Quick Overview (TL;DR)
🏠 Property: 100% Freehold for foreigners in designated zones
💰 Taxes: No income tax in the UAE; home country obligations apply
🛡️ Security: Registered developers, RERA regulation, escrow accounts
🪙 Golden Visa: From 2 million AED property value, residency rights for family
🏦 Financing: Up to 65% also available for non-residents
📑 Documentation: KYC / AML & source of funds required
1) Legal framework in brief
Freehold vs. Leasehold
Freehold: Full ownership in your name in designated zones (e.g. Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills, Creek Harbour).
Leasehold: Long-term usage right (typically 99 years); less common among international buyers.
Authorities & Registers
Dubai Land Department (DLD): Registration, fees, title deeds
RERA: Regulator for developers/projects, protects buyer interests
Contract & Payment Protection
SPA (Sale & Purchase Agreement): To be reviewed legally
Escrow: Payments exclusively through RERA-registered accounts – tied to construction progress
2) Tax aspects (DE / AT / CH – Overview)
In the UAE:
No income tax on rents / capital gains
No withholding tax on rental income
In the home country:
Notification and possible tax obligations (progression clause, double taxation agreements)
Recommendation: Consult a tax advisor in the country of residence
💡 Note: Tax exemption in Dubai ≠ automatic tax exemption in the home country.
International income must be declared correctly.
3) Golden Visa – Residence permit for investors
Requirements:
Property value from 2 million AED (ownership or shares)
Property registered / no high external financing
Benefits:
10-year residence right
Family sponsorship
Business flexibility
No minimum stay required
Process:
Proof of ownership → Valuation → Application → Biometric data → Issuance (usually within a few weeks)
4) Financing up to 65% (also for non-residents)
Loan-to-Value: up to 65% of the property value
Interest / Term: 3–25 years (fixed or variable)
Required: Income proofs, KYC / AML, Pre-Approval
Effect: Lower equity requirement → faster market entry
5) Compliance – KYC / AML & Source of Funds
KYC: Identity verification (Passport, proof of address)
AML: Proof of origin (savings, sale, dividends etc.)
💡 Tip: Prepare documents early to save time.
6) The purchase process - in 7 steps
1️⃣ Clarify Budget & Financing
2️⃣ Choose Location & Project
3️⃣ Reservation & SPA (legally review)
4️⃣ Payment plan via Escrow account
5️⃣ DLD registration / pay fees
6️⃣ Handover & Snagging list
7️⃣ Rental / Management
7) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is property safe for foreigners?
Yes, in Freehold zones, full ownership is registered in your name.
Are there taxes on rental income?
🇦🇪 In Dubai: 0%. Please consider your home country.
How are payments protected?
Through escrow accounts, monitored by RERA.
What are service charges?
Annual community costs (e.g., security, pools).
Do I get a golden visa?
Possible from 2 million AED - individual assessment required.
Your individual consultation
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🪙 Note
Data source: Dubai Land Department, CBRE, Colliers, Bayut Q2 Report 2025, and internal analyses by Life in Luxury.
No investment advice. Information without guarantee.