Frequently Asked Questions

(Dubai Real Estate)

Do you really own property in Dubai?

Yes. All properties promoted by our agency are freehold, which means you have full ownership rights over both the land and the building – just like in Europe. This status guarantees you legal security, transparency, and the freedom to sell, rent, or inherit the property without restrictions.

Since 2006, Dubai legislation has allowed foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, to fully own properties in 33 designated districts. This legal framework has transformed Dubai into a top global real estate destination, offering investors stability and real capital growth opportunities.

Notary fees in Dubai average around 4% of the property price and are paid together with the first installment in the case of off-plan purchases. This cost includes transaction registration and certification of the necessary documents.

For these transactions, the Dubai Land Department acts as the official notary, guaranteeing legality and transparency. The developer directly handles all registration formalities, sending the sales contract to the Department for validation.

Once the procedures are complete, you will receive the Title Deed in electronic format, directly by email, so you have official proof of ownership without any additional visits required.

Yes. Joint ownership is permitted in Dubai and is regulated by local law. You can purchase together with family members or friends, regardless of nationality, and each co-owner will appear on the Title Deed.

There is no need to prove a special legal co-ownership structure; the Dubai Land Department simply registers all buyers as owners of the same property, specifying each person’s share. This provides flexibility and security when purchasing a property jointly, whether off-plan or completed.

Developers accept a wide range of payment methods to make the transaction easier for you:

  • International or local bank transfer directly into the developer’s account;
  • Bank card (debit or credit);
  • Cheques issued by local banks, especially for residents or those with UAE accounts;
  • Cash, within certain limits set by UAE law;
  • Cryptocurrencies, accepted by an increasing number of developers for selected projects.

⚠️ Not all developers accept all of these methods. Confirmation is required before payment, but many also accept payments made through authorized third parties (such as lawyers or escrow companies).

Aside from the one-time 4% purchase fee, there are no other property taxes in Dubai.

This means:

  • No property tax
  • No rental income tax
  • No capital gains tax
  • No inheritance tax
  • No housing tax for owner-occupied properties

Yes. Dubai offers residency visas depending on the value of the investment:

  • Between AED 750,000 and AED 2,000,000 → 2-year renewable visa
  • Above AED 2,000,000 → 10-year visa (Golden Visa)

Yes. Property purchases in Dubai can be completed fully online without the need to travel. The entire process is safe and secure, managed directly by the developer in collaboration with the Dubai Land Department.

Contracts are signed electronically, payments are protected through regulated escrow accounts, and all official documents are delivered digitally. This way, you can invest from anywhere in the world with the same legal protection and transparency as if you were buying in person.

A payment plan is a flexible system offered by developers that allows you to pay for the property in installments rather than upfront in full. This mechanism is widely used for off-plan projects in Dubai and provides greater financial accessibility.

Payment plans are:

  • Interest-free – you pay only the actual value of the property with no extra costs;
  • No proof of income required – no bank statements or salary certificates are necessary.

Examples of payment plans:

  • 20% on booking, 30% during construction, 50% upon handover;
  • 20% on booking, then 1% monthly for 80 months.

These structures help you better manage your budget and invest in high-value properties without financial pressure.

A RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) license is mandatory for real estate agents in Dubai. Always check that your agent has a valid RERA license in their name. You can request a copy of their RERA card for confirmation.

Yes. Dubai allows rentals through Airbnb and similar platforms in all districts, both for off-plan properties after handover and already completed units. Once you obtain the short-term rental certificate issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), you can list your property without restrictions.

The property can be rented all year round, 365 days, and you have the freedom to set the rates, choose the length of stays, and manage your calendar as you prefer, maximizing rental income.

Average rental yields in Dubai generally range between 8% and 12% per year, depending on the purchase price, project location, and the type of rental chosen – long-term or short-term (Airbnb).

Properties located in prime areas or intended for short-term rentals can achieve the highest percentages due to constant tourism demand, while long-term rentals provide stability and more predictable income. These figures place Dubai among the world’s highest-yielding real estate markets for investors.

Directly, no. Only companies registered in the UAE can own properties. However, you can set up a local subsidiary of your foreign company, which can then own properties. Our partners can help you set up the required structure.

Entry-level studio apartments in Dubai start at around $102,480, usually located in older buildings or developing peripheral areas.
These properties are an accessible option for first-time investors or those entering the market with a lower budget.

In popular expat neighborhoods, where demand is higher and services are better, higher-quality studios start at around $153,720. These offer greater capital appreciation potential and better rental yields due to location and developed infrastructure.

Entry-level villas start at around AED 1,500,000 ($384,300).

No. There is NO property tax in Dubai. Owners do not pay annual taxes for holding real estate, as in many other countries. This attractive tax policy makes rental yields higher and ensures investment income stays entirely with you.

The only recurring costs are related to maintenance and service charges, set by the developer or owners’ association. Otherwise, there are no property or rental income taxes, making Dubai one of the most investor-friendly real estate markets in the world.

Yes. You can resell the property even before fully paying for it, a process called “assignment of contract.” This allows you to capitalize on the profit from the property’s value appreciation before completion.

⚠️ Conditions vary by developer. Generally, resale is permitted after paying at least 40% of the contract value, but the percentage may differ depending on the project and initial terms.

It is essential to always check the resale conditions before buying so you know exactly when and how you can transfer the property to another buyer.

Vision Smart Dubai is managed by Intelligent Vision Real Estate LLC, a company registered in Dubai and fully compliant with local regulations.

RERA License No.: 1531487

Tax Registration No.: 105086366900001

Registered in: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

– Rera Certificate –

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