Yes, foreigners can buy property in Dubai in designated freehold areas, such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. Freehold ownership grants full property rights without restrictions. Alternatively, there are also leasehold areas, where ownership is limited to long-term leases (typically 10-99 years). The Dubai Land Department (DLD) regulates all property transactions to ensure legal security.

When purchasing property in Dubai, buyers should consider the following costs: • Dubai Land Department (DLD) Transfer Fee: 4% of the property value, plus AED 580 admin fee. • Registration Fee: • AED 2,000 (for properties under AED 500,000) • AED 4,000 (for properties above AED 500,000) • Real Estate Agent Commission: Typically 2% of the purchase price. • Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount (if applicable). • Service Charges: Varies by property type and location (annually paid to the developer for maintenance and upkeep).

Yes, property investors can obtain a residency visa through property ownership: • 3-Year Investor Visa: Minimum property value of AED 750,000 (joint ownership allowed for spouses). • 5-Year Golden Visa: Minimum property value of AED 2 million (can include off-plan properties if paid in full). • 10-Year Golden Visa: Available for investors with properties worth AED 2 million or more, with the flexibility of mortgaged properties. All visas are subject to renewal, and visa holders can sponsor family members. The visa application is processed through the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

The property purchase process in Dubai is straightforward: 1. Select the Property – Choose from off-plan or ready properties in freehold areas. 2. Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – Form F – A standard contract outlining terms and conditions; buyer pays a 10% deposit as a security. 3. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Developer – Ensures no outstanding payments or liabilities exist on the property. 4. Final Transfer at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) – Buyer pays the remaining balance, and ownership is officially transferred via the issuance of the Title Deed. The process typically takes 30 to 45 days for completed properties and varies for off-plan properties based on the developer’s schedule.