Guide to Buy Property-in Dubai as a Foreigner - UK, USA, India

If you're from the UK, USA, India, Russia, China - or anywhere around the world - and you're thinking of buying property in Dubai, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Because unlike many countries where foreign property ownership is complicated or limited, Dubai makes it remarkably simple, clear, and investor-friendly.

At COFTT, we’ve helped clients from over 20 countries successfully invest in Dubai’s real estate - and what amazes every one of them is how transparent and secure the process is. You don’t need permanent residency. You don’t need to relocate. And here’s something even more interesting - you don’t even need to visit Dubai to complete the purchase. Yes, you can buy property in Dubai remotely with a Power of Attorney (POA) and get everything legally done from wherever you are.

Isn’t that incredible?

We get asked this question daily:

“Can I buy property in Dubai as a foreigner?”

And the answer is a clear, confident: YES.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything - from selecting the right property to completing the legal paperwork, understanding mortgages, and securing your title deed. This isn’t just theory. These are the exact steps our clients take every day - and now it’s your turn.

Let’s get started.

Why the Demand for Dubai Property is Surging Among Foreigners

You must be wondering - why is everyone suddenly talking about buying real estate in Dubai?

Here’s why:

1. Zero property tax - yes, you keep 100% of your rental income.

2. No capital gains tax - when you sell, you keep your profit.

3. Secure legal structure - every deal is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

4. Residency by investment - buy a property worth AED 750,000, and you qualify for a 2-year renewable residency visa.

5. And if you invest AED 2 million or more, you may qualify for the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa.

It’s no surprise that investors from the UK, USA, India, Russia, Ukraine, and beyond are shifting their real estate portfolios toward Dubai - because the returns, security, and benefits are unmatched.

So, Can Foreigners Really Buy Property in Dubai?

Yes - and not just “in theory.” Foreign nationals are legally allowed to buy freehold properties in Dubai, with full ownership rights, including the ability to sell, lease, or pass the property on to heirs.

The only condition is that the property must be located in one of Dubai’s designated freehold zones - and luckily, there are dozens to choose from.

Now let’s walk through how the process works.

Step 1: Selecting a Freehold Property in Dubai

Freehold means full ownership - not leasehold, not partial. You own the property and the land (in case of villas), and you have full control over its use, rental, or resale.

Some of the most popular freehold areas for foreign buyers include:

a. Dubai Marina - High-rise luxury with rental potential
b. Downtown Dubai - Iconic views and long-term value
c. Business Bay - Great for investors eyeing corporate tenants
d. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) - Affordable, high-yield properties
e. Arabian Ranches - Villa communities for long-term stays
f. Palm Jumeirah - World-famous luxury living

Once you’ve identified your target area, you can explore options from developers or existing owners.

‍

COFTT helps you connect directly with verified developers, exclusive listings, and pre-launch investment opportunities that are not even listed on public portals.

‍

Step 2: Connect With the Developer and Get a Property Quote

After shortlisting a property, you or your consultant will contact the developer or seller to request a formal quote. This will include:

Unit size and layout
Total price
Payment plan (if applicable)
Service charges
Delivery date (for off-plan properties)

Many developers offer easy installment plans, especially for off-plan units. In some cases, you can book with just 5% to 10% down, and pay the rest during construction or after handover.

If you're buying ready property, full payment or mortgage is usually required before transfer.

‍

Step 3: Understand Payment Methods - Cash or Mortgage

Now let’s talk about how to pay.

You can:

a. Pay in full via international bank transfer (preferred for overseas investors)

b. Finance the property through a UAE bank mortgage (if eligible)

Did you know that non-residents can get mortgage financing in the UAE?

Yes, many banks allow up to 50% loan-to-value for foreign buyers with basic documentation like passport, proof of income, bank statements, credit report from your home country

‍

Mortgages are subject to approval, and COFTT can connect you with mortgage advisors to help you get the best rates - even if you’re applying from abroad.

‍

Step 4: Appoint a Local Service Agent (Optional but Useful)

While it’s not mandatory, most foreign buyers choose to appoint a local property consultant, lawyer, or broker to handle the paperwork, guide negotiations, and ensure nothing is missed.

This is especially helpful if:

You're buying for the first time

You're not in Dubai during the transaction

‍

At COFTT, we offer end-to-end transaction support for property buyers - from due diligence to DLD registration and after-sales help.

‍

Step 5: Use a Power of Attorney (POA) If You’re Not in Dubai

Can you buy property in Dubai without flying in?

Yes - through a Power of Attorney. A POA lets you legally authorize someone to complete the property purchase on your behalf. This person can be:

a. A family member
b. A trusted friend
c. Your lawyer
d. Or a COFTT advisor

The POA must be notarized and legalized in Dubai - but once it’s in place, your representative can:

a. Sign the contract
b. Make payments
c. Register the title
d. Receive the keys

This is a brilliant solution for international buyers who can’t travel immediately.

Step 6: Register the Property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

This is the final and most important step.

Once payment is made, the sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department. You will:

a. Pay a 4% registration fee
b. Submit the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement)
c. Complete all DLD formalities
d. Receive the title deed in your name

Everything is recorded digitally. The process is fast, efficient, and secure. And just like that - you become a legal property owner in Dubai.

What If You Want to Buy Property Under an LLC?

If you're planning to invest in multiple properties, or prefer to keep the ownership under a business name for privacy or liability protection, you can buy property under an LLC registered in Dubai.

This allows you to:

1. Separate personal and business assets
2. Enjoy liability protection
3. Make succession and inheritance planning easier
4. Operate the property under a professional brand

COFTT can help you LLC formation for your peoperty investment in Dubai.

At COFTT, we don’t just talk about the process - we walk clients through it every day.

Whether you're a first-time investor from the UK or a seasoned buyer from India, whether you want to purchase a studio in Downtown or a villa on the Palm - we help you make the right decisions, connect with verified developers, prepare your paperwork, and complete the transaction with zero stress.

We also offer support if you wish to:

a. Buy under an LLC
b. Secure residency through property investment
c. Get your title deed without coming to Dubai through Power of Attorney

‍

Contact COFTT today and let’s help you buy property in Dubai the smart, secure, and strategic way. Email us at info@coftt.com