What does the property purchase process in Dubai look like?

Buying property from a developer in Dubai — step by step

1. 01

   Preparation and initial call

   We present the latest proposals from developers. You assess your budget and investment plan, then prepare the basic documents: a valid passport and proof of address.

2. 02

   Project selection

   We work only with developers who have at least 20 completed projects behind them. We approach every client individually, matching the project to budget, expectations and requirements.

3. 03

   Unit reservation (booking)

   You register your intent to buy with an authorised seller or developer and pay a booking fee, usually 5–10% of value, and 10–20% on some projects. For pre-launch projects an EOI (Expression of Interest) applies — a fully refundable deposit that is deducted from the booking fee once your selection is accepted.

4. 04

   Preliminary agreement — MOU / SPA

   After reservation you sign an MOU / Form F (more common on the secondary market) or a Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer. The contract sets out price, payment schedule, handover date, penalties and transfer conditions.

5. 05

   Payment security — escrow

   For off-plan transactions your payments go into the project escrow account under Law No. 8/2007. This protects buyers’ funds and prevents the developer drawing on the money without construction progress. The law also provides for around 5% retention after completion, covering the defects period.

6. 06

   Transaction registration — Oqood or sales registration

   Off-plan: the developer registers the contract in the DLD Oqood system. Ready property: after signing, the sale is registered with the DLD and a Title Deed is issued through Dubai REST / the Real Estate Trustee Office.

7. 07

   Payments per schedule

   You pay according to the SPA schedule — by construction milestone or post-handover. The developer must report progress and allow inspection before handover. Typical structures: 10–20% booking with the balance in instalments, or 20/80, 50/50 or post-handover plans.

8. 08

   Preparing for handover — inspection and snag list

   Before the keys change hands a technical inspection takes place. You compile a snag list, which the developer is obliged to rectify. The law provides for a defects liability period.

9. 09

   NOC, fees and title transfer

   Before ownership transfers you need an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the developer confirming there are no outstanding charges. The buyer pays the DLD registration fee of around 4% of transaction value plus administrative fees. Once paid, the DLD issues the Title Deed.

10. 10

    After the transaction — property management

    Once you hold the Title Deed you register any tenancy agreements (Ejari) and pay service charges for building upkeep. The DLD publishes a Service Charge Index you can use for calculations.

FAQ — frequently asked questions about investing in Dubai

Answers to the questions we hear most often from investors. Not found yours?Get in touch.

• Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

  Yes. Foreign nationals have full ownership rights in designated freehold zones. The property you buy is yours outright — you can sell it, rent it out or leave it in a will.

• How much does the cheapest apartment in Dubai cost?

  Completed apartments start from roughly USD 130,000–150,000 (approx. PLN 450,000–550,000), which is often less than in Warsaw or Kraków.

• Can I buy property in Dubai with a mortgage?

  Yes. Mortgage financing is available and UAE banks lend to foreign nationals too. For the Golden Visa, only the repaid portion counts — it must exceed AED 2 million.

• What are the additional costs when buying property in Dubai?

  You should budget for a 4% Dubai Land Department registration fee, an administrative fee and any notary costs. We present all of these transparently before any contract is signed.

• Is rental income taxed in Dubai?

  No. Property tax is settled in the country where the property is located — here the United Arab Emirates, which levies no property tax, no tax on rental income and no capital gains tax on individuals. The only compulsory charge is a one-off 4% to the Dubai Land Department on transfer of ownership. There is no annual tax on holding the property. Confirm your individual tax position with your own adviser.

• What rates of return can I expect?

  Yields depend above all on the district. In the strongest locations they reach 6–9% gross a year; the median across the 36 largest districts is 5.22% and the top is 10.27% (City Walk), based on Dubai Land Department records via dxbpropy.ai. For comparison, Poland is typically 3–4%. Capital appreciation on the property itself comes on top of that.

• Do I need to live in Dubai to invest?

  No. You can manage the investment from Poland — owning property entitles you to open a UAE bank account and to apply for the Golden Visa, even if you live outside the Emirates.

• Are all Dubai apartments handed over fully finished?

  Yes. Developers always hand over turnkey apartments. You can alter them yourself, but that means a costly renovation and stripping out the existing fit-out.

• Can I rent the apartment out immediately after purchase?

  Yes. You can let it long-term on an annual contract or use it privately. Short-term letting is less profitable once management fees, utilities and damage risk are accounted for.

• How does long-term letting work in Dubai?

  A long-term lease is typically an annual contract paid up front in one, two or four instalments. The tenant pays utilities and upkeep, giving the owner a predictable income.

• Does buying an apartment in Dubai qualify me for the Golden Visa?

  Yes. Buying property worth at least AED 2 million entitles you to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa for yourself and your family.

• How safe are investments in Dubai?

  Very safe. Every transaction is registered with the Dubai Land Department, funds are paid into escrow accounts, and the developer is only released payment as each construction stage completes.

• Can I manage the investment remotely?

  Yes. All formalities and rental management can be handled from Poland. Emirapol provides full A–Z support, including handover inspections, lease preparation and tenant screening.