Yes. Foreigners are permitted to acquire property without restrictions in designated Freehold Areas. This grants full ownership rights to the apartment or house, comparable to German property ownership.

In non-Freehold areas, only leasehold options are available (typically 99 years).

The purchase process for foreigners is transparent, clearly regulated, and internationally oriented.

Many buyers see Dubai as an attractive investment because:

• rental yields often range between 6-9% depending on the location,
• the emirate is growing rapidly and continuously invests in infrastructure,
• no income tax is levied on rental income,
• properties are often value-stable or show strong growth,
• international demand remains high in the long term.

Whether it is worthwhile depends on the location, property quality, and rental strategy – but for capital investors, Dubai is often very interesting.

Modern buildings in Dubai are constructed according to international standards and typically have a lifespan of 60 to 100 years, depending on construction quality, maintenance, and materials used.

Many new developments are undertaken by reputable developers who adhere to high quality standards, as Dubai strictly regulates its construction sector.

The purchasing process is clearly structured:

1. Property selection and, if applicable, reservation via a “Reservation Form”.
2. Purchase agreement (SPA) with the developer or seller.
3. Payment of the agreed amounts (for off-plan projects according to the payment plan).
4. No Objection Certificate (NOC) for resales.
5. Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
6. The title deed (Title Deed) is issued to the buyer.

The entire process can also be completed from Germany.

The buyer only needs:

• a valid passport,
• a Dubai address (e.g., a hotel address for the process),
• the payment required under the contracts.

Residency in Dubai is not required.

All contracts must be registered via the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or its digital services. Dubai regulates the real estate market very strictly, which is why the purchase is transparent and well protected.

Popular residential and investment locations include:

• Dubai Marina – modern apartments, high rental demand
• Downtown Dubai – Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, strong value growth
• Palm Jumeirah – luxury villas & high-end apartments
• Business Bay – central location, good returns
• Dubai Hills – family-friendly, modern villas & townhouses
• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – attractive entry-level prices, high returns

The ideal location depends on the purpose: owner-occupation or investment.

Several options are available for non-residents:

• Mortgages from local banks (usually up to 50% Loan-to-Value for non-residents)
• Developer financing for new construction projects
• Bank-free payment plans (e.g., 60/40, 80/20, or upon completion)
• Full payment for favorable off-plan projects

Financing options are flexible – especially for international investors.

• No property, income, or wealth tax
• Very high rental yields compared internationally
• Security through government regulation of the real estate market
• Growing economic and population center
• Modern infrastructure and high quality of life
• Possibility of a Residency Visa with certain investment amounts

Dubai is considered one of the most attractive real estate markets worldwide for foreign buyers.

There are no ongoing taxes on rental income or property ownership.
One-off costs include:

• DLD registration fee: 4% of the purchase price
• Registration fee for the title deed
• Brokerage fees: usually 2% for resales
• Service charges: annual building costs depending on the project

By international standards, these fees are comparatively low.

Key points include:

• Differences between developers – check quality
• Possible delays with off-plan projects
• Market cycles, as Dubai is a dynamic market
• Currency risks (the AED is pegged to the USD)
• Choosing the right location, as returns vary significantly by neighborhood

With professional advice, however, most risks can be managed well.