Yes. Since 2002, Dubai has allowed full foreign ownership in designated freehold areas. As a foreign buyer, you receive a title deed issued by the Dubai Land Department, giving you complete ownership rights to sell, lease, or pass the property on to heirs. There’s no need for a local partner or nominee structure.

Popular freehold areas include Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Dubai Hills Estate, among others. For peace of mind, the Dubai government has a strong regulatory system under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) that ensures transparency, escrow protections for off-plan purchases, and standardized contracts.

One of Dubai’s biggest attractions is its tax-friendly environment

No annual property tax
No capital gains tax when you sell
No income tax on rental earnings

The main costs are transaction-based

Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee: 4% of the property price (paid once at purchase)

Registration & admin fees: approximately AED 5,000–10,000 depending on the property value

Service charges: annual fees (similar to condo fees in Canada) for maintenance, typically AED 10–30 per sq. ft. per year

So, once you’ve paid your purchase fees, there are no recurring property taxes, making Dubai one of the most profitable real estate markets globally.

Dubai offers some of the highest rental yields in the world.

Apartments: typically 6–8% net annual return

Villas and townhouses: 4–6% depending on location

Off-plan properties: often deliver 10–20% appreciation between the launch and handover, especially in emerging areas like Dubai Creek Harbour or Dubai South.

For comparison, major cities like Toronto or Vancouver average 2–3% rental yield after taxes. In Dubai, your returns are higher and tax-free. That said, performance varies by area and property type. I guide clients to choose locations balancing yield, resale value, and long-term growth potential.

Yes, property investment can qualify you for long-term residency in the UAE.
The main options are:

5-Year Property Investor Visa: for real estate investments worth AED 1 million or more (fully paid, not mortgaged).

10-Year Golden Visa: for investments above AED 2 million (can include off-plan properties from approved developers).

Both visas allow you to sponsor your spouse and children, access the UAE banking system, obtain health insurance, and enjoy the tax-free residency benefits Dubai is known for.

Yes, Dubai’s property market is among the most transparent and well-regulated in the region.

All developers must be registered with RERA and use escrow accounts, meaning your payments go directly into a government-monitored account tied to your specific project.

The Dubai Land Department oversees every property transaction.

Digital verification through the Dubai REST app allows you to check ownership records and prices in real time.

Additionally, Dubai ranks as one of the safest cities in the world (Numbeo 2024 Safety Index ranks it consistently in the top 10 globally), offering political stability, low crime, and a strong rule of law.

Unlike many global markets, Dubai combines capital appreciation, tax-free income, and residency options, making it a truly hybrid investment destination — ideal for both wealth preservation and growth.

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