RERA Form F (memorandum of understanding), usually with a security deposit.
- Mortgage approval, if financing, and bank valuation.
- Developer NOC: the seller obtains a no-objection certificate confirming service charges are paid.
- Transfer at a DLD trustee office: the buyer pays the price and the 4% DLD fee; DLD issues the new title deed.
Documents you need
| Document | Off-plan | Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy | Yes | Yes |
| Emirates ID (UAE residents) | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of address and source of funds (anti-money-laundering checks) | Yes | Yes |
| Signed reservation form and SPA | Yes | No |
| Signed Form F | No | Yes |
| Power of attorney (if you will not attend) | Rarely needed | If not attending the transfer |
What it costs
On top of the price: the 4% DLD fee, a title deed fee of AED 250, and for resale a trustee fee of AED 4,200 (AED 2,100 below AED 500,000) and usually a 2% agent commission plus VAT. Full breakdown: Dubai property buying costs.
Buying from abroad
Most off-plan purchases can be completed remotely. If you live in India, see our guide for Indian buyers; if you plan to borrow, see mortgages for non-residents.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in Dubai's designated freehold areas, without residency and with full ownership registered by the Dubai Land Department.
Do I need to be in Dubai to buy?
No. Off-plan purchases can be completed remotely with digital signatures. For a resale transfer you can attend the trustee office or appoint someone with a power of attorney.
How much deposit do I need to buy off-plan?
Usually the first instalment of the payment plan (often 10–20%) plus the 4% DLD registration fee at booking. The exact amount is set by each developer's plan.
What is Form F?
Form F is the standard RERA memorandum of understanding signed by buyer and seller in a resale. It sets the price, deposit, transfer date and who pays which fees.
