To purchase a freehold property in Dubai, the buyer only needs to provide a copy of his passport papers if he buys from a developer in the primary market. A company that buys a property must provide the developer with its registration documents (Articles of Incorporation, Registration Certificate, POA of the person signing on behalf of the company, and Board of Directors Resolution). Either entity, i.e., a person or a company, must sign a property reservation contract with the developer. When the property is turned over to the buyer, the buyer must register the property with the Government of Dubai Lands Department to receive a title deed.

Individual sellers and buyers:
- Original Title Deed

- Original passport

- Emirates ID

- Bank Statements

Corporate seller and buyer:
- Original Title Deed

- Original Certificate of Incorporation / Trade License

- Original Memorandum and Articles of Association

- Legal Translation of the Memorandum and Articles of Association

- Original Certificate of Good Standing (not more than 6 months old)

- Original Certificate of Incumbency (not more than 6 months old)

- Copy of shareholder(s) passport(s)

- Original Resolution approving the sale or purchase (as the case may be)

- Original Power of Attorney

- Attorney’s original passport

Foreigners can buy property in either leasehold areas near the city centre or freehold areas spread throughout the emirate. A foreign buyer must have a valid passport. However, To find the ideal property and finish the necessary paperwork, work with a local Dubai real estate agent or directly with the Dubai developer.

The United Arab Emirates law permits non-resident foreigners, under certain restrictions, to own property in Dubai. Only properties in Dubai’s designated freehold areas are available for purchase by foreigners, both residents and non-residents.

Although a minor child may be represented in a purchase transaction by parents or a legal guardian, the minimum age for purchasing a property is 21 years old in Dubai and other Emirates in the UAE.

Dubai’s real estate market has commissioned specific regulations to protect buyers and sellers. As a result, one must pay upfront fees separate from the property’s cost. The upfront fees may vary depending on the property type and thus differ between areas and property types. The following is the breakdown of transfer and registration fees:

- DLD Fees = 4% of the property price + Admin fees (AED 580 for apartments and offices, AED 430 for land, AED 40 for off-plan)
- Registration fees for properties worth less than AED 500,000 = AED 2000 + 5% VAT
- Registration fees for properties worth more than AED 500,000 = AED 4000 + 5% VAT
- Dubai Land Department mortgage registration fees = up to 0.25% of loan amount + AED 290

It is essential to know that DLD fees must be paid within 60 days, for the purchase to progress further.

The purchasing process of a home varies depending on where you are.

- Set a budget

- Get a mortgage if required

- Find a RERA qualified broker

- Make a proposal

- Make the deposit

- Get the NOC

- Transfer the property

- You are now a homeowner!