Why investors choose Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Why invest in the UAE
Clear rules, strong demand, and protection for buyers. Here is what you need to know before you invest.
Tax-efficient ownership
0%
No personal income tax on rental income
For individuals holding property personally.
0%
No capital gains tax on property sale
For individuals.
0%
No annual property tax
9%
Corporate tax
Applies to companies and licensed business activity above AED 375,000 taxable profit, not to individuals holding property personally.
0% / 5%
VAT
Residential sales are generally exempt or zero-rated; commercial property 5%.
Source: UAE Ministry of Finance · Source: Federal Tax Authority
Stable currency
The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar at AED 3.6725 = USD 1. Fixed since 1997.
Prices and rents are effectively in USD terms, which reduces currency risk for USD-based investors.
Example price
- AED
- AED 2,000,000
- USD
- ≈ $540,000
- EUR
- ≈ €500,000
Converted amounts are approximate and for display only.
Source: Central Bank of the UAE
Your money is protected
Escrow
Off-plan payments go into a project escrow account regulated by DLD/RERA. (Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007) Developers receive funds by construction progress.
Registration
Every off-plan purchase is registered with DLD (Oqood) and every completed sale gets a title deed.
Regulation
Developers and brokers are licensed by RERA.
- 01
You pay
- 02
Escrow account
- 03
Released by construction milestones
- 04
Handover & title deed
Source: Dubai Land Department
Ownership & residency
Freehold ownership
Foreigners can own freehold property in designated areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Golden Visa through property
From AED 2,000,000. 10-year residency, including off-plan, subject to conditions.
Eligibility criteria change — our team confirms current rules for your case.
Source: Dubai Land Department
Costs of buying
| DLD transfer fee | 4% | Of the purchase price. |
|---|---|---|
| Agency fee | Usually 2% on ready; often 0% on off-plan | On off-plan, usually paid by the developer. |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% | Of the loan amount, if applicable. |
Source: Dubai Land Department
Buying remotely
- 01
Online viewing
- 02
Reservation
- 03
MoU/SPA signed digitally or via Power of Attorney
- 04
Payment by international transfer
- 05
DLD registration
Most of our international clients complete the purchase without flying to Dubai.
Get a personal investment strategy
Tell us your budget and goal. A broker will prepare options with full numbers.
WhatsAppThis guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules may change; verify with a qualified advisor.