26/05/2023
Property in Dubai (UAE) for non-residents
The Dubai real estate market has shown strong growth. The metropolis has become one of the most popular investment destinations - expats buy up to three-quarters of all real estate on the market. The constant demand for apartments, villas, townhouses and commercial premises guarantees high returns for such investments.
Foreign citizens - expats or investors - can acquire ownership of real estate in Dubai on an equal basis with citizens of the country. However, the purchase of real estate on the rights of free possession (freehold) is possible only in areas determined by the government. Non-residents have been allowed to buy property in Dubai since 2002. In 2022, 60 freehold zones have already been opened here, where foreign investors can buy an apartment or a villa.
The best freehold zones in Dubai are the following areas:
Business Bay. This lively area is considered an oasis of business life and trade.
Dubailand. Cottage settlements and apartments are being built here on a vast territory. In the near future, theme parks, shopping centers, places for recreation will appear here.
Downtown Dubai. This chic, luxury apartment area is well known for attractions Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
Dubai Marina. One of the most popular places in the city due to the beaches and picturesque views.
life in dubai
What gives a foreign citizen buying property in Dubai? First of all, the opportunity to live in a modern metropolis with a developed infrastructure, where the offices of the largest companies are located and all kinds of events of world importance are regularly held, from exhibitions to sports competitions. Property buyers and investors can obtain a long-term residence visa in the UAE - you can become a resident of the country by investing in real estate from 1 million dirhams (AED). Secondly, real estate can be a stable source of income if you rent it out or buy it for resale. At the same time, the risks are minimal, since the real estate market in the UAE is controlled by the state.
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Dubai?
In accordance with Law No. 7 on the Registration of Real Estate in Dubai, Article 4, persons who are not citizens of the United Arab Emirates or citizens of the states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) may acquire:
Ownership of real estate without time limits (freehold);
The right to use (usufruct) or lease for up to 99 years.
Freehold (freehold) gives the right to full ownership of real estate: a citizen can sell it, donate, inherit or lease it at any time. What is important, the land under the building also belongs to the owner. If the value of real estate exceeds AED 1 million, then a non-resident has the right to obtain a long-term UAE visa, obtain a driver's license and transport family members to the country.
Leasehold (leasehold), in fact, is a long-term lease without the right to purchase. At the end of the lease period, the property is returned to the owner. Lease terms can be up to 99 years. Such real estate can be subleased, resold, equipped to your liking.
Usufruct is a term from Roman law, literally meaning "use of the fruits." Usufruct means the right to use someone else's property and derive income from it, but on the condition that the property does not undergo any changes. Usufruct in Dubai is a type of long-term lease of real estate. You can use such a room, but it is no longer possible to make redevelopment or reconstruction.
Finally, another type of lease is musataha. It allows you to own a land plot for up to 50 years and carry out development on it all this time. The erected buildings will belong to the owner of the land.
residency in Dubai
All lease agreements in Dubai are subject to registration through the Ejari system, which regulates relations between tenants and landlords.
The areas in which non-residents can purchase or rent real estate are determined by the Ruler of Dubai. Resolutions are periodically issued expanding the list of such territories.
A foreign citizen does not have to come to Dubai to buy or rent real estate. He can issue a Power of Attorney (PoA) to a UAE citizen using the services of a law firm in Dubai. After drawing up a power of attorney, a non-resident must notarize it in his country, after which it must be apostilled and sent in its original form to the UAE. If the power of attorney is not in Arabic, then it will be necessary to make an official translation and certify the power of attorney in the UAE Ministry of Justice.
The nuances of the deal
The process of acquiring real estate in Dubai by a foreign citizen can be divided into four stages.
The first stage is the signing of a preliminary agreement between the buyer and the seller. At this stage, you can do without the help of a lawyer or real estate agent. Basically, it's just a price negotiation.
Mortgage interest rates for non-residents will be higher than for UAE citizens (approximately 5% on average). The age of the applicant must not exceed 65 years for employees and 70 years for self-employed. The bank will also require the borrower to provide proof of income for the last 6 months and proof of sufficient financial support (usually not less than 25,000 AED).
Additional fees will include a mortgage loan processing fee of 1% of the loan amount. In addition, a property valuation fee of AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 + 5% VAT is charged.
Commercial real estate for non-residents
A foreign citizen can buy commercial property in Dubai, but there are some restrictions. Specifically, as of 2022, selection is limited to the following areas:
Dubai Marina;
Downtown Dubai;
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC);
Arabian Ranches;
Dubailand;
Palm Jumeirah
Creative Cluster Authority;
Dubai Merchandise Trade Center;
Dubai Free Trade Zones.
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