Buying property in Dubai: freehold, the 4% fee, Golden Visa

Dubai has become one of the overseas markets Vietnamese and other Asian buyers ask about most, because foreigners can own homes in certain areas, there is no personal income tax, and property can support a long-term residence visa. This guide summarises the general rules for buying property in Dubai as a foreigner, plus points specific to buyers coming from Vietnam. It is not investment advice.

Where can foreigners buy?

Foreigners, including non-residents of the UAE, can own property in designated freehold areas with the same ownership rights as residents. Outside those areas foreigners are generally limited to long leases. Before paying anything, ask the agent to confirm the project is in a freehold zone and to show you the paperwork.

Main transaction costs

Ask for a complete cost sheet before you sign; service charges in Dubai towers can be substantial.

The 10-year Golden Visa

According to published guidance, property worth AED 2 million or more can support an application for a 10-year residence visa. From 2026, mortgaged property can also qualify if the investor has paid at least AED 2 million. For off-plan homes, the project usually needs to reach a set level of completion and the buyer must have paid a significant share. The UAE authorities set these rules and they change, so confirm them directly if a visa is part of your reason for buying.

Buying off-plan

• Check that the developer and project are registered with Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
• Payments should go into the project's escrow account, never to an individual.
• Work with a RERA-licensed agent.
• Read the payment schedule, late-handover clauses and cancellation rights carefully.

Mortgages in Dubai

UAE banks do lend to non-residents, but usually only around 50–60% of the value, so plan for a 40–50% down payment plus transaction costs. Rates and conditions vary by bank.

Points for buyers from Vietnam

• Moving money abroad: transfers must follow Vietnam's foreign-exchange rules. Talk to your bank and a lawyer before paying a deposit, and never use informal transfer channels.
• Tax: the UAE has no personal income tax, but your tax position at home on overseas income needs separate advice.
• Remote management: if you let the property you will need a local management company, which charges fees.
• Currency risk: the asset is in dirhams while your costs may be in dong.
• No guaranteed returns: be wary of "guaranteed rent" or "fixed yield" marketing.

Basic buying steps

1. Choose a freehold area and project; verify the developer's registration.
2. Sign a reservation agreement and read the refund terms.
3. Sign the sale contract and pay into the project account on schedule.
4. Register with the DLD and pay the 4% fee.
5. Take handover and receive your title documents.

Many Vietnamese families abroad still add a few feng shui pieces to a new home. For a list of Dubai projects on sale and agents' price lists, get the project price list on Zalo. If you are comparing with buying in Vietnam, see our legal guide to buying in Vietnam.

Questions to ask a Dubai agent

• The RERA registration numbers of the agent and of the project.
• Which bank holds the escrow account that receives your payments.
• The estimated annual building service charge.
• Refund terms if the project is delayed or cancelled.
• Whether resale before handover is allowed, and what fees apply.

Note: iqiland.com is not the developer's official website. Information is compiled from public sources; prices and terms are published by the developer or its appointed agents. Check the legal position before any transaction. We make no promise of returns.