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Buy Property in Dubai: No Taxes, High ROI & Golden Visa

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Is it worth buying an apartment in Dubai in 2026? How much does property cost in the Emirates? How can you obtain a Golden Visa by purchasing an apartment? What is the return on investment? These are the questions every potential investor interested in the real estate market in the United Arab Emirates asks.

Market real estate in Dubai is experiencing a record boom, attracting investors from around the world interested in buying property in Dubai, both in the apartments for sale, as well as villas in Dubai. According to the latest data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in the first six months of 2025 approximately 94,000 real estate transactions with a total value of 262.7 billion AED (about 71.5 billion USD), representing a 40% year-on-year increase. In our view, Dubai remains one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world, offering a unique combination of high returns (ROI), no taxes, as well as the opportunity to obtain long-term Golden Visa residency.

In 2024 apartment prices in Dubai rose by 20% year-on-year, reaching an average of 1597 AED per square foot according to Deloitte's report. Meanwhile, according to Knight Frank, the average residential property prices in Dubai reached a record level of 1685 AED (459 USD) per square foot in Q4 2024, exceeding the previous 2014 peak by 13.3%. The Dubai Land Department recorded in 2024 more than 169,000 property sales transactions, with a total value of 488 billion AED, of which 67% were secondary market properties in Dubai, and 33% off-plan properties, often chosen by investors because of flexible payment plans and high value appreciation potential.

At Globihome, following global investment trends, we observe that apartments in Dubai and luxury Dubai apartments are attracting more and more clients who appreciate not only no income tax on rental income, no capital gains tax, but also political stability, developed infrastructure and ease of purchasing property by foreigners in Dubai.

All data based on official sources: Dubai Land Department (DLD), RERA, Property Finder, Bayut, Knight Frank, CBRE, Cavendish Maxwell, Fitch Ratings and Globihome's own analyses. At the end of the article we provide contact to a professional and recommended by us real estate agent in Dubai, who will support you at every stage if you want to buy a property in Dubai.

Why Buy Property in Dubai in 2026?

Luxury apartments in Dubai with terraces and a large pool by palm trees, modern wavy glass façade of the building

Is investing in Dubai real estate profitable? Is it worth buying an apartment in Dubai as an investment? These are fundamental questions we hear from Globihome readers every day. The answer is: YES! Why? First of all because investing in Dubai real estate stands out in the global market thanks to its exceptional tax climate. The United Arab Emirates do not impose personal income tax, property tax or capital gains tax, which means that all rental income and profit from the sale stays in the investor's pocket. At the same time you must remember the registration fee, which we will discuss later in the article.

No Taxes – The Biggest Advantage of Investing in the UAE

Dubai offers one of the most attractive tax systems for real estate investors in the world:

  • 0% property tax – you don't pay an annual property tax
  • 0% income tax – no personal income tax on rental income
  • 0% capital gains tax – selling property does not create tax liabilities
  • 0% inheritance tax – inheritance of property is tax-free

The only significant fee is a one-time DLD registration fee of 4% of the property's value upon purchase.

High Investment Returns – what is the ROI in Dubai?

According to 2025 data, the average return on investment in Dubai is 6-8% per year, which significantly exceeds other global markets:

  • London: 2-4% per year
  • New York: 2-4% per year
  • Hong Kong: 2-3% per year
  • Warsaw: 4-5% per year

Some neighborhoods in Dubai offer even higher returns:

  • Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): 7% for studios, 6- 7% for larger apartments
  • Al Furjan: 7% for studios, 6-7% for apartments
  • Arjan: up to 5-8 % for small units
Balcony view of Dubai Marina with a canal, skyscrapers and a promenade — attractive real estate investment location

Golden Visa – How to Obtain a Resident Visa in Dubai?

When you buy a property worth at least 2 million AED (approximately 545,000 USD), you gain the right to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa, which grants:

  • Long-term resident visa without the need for a sponsor
  • Ability to sponsor family (spouse, children, parents)
  • Right to work and run a business in the UAE
  • Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing the visa
  • Ability to renew the visa after 10 years

From 2025 there are also lower investment thresholds:

  • 750,000 AED – 2-year visa
  • 2 million AED – 10-year Golden Visa
  • Off-plan properties also qualify for the visa

Population Growth and Rental Demand in Dubai

Dubai's population is growing at about 5% per year, reaching currently over 3,8 million residents, and according to the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 is set to grow to 7,8 million by 2040. This systematic demographic growth is driven mainly by expatriates, who make up around 90% of the emirate's population. Highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and high-income individuals choose Dubai because of its tax-free environment, high quality of life, safety and access to world-class infrastructure. The steady influx of new residents translates into consistently strong demand for housing, which stabilizes the rental market and minimizes vacancy risk. Additionally, in 2024 Dubai was visited by 18.7 million international tourists, which fuels demand for short-term rentals.

Modern apartment bedroom in Dubai with large windows and views of skyscrapers — investment for rental

Apartment Prices in Dubai: Detailed Market Analysis 2026

According to Deloitte's report "Dubai Real Estate Predictions 2025", residential real estate prices in 2024 increased by 20%, and rents by 19%. Particularly strong growth was recorded in the villas segment – 27.9% year-on-year, while apartments gained around 18%.

Luxury real estate Segment ultra-luxury is experiencing a true boom. In 2024 there were 948 luxury property transactions (over 15 million AED), and sales of properties worth over 10 million AED reached 7.6 billion AED. Dubai outpaced cities like London and New York in this segment.

How much does an apartment cost in Dubai in 2025?

The average price per square foot in 2025 is 1,755 AED (around 477 USD).

Average 2025 prices by property type are as follows:

  • Apartments: 1.3 million AED (approximately 354,000 USD)
  • Villas: 6.6 million AED (approximately 1.8 million USD)
  • Commercial properties: 2.1 million AED (approximately 572,000 USD)
  • Plots: 6.7 million AED (approximately 1.82 million USD)

A standard apartment of 75 square metres (about 807 square feet) costs on average 1.36 million AED (about 370,000 USD). The average price of an apartment on the primary market is currently 1.3 million AED (354,000 USD), while villas average 3.54 million AED (964,000 USD). It is worth noting that prices vary significantly depending on location, property type and finish quality.

If you want to receive up-to-date property listings tailored to your expectations, contact the real estate agent we recommend at the end of the article. On our Globihome blog we recommend only professional and verified real estate agents. We do this free of charge. We are committed to providing professional service for our readers.

Bright, modern living room in a Palm Jumeirah apartment with a white sofa, glass coffee table and large TV
Open-plan Palm Jumeirah apartment: living room with a white corner sofa, decorative rug and kitchen with a marble island

Property Prices in Dubai's Neighborhoods

Property Prices in Palm Jumeirah

  • Studio: from 1.2 million AED (327,000 USD)
  • 1-bedroom: from 2.5 million AED (680,000 USD)
  • 2-bedroom: from 4 million AED (1.09 million USD)
  • Villas: 10-110 million AED (2.72 - 30 million USD)
  • Rental yield: 5-9% (highest for studios)

Property prices in Business Bay

  • Studio: 800,000 - 1.2 million AED (218,000-327,000 USD)
  • 1-bedroom: 1.5 - 2.5 million AED (408,000-680,000 USD)
  • 2-bedroom: 2.5 - 4 million AED (680,000-1.09 million USD)
  • 3-bedroom: 4 - 8 million AED (1.09-2.18 million USD)
  • Rental yield: 5- 7.5% (highest for studios)

Dubai Marina

  • Studio: 700,000 - 1.1 million AED (191,000-300,000 USD)
  • 1-bedroom: 1.3 - 2.2 million AED (354,000-600,000 USD)
  • 2-bedroom: 2.2 - 3.8 million AED (600,000-1.03 million USD)
  • Rental yield: 6-7% (highest for studios)

Damac Hills

  • Studio: from 450,000 AED (122,500 USD)
  • 1-bedroom: from 700,000 AED (190,500 USD)
  • 2-bedroom: from 1.1 million AED (300,000 USD)
  • 3-bedroom: from 1.5 million AED (408,000 USD)
  • Rental yield: 6-7%

How to buy an apartment in Dubai: Step-by-step process

Buying an apartment in Dubai is significantly simpler than in many Western countries, and the entire process can take just a few days for already-built properties.

Step 1: Define your purpose for buying an apartment in Dubai

Before you start searching, you must determine whether you are buying the property as:

  • An investment for long-term rental – stable monthly income
  • An investment for short-term rental – higher yields, but greater time commitments
  • A home for yourself – for you and your family
  • A speculative investment – purchase to resell at a profit (flipping)

Step 2: Determining your budget and source of financing

Cash purchase From our observations at Globihome, most transactions in Dubai are cash transactions, which indicates the wealth of buyers. Paying cash removes the need to apply for a mortgage and speeds up the process.

Mortgage in Dubai Foreigners can obtain a mortgage in Dubai, but the conditions are more restrictive than for residents:

  • Down payment for non-residents: from 40% of the property value for properties below 5 million AED
  • Down payment for residents: 20%
  • Maximum loan term: 25 years
  • Income requirements: Banks typically require a minimum monthly income of 15,000-20,000 AED

In the first quarter of 2025 there were 9,300 mortgage transactions on residential properties, an increase of 24% year-on-year. The total value of these transactions reached 20.4 billion AED (+46.8% year-on-year).

Step 3: Choosing the location and type of property

Dubai offers many districts where clients can buy properties. If you're not familiar with Dubai, we recommend discussing the individual districts with a professional who lives in Dubai full-time. You can find contact details for such a person free of charge at the end of the article.

Skyscrapers and apartment terraces in Dubai — modern properties with a pool and recreational space

Step 4: Choosing a real estate agent

Choosing a professional real estate agent is a key step, especially if you don't live in Dubai full-time. An agent will help with:

  • Finding the right property
  • Negotiating the price
  • Verifying documents
  • Handling the purchase process

Step 5: Property verification and due diligence

Before signing the contract, conduct a thorough verification:

  • Title Deed – verify whether the seller is the legal owner
  • NOC (No Objection Certificate) – if the property has a mortgage, the seller must obtain an NOC from the bank
  • Service charges – check outstanding service charges
  • Ejari – registered tenancy contract (if the property is rented)
  • Technical condition – consider hiring a building inspector

Step 6: Signing the contract

After finding a suitable property, the parties sign a contract with the developer or an individual ( in the case of the secondary market).

The contract includes:

  • Property details
  • Agreed price
  • Payment schedule
  • Transaction terms
  • Penalties for delays

Deposit: Usually 10% of the property's value on the secondary market, paid into an escrow account held by an agent licensed by RERA.

Step 7: Financing and payments

For completed properties: Payment is usually made within 30-60 days of signing the contract.

For off-plan properties: The most popular payment plans in 2025 are 80/20, 60/40 or 50/50. The size of the installments depends on construction progress, and developers increasingly offer interest-free installment payment options.

Step 8: Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

After the payment for the property has been settled, the transaction must be registered with the DLD within 60 days. During registration a transfer fee of 4% of the property's value is paid, which is usually split equally between the buyer and the seller, although this can be negotiated.

Step 9: Receiving the Title Deed

After the transaction is registered, you will receive:

  • Title Deed – the official document confirming property ownership, issued by the DLD
  • e-Certificate – electronic version of the Title Deed

Title Deed zawiera:

  • Owner details
  • Property details (location, area, type)
  • Plot number
  • Property value
Apartment skyscrapers in Dubai with Burj Khalifa panorama, attractive investment property for Golden Visa

Golden Visa: Residence Permit Through Real Estate Investment

The Golden Visa program in the United Arab Emirates to currently one of the most attractive solutions for people planning investment in real estate in Dubai and long-term purchase of real estate in Dubai in the segment freehold. A 10-year Golden Visa Dubai provides stable residency rights without the need to have an Emirati sponsor or a local employer, which sets it apart from traditional employment-linked residence visas. The visa is renewable every 10 years, provided the investor maintains a qualifying property in Dubai.

The minimum investment value required to obtain Golden Visa through real estate amounts to 2 million AED (approx. 545,000 USD). It can be a single property or a portfolio of several assets, provided they are located in the freehold in Dubai. Properties can also be financed with a mortgage loan, however in such a case a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the bank, which is a standard procedure for investments in premium properties in Dubai.

The 2022 regulatory reform significantly eased investors' ability to obtain the Golden Visa in the UAE, especially for people buying off-plan properties in Dubai. Currently there is no requirement to pay 50% equity — an NOC is sufficient, and qualification is determined by the current market value confirmed by Dubai Land Department (DLD). Importantly, even a property purchased several years ago at a lower price qualifies if its value today exceeds the 2 million AED threshold. In the case of off-plan projects in Dubai, the visa may be granted when construction completion exceeds 50% or when the developer confirms payments totaling at least 2 million AED.

The application requires, among other documents, a passport, a recent photo, Title Deed, Emirates ID (if applicable) and documentation proving ownership of a freehold property in Dubai.

Costs of obtaining Golden Visa Dubai include, among others: medical examination (700 AED), Emirates ID for 10 years (1153 AED), residency fee (2856,75 AED), DLD fees (4020 AED) and administrative costs (1155 AED). The total cost of the procedure for the investor is approximately 9884,75 AED. The Golden Visa also allows sponsoring family members, including children with no age limit, which further increases its appeal for people investing in real estate in Dubai for rental or for relocation purposes.

Additionally, a service fee may apply depending on the company assisting with obtaining the visa.

For investors with lower capital, there is also available 2-year investor visa in Dubai with a minimum threshold of 750 000 AED, intended for owners of completed residential properties. An alternative is the 5-year Green Residence UAE, aimed at entrepreneurs and business investors, serving as a flexible complement to a visa strategy when investing in the Dubai real estate market.

Luxurious, modern interior of an apartment in Dubai with an open kitchen and balcony — an ideal flat for investment or rental.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

The cheapest studio can be bought for around 400,000 AED in neighborhoods such as Dubai South or Arjan

Yes, foreigners can buy freehold properties in over 50 designated zones in Dubai, including the most popular districts such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, JVC and many others.

Yes, foreigners (both residents and non-residents) can obtain a mortgage from banks in Dubai. Non-residents can borrow up to 60% of the property value for properties below 5 million AED (a 25% down payment is required). A minimum monthly income of 15,000-20,000 AED is required.

Dubai has no property tax, capital gains tax, or income tax on rental income. The one-time fee is a 4% DLD fee when purchasing a property.

Yes, purchasing property with a minimum value of 2,000,000 AED qualifies for the Golden Visa – a 10-year resident visa that is renewable. The visa does not require a sponsor and allows sponsoring family members. For properties valued at 750,000 AED you can obtain a 2-year visa.

For ready properties the process can take as little as a few days (for off-plan properties), and for the secondary market up to 2 months.

Besides the purchase price you must consider: the DLD fee of 4% of the property value. For the secondary market this also includes an agency commission of 2% + VAT and notary costs of 4200 AED.

Off-plan is often 15-30% cheaper and offers flexible payment plans, but requires waiting for completion. A ready property allows immediate move-in and generating rental income, but costs more. The choice depends on your goals and risk tolerance.

For high yields: JVC, JVT, Dubai Sports City, Motor City. For prestige: Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina. For future growth: Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai South, Dubai Islands.

Yes, the market is strictly regulated by RERA, and the escrow account system protects buyers of off-plan properties. Dubai has strong economic fundamentals, a stable government, and consistently attracts foreign investment. However, like any market, it carries some risk – which is why conducting due diligence and choosing reputable developers is important.
Luxury apartment in Dubai with living and dining area, panoramic view of Burj Khalifa, an ideal investment purchase

Summary: Is It Worth Buying Property in Dubai in 2026?

Buying property in Dubai is a unique combination: high rental yields, absence of taxes on income, capital gains or property ownership, and the possibility of obtaining the 10-year Dubai Golden Visa. investment in Dubai real estate is one of the most profitable and safest strategies for investors seeking global diversification and passive income.

According to us at Globihome the key success factors are:

1. Choosing the right location – neighborhoods such as JVC offer 8-9% yields, while Downtown Dubai provides prestige

2. Choosing a reputable developer – check who guarantees on-time delivery and high quality. If you need help with this, you can rely on an expert we recommend at Globihome. You can find the contact at the end of the article.

3. Working with a professional agent – if you don’t live in Dubai on a daily basis, use the services of a local real estate agent who will reliably help you at every stage of the property purchase.

MM

Marta Malak

Real estate agent & co-author

I have been serving clients for 12 years
Location:
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Languages:

Professional real estate agent in Dubai

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