A city built for investors.
Freehold ownership, no personal income tax, strong rental yields and a government that plans decades ahead.
- 0% Personal income tax
- 6–8% Typical gross rental yield
- 100% Foreign ownership in freehold areas
- 10-Year Golden Visa through property
Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025 · Dubai Land Department · UAE Ministry of Finance
The case in six points.
What international investors weigh when they compare Dubai with Hong Kong, Singapore, London and mainland China.
-
01
Freehold ownership
Foreign buyers can own property outright in designated areas.
-
02
Tax-friendly
No personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
-
03
Strong rental yields
Typically 6–8%, higher in some core areas.
-
04
Stable currency
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar (USD 1 = AED 3.67).
-
05
Safe and well planned
Long-term city plans and strong regulation.
-
06
Global connectivity
One of the world’s busiest airports and a major trade hub.
What USD 1 million buys.
Prime floor area, in square metres, for the same budget across major cities.
- Dubai 120
- Toronto 60
- Tokyo 58
- Beijing 48
- Shanghai 44
- Sydney 44
- Paris 42
- New York 37
- London 34
- Los Angeles 34
- Singapore 32
- Hong Kong 22
Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025.
Tax and cost policies.
No annual property tax, and 100% foreign ownership in freehold areas.
- 0% Personal income tax
- 0% Capital gains tax
- 0% Inheritance tax
- Corporate tax 9% Profit under AED 375,000 exempt
- VAT 5% Standard rate on goods and services
- Import duty 5% On most goods
- Land registration fee ≈4% One-time, paid on purchase
- Annual property tax None No yearly tax on owning property
Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025 · UAE Federal Tax Authority · Dubai Land Department
Twelve advantages of buying in Dubai.
- 01Freehold ownership
- 02No shared-area calculation
- 03Complimentary parking
- 04No purchase limits
- 05Fully furnished delivery
- 06Complete amenities
- 07High rental yield
- 08Interest-free instalments
- 09Developer rental management
- 10Off-plan resale allowed
- 11No VAT on residential property*
- 12Visa eligibility through purchase
Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025 · *VAT treatment differs for residential and commercial property. Benefits vary by developer and project.
Golden Visa and residency.
Property investment can open a path to UAE residency for you and your family.
- Golden Visa 10years Golden Visa, renewable Property investment from AED 2 million
- Investor 5years Real estate investment visa Property investment from AED 1 million
- Investor 2years Investor visa Property investment from AED 750,000
Subject to eligibility. Thresholds are set by UAE authorities and may change. Source: ICP / GDRFA Dubai, 2025.
- ◆Live, work and study without a local sponsor
- ◆Sponsor your spouse, children and parents
- ◆Access to international schools and healthcare
- ◆Easier visas to other countries
- ◆Easier overseas bank account opening
- ◆Renewable while the investment is held
How buyer funds are protected.
Off-plan payments go into a government-supervised escrow account, overseen by the Dubai Land Department and RERA.
-
Stage 01
Before project sales
- Developer pays the land grant fee in full
- Construction funding is secured
- Funds go into an escrow account in the project’s name
-
Stage 02
During construction
- Funds released only against verified construction milestones
- Progress inspected and certified
-
Stage 03
After handover
- About 5% retained in escrow for one year
- Covers defects after handover
Source: Dubai Land Department / RERA escrow regulations · Lifer company brochure, 2025
Pay as it is built.
Off-plan property is usually paid in stages tied to construction progress, commonly interest-free.
- Booking Reserve Down payment typically 5–20%.
- Construction Instalments Linked to construction progress, commonly interest-free.
- Handover Final balance Paid when keys are handed over.
Illustrative example only. Plans vary by developer and project. Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025
Twelve areas to know.
-
迪拜市中心
Downtown Dubai
01The Burj Khalifa district, prime city-centre living.
Suits: Prime residential, short-stay rental -
商业湾
Business Bay
02Canal-side business and residential hub.
Suits: Professionals, mixed-use investors -
迪拜国际金融中心
DIFC
03The financial district, premium apartments.
Suits: Finance professionals -
迪拜码头
Dubai Marina
04Waterfront towers along a marina promenade.
Suits: Rental investors -
朱美拉海滩住宅
Jumeirah Beach Residence
05Beachfront towers with a walkable seafront.
Suits: Lifestyle buyers, holiday rental -
朱美拉棕榈岛
Palm Jumeirah
06The landmark island, villas and branded residences.
Suits: Luxury homeowners -
杰贝阿里棕榈岛
Palm Jebel Ali
07A new island, villa-led and long-horizon.
Suits: Off-plan, long-term investors -
朱美拉村圆环
Jumeirah Village Circle
08Established community at accessible prices.
Suits: Yield-focused buyers -
梅丹
Meydan
09Green, low-density and close to the centre.
Suits: Families, villa buyers -
迪拜溪港
Dubai Creek Harbour
10Creekside master community near the old city.
Suits: Families, long-term owners -
迪拜群岛
Dubai Islands
11New coastal islands off Deira.
Suits: Off-plan, beachfront buyers -
迪拜南城
Dubai South
12Growth district around Al Maktoum Airport.
Suits: Long-term investors
Where the market is going.
Source: Dubai Statistics Center, 2019–2024 · Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
Source: Government of Dubai · RTA, 2025
Who buys in Dubai.
- 1 India 印度
- 2 United Kingdom 英国
- 3 China 中国
- 4 Saudi Arabia 沙特阿拉伯
- 5 Russia 俄罗斯
- 6 Pakistan 巴基斯坦
- 7 Italy 意大利
- 8 France 法国
- 9 Canada 加拿大
- 10 Egypt 埃及
Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025
Projected net inflow of millionaires to the UAE in 2025, the highest of any country.
Source: Lifer company brochure, citing Henley & Partners, 2025
Education and healthcare.
- IB
- UK A-Level
- US AP
Plus branch campuses of international universities.
Source: KHDA, 2025
- Private
- Public
- English widely used
Internationally accredited medical facilities across the city.
Source: Lifer company brochure, 2025
Buying property in Dubai.
What documents do I need to buy property in Dubai?
Usually just a valid passport, and no local residency is needed. Your advisor confirms exactly what is required for your case.
What are the ongoing costs of owning?
Beyond the purchase price, there is a one-time land registration fee, then annual service charges and utilities. There is no annual property tax. We set out the expected costs before you commit.
What are typical prices and rental yields?
Prices vary widely by area and project. Rental yields are typically 6–8% and can be higher in some core areas. Your advisor can show current figures for the areas you are considering.
How does the government protect buyers’ money?
Off-plan payments go into a government-supervised escrow account held in the project’s name. Funds are released only against verified construction milestones. The investor protection section above shows the three stages.
How do I manage my property if I live abroad?
Our management team can handle tenants, maintenance and listing for owners abroad.
What is the current market status?
Dubai’s property market has grown strongly in recent years, according to Dubai Land Department data. Figures change often, so your advisor shares the latest numbers for the areas you are considering.
General information only. Not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Figures are indicative and may change.
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