Frequently asked questions

Foreign nationals can invest in real estate in the UAE, but there are some conditions to consider. Purchasing a property with full ownership is only available in designated freehold zones, while in other areas of the UAE, only a leasehold on the physical structure is usually available. 

In freehold zones, non-UAE residents property owners can apply for a Golden Visa, which opens up additional opportunities for residency and simplifies doing business in the country. There are various freehold zones in Dubai where these rules are applicable. 

Today, Dubai and the UAE have one of the most favorable tax conditions for property owners, which makes the market especially attractive for foreign investors. 

• No income tax 

Income from renting real estate, as well as profit from its subsequent sale, are not subject to income tax for individuals. 

• No property tax 

There is no property or net worth tax in the UAE. Property owners pay no tax based on their market value. 

• No capital gains tax 

When an individual sells real estate, there is no capital gains tax, regardless of the amount of profit. 

• Inheritance without tax 

The UAE does not apply inheritance tax, which allows you to freely transfer real estate by inheritance without additional tax burden. 

• Municipal fees and operating charges 

Property owners in Dubai pay an annual housing fee, a municipal levy calculated as a percentage of the expected rental value of the property. These funds are used to develop and maintain city services. Additionally, residential communities and apartment complexes charge a service fee, which covers the maintenance of common areas, security, cleaning, technical support, etc. 

Please note: Tax regulations on property taxes in Dubai and the UAE may change over time. We recommend that you check with official sources or relevant experts for up-to-date information. 

Cirrera Development offers its clients freehold ownership of all projects. These areas are officially approved by the government, allowing foreign nationals to purchase and own real estate in Dubai in accordance with the current legislation. Freehold ownership is not limited in time and opens up opportunities for both comfortable living and profitable investments in the stable Dubai real estate market. 

The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is completed within 20-30 working days of purchase or after the initial payment has been made. During this period, all submitted documents and booking details are checked by the relevant department to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Before signing the SPA, the initial deposit, Oqood fee and registration fees must be paid. Only then can the contract be signed. This process ensures the transparency of the transaction and full compliance with legal requirements, giving you confidence at every stage of the purchase. 

Yes, it is possible to make changes to the joint owners in the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), but this depends on the stage of the transaction and requires agreement with the developer or seller. 

If the contract has not yet been signed, it is necessary to provide updated documents from all parties and sign the amended SPA. If the contract has already been signed, the process may require additional legal procedures, including filing a request, paying fees and, in some cases, drawing up a new contract. 

We recommend that you discuss this possibility with a developer representative or legal advisor in advance to avoid delays in the purchase process. 

To resell a property during the construction phase, it is necessary to sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and meet the developer’s terms for the down payment. After that, a new buyer can be found and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) can be requested from the developer. Once the NOC is received, the transaction is registered with the Dubai Land Department and the new buyer takes over the existing payment plan. To complete the transaction, all parties provide the necessary documents and pay the established fees and duties. 

Real estate in the UAE is not only an asset, but also a direct path to residency. With an investment of 750,000 dirhams, you get the right to apply for a two-year or even three-year visa with the possibility of extension. This status also allows you to invite your family – spouse and children, opening the doors to a full life in a country with a high level of security and comfort. 

Special conditions are provided for large investors in real estate. With an investment of 2 million dirhams, access is opened to an extended format – a 10-year residence visa. It covers not only immediate relatives, but also parents, providing long-term stability and confidence in the future. 

Thus, the UAE is consistently developing initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable, safe and comfortable environment – ​​both for living and for long-term investment. 

Off-plan properties are properties that are still in the design or construction phase and are purchased from the developer before the work is completed. This format is popular due to its more affordable price, flexible payment terms and the prospect of value growth by the time the project is completed. 

How the purchase of real estate at the construction stage proceeds: 

1. Choice: Identifying a suitable project and developer. 
2. Reservation: Making an initial payment to secure the property. 
3. Execution of agreement: Signing of SPA with the recording of the purchase conditions. 
4. Payment schedule: Progressive payments as construction progresses. 
5. Inspection: Final inspection of the object upon completion of work. 
6. Registration: Registration of property rights at the Dubai Land Department. 
7. Transfer and ownership: Receiving keys and using the property for living or renting out. 

Benefits:  

• Low entry threshold 

During the construction phase, properties are usually offered at a more affordable price compared to completed properties, providing a lucrative opportunity to enter the Dubai property market. 

• Capital growth potential 

By the time the project is completed, the value of the property increases significantly, making such a purchase a particularly attractive investment. This creates additional opportunities for increased profitability and capital growth in the long term. 

• Flexible payment terms 

Developers offer staged payment plans, which reduce the financial burden and make the process of purchasing real estate more convenient and accessible. 

• Wide choice 

The ability to choose from a variety of layouts and configurations allows us to satisfy a wide range of customer needs and preferences. 

Yes, and one of such promising locations today is Dubai Islands – a large-scale island project from the developer Nakheel, implemented as part of the Dubai master plan for development until 2040. This is one of the few premium coastal clusters that is in the active development stage. 

Unlike already established areas with a high entry threshold (Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Marina and other areas), Dubai Islands is an entry point into a growing market with the opportunity to secure maximum profitability at the start and high potential for capital growth and rental income in the future. 

Benefits:  

• Low entry threshold 

Prices are lower than in established areas (Palm Jumeirah, Marina), while the growth potential is higher due to the early stage. 

• State support 

Dubai Islands is part of the official Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to promote sustainable growth, develop coastal areas and create new tourism and

residential clusters. This means long-term government commitment and sustainability of the project. 

• Tourism potential  

The project is aimed not only at residents, but also at high tourist traffic: more than 80 world-class hotels and resorts, cultural centers, sports and wellness clusters are planned. This creates high potential for short-term rentals (holiday rentals) – especially in demand against the backdrop of global tourism growth in Dubai. 

• Premium Master Plan  

Apartments, marina, golf courses, parks, hotels – all on one island with an emphasis on high standard of living and service. 

• Diversification of demand 

Dubai Islands attracts not only local investors, but also expats, digital nomads, tenants from Asia, Europe and the CIS. Such broad demand reduces risks and increases profitability. 

• Limited offer 

This is one of two large areas with access to the sea where you can build from scratch. Once the islands are built up, the price of entry will rise sharply and supply will be limited. This makes the current stage especially profitable. 

• Freehold ownership for foreigners:  

Full ownership of the property.