Buying an apartment in Dubai is open to every foreigner, without residency and without a company. The market is transparent, title deeds are registered by the Dubai Land Department and a purchase can close in a few weeks.
This guide follows the purchase step by step: where you can buy, what budget to plan by area, off-plan versus resale, the fees on top of the price, and the concrete steps to the handover.
Can foreigners buy an apartment in Dubai?
Yes. Since 2002 foreigners can buy freehold in designated zones, which cover almost every area investors look at: Downtown, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, JVC, Dubai Hills, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Creek Harbour.
You buy in your own name, remotely if needed with a power of attorney. A local bank account is not required for a cash purchase.
What budget to buy an apartment in Dubai
Price depends first on the area, then size, floor and view. Ranges for recent buildings:
| Type | Affordable areas | Established areas | Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 600k to 800k | AED 900k to 1.3M | AED 1.5M and up |
| 1 bedroom | AED 850k to 1.1M | AED 1.2M to 2.2M | AED 2.5M and up |
| 2 bedrooms | AED 1.2M to 1.6M | AED 2M to 3.5M | AED 4M and up |
Which area to choose
For rental yield, JVC, Dubailand and Arjan offer low entry prices and strong long term demand. For capital value, Downtown, Dubai Hills and Palm Jumeirah resell better. For short term letting, Dubai Marina and Business Bay remain the most popular.
Off-plan or resale
Off-plan comes with a payment plan, often 20% on booking then instalments during construction. The unit is new but earns nothing before handover and the price per sqft is often above resale in the same area.
Resale lets you view the unit, know its real rent and collect income from signing. You pay cash or with a mortgage and must check the building and service charges.
Buying fees
Fees are much lower than in Europe, but they exist.
| Fee | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Dubai Land Department registration | 4% of the price |
| Title deed admin fees | around AED 4,000 to 5,000 |
| Agency commission on resale | around 2% plus VAT |
| Developer no objection certificate | AED 500 to 5,000 |
| Bank fees with a mortgage | around 1% of the loan |
Steps from offer to keys
On resale, allow four to eight weeks from offer to transfer.
- Choose the unit and check its price per sqft against recent sales in the building.
- Sign the standard sale contract, Form F, and pay a deposit of about 10%.
- Obtain the developer no objection certificate confirming charges are paid.
- Sign the transfer at the trustee office, pay the balance and the 4%, receive the title deed.
- Let the unit or hand it to a licensed property manager.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trusting the seller's yield without checking real rent and charges.
- Paying an off-plan deposit outside an approved escrow account.
- Forgetting annual service charges, AED 12 to over 30 per sqft depending on the building.
- Buying where large new supply is coming without comparing resale prices.
Sources
The figures in this guide are cross checked against the publications below. Check for updates before any decision.
- Freehold zones and registration · Dubai Land Department · accessed 16 October 2026
- Real estate transaction data · Dubai Land Department · accessed 16 October 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can non residents buy an apartment in Dubai?
Yes. Non residents can buy freehold in their own name, with no visa or local company.
How much is an apartment in Dubai?
A studio starts around AED 600,000 in affordable areas. A one bedroom in an established area usually costs AED 1.2M to 2.2M.
What are the fees to buy an apartment in Dubai?
4% Dubai Land Department registration, about 2% agency commission on resale and a few thousand AED in admin fees, so 6 to 8% in total.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes, local banks lend to non residents, usually up to 50 to 60% of the value, subject to income.
How long does buying property in Dubai take?
On resale, four to eight weeks from offer to transfer. Off-plan booking takes days, handover follows the construction schedule.
Does buying an apartment give a visa in Dubai?
A purchase of at least AED 2M qualifies for the 10 year Golden Visa. Below that, a 2 year residence visa is possible under conditions.
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