Investing in Dubai: Yields, Appreciation & Ownership
Who can buy, how ownership works, and the taxes and duties for buying property in Dubai.
Who can buy in Dubai
Dubai lets non-UAE nationals own property outright in designated freehold areas, which cover most of the city's master-planned communities, including Business Bay, Downtown, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Village Circle. Outside those areas foreign buyers can hold long leases. Every purchase is registered with the Dubai Land Department, which issues the title deed. Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify the owner for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.
| Buyer | Permitted | Tenure | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE and GCC nationals | Yes | Freehold | May buy freehold anywhere in DubaiApproval: DLD registration |
| Foreign nationals, including Indian citizens | Yes | Freehold in designated areas; leasehold up to 99 years elsewhere | Freehold only in designated areas. Resident Indians fund the purchase within RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, USD 250,000 per person per financial yearApproval: DLD registration |
| Companies | Conditional | Freehold in designated areas | Through company structures the Dubai Land Department accepts; UAE corporate tax may applyApproval: DLD and company registrar |
Stamp duty and registration in Dubai
Dubai has no stamp duty as such. The equivalent is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee charged on every sale, plus fixed registration and trustee charges.
| Charge | Cost | Paid by |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of the property value | Buyer, by market convention |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 | Buyer, only with a mortgage |
| Registration trustee fee | AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000; AED 4,000 + VAT above | Buyer |
Capital gains on a sale
The UAE has no personal income tax, so an individual selling a Dubai property pays no capital gains tax there, and personal rental income is not taxed either. Property held through a company falls under UAE corporate tax.
| Holding period | Classification | Tax rate |
|---|---|---|
| Any | Individual owner | 0%, no capital gains tax |
| Any | Company-held property | 9% corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000 |
UAE rule, applies in Dubai.
Confirm current rules and fees with the Dubai Land Department or a licensed conveyancer before you buy. Rules change; verify current law. Indian tax residents are taxed in India on worldwide income, including gains on overseas property, with relief under the India-UAE tax treaty. Take tax advice before selling. Rules change; verify with a professional before you transact.
Service Charges and Running Costs of a Dubai Apartment
Search for Dubai service charges per sq ft and you will find tables by community, mostly from agents and aggregators. None is the number you will pay. A service charge is a budget that the Real Estate...
Frequently asked questions about Dubai
Yes. Freehold only in designated areas. Resident Indians fund the purchase within RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, USD 250,000 per person per financial year
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