From jurisdiction selection to compliance, banking, and long-term planning, we design company structures that work in practice, not just on paper.
From jurisdiction selection to compliance, banking, and long-term planning, we design company structures that work in practice, not just on paper.
Anyone can register a company. Very few understand how it should function once it exists.
A company is only valuable if it works in practice. We design structures that align banking, accounting, substance, and profit flows — so operations remain smooth.
Each jurisdiction below serves a specific role — operating company, holding entity, or international hub. We help you select and combine them correctly.
Onshore structure allowing direct access to the UAE market, local contracts, and unrestricted business activity within the Emirates and beyond.
European jurisdictions are used when operating inside the EU matters — for customers, banking or regulation.
Used for global operations, platform access, and international ownership.
For a substantial number of foreign residents, the United Arab Emirates has gone beyond being a mere temporary stop and is now their long-term home. The appeal to settle down by having a piece of the city is higher than ever, due to its excellent facilities, secure and tax-free environment.
Buying real estate in Dubai is a major step for you if you are either a local who is fed up with renting or an overseas investor who is looking for high-yield properties in Dubai. The bad news? Not really. The entire procedure is visible to the public and there are strict rules that govern it. Still, it is important to find your way through the laws, grasp the total cost involved, and keep your money management sound – thus making your investment safe – particularly when you take into account that regulations keep changing.
This definitive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying property in the UAE for expats in 2026.
The short answer is absolute yes. The UAE government actively encourages foreign investment in real estate. However, where and what you can buy depends on one critical distinction.
This is the most important concept for foreign buyers.
Essentially, a person from any country, either a local resident of the UAE or living abroad, can acquire real estate in Dubai and other emirates. The main condition is that one should be able to meet the price of the property and the additional costs in cash.
Beyond the lifestyle, there are compelling financial and strategic reasons driving expats to buy.
Once you are ready to move forward, the buying process is structured and regulated. Here is the typical roadmap for a secondary market (resale) transaction.
Don’t navigate this process alone. Ensure you have a certified expert by your side to handle the paperwork and negotiations.
While buying property as an individual is straightforward tax-wise, sophisticated investors often consider different structures for asset protection or estate planning.
Currently, rental income earned from UAE real estate held in your personal name is generally not subject to UAE Federal Corporate Tax.
Still, a large number of affluent individuals prefer to acquire several real estate assets via a single UAE juridical person, for instance, a holding company in a Free Zone or a Foundation. This may bring advantages in the areas of passing on one’s estate and safeguarding against liabilities.
It is crucial to understand that if you hold properties through a business entity, that entity may fall under the scope of the new UAE Corporate Tax regime.
Ensuring your investment structure is compliant with the new regulations is vital to avoid unexpected liabilities. For specialized guidance on investment structuring and compliance, consult a qualified UAE corporate tax advisor.
The “best” area depends entirely on your goals: are you looking for end-use luxury, high rental yields, or capital appreciation?
For established luxury and high demand, areas like Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Downtown Dubai remain perennial favorites for expats. They offer world-class amenities and strong resale value.
Trying to get better entry prices and higher potential yields, investors often move their eyes to such communities as Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Hills Estate or Dubai South that is becoming popular because of its closeness to the new airport and Expo City.
Still confused about where to buy property in Dubai and UAE? Check out this guide on Top 5 Places to Buy Property in Dubai for Long-Term Growth.
Buying property in the UAE for expats is a transformative step, offering both a secure home and a lucrative asset in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
If you understand the difference between freehold and leasehold, make a correct budget for all expenses and go through the regulated steps, you will be able to invest your money in a safe and confident way. Equip yourself with information and the suitable professional collaborators, and thus you will be very close to getting your Title Deed.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Dubai, but only in designated “freehold” areas. Purchasing in these zones grants full, 100% foreign ownership of both the property unit and the land indefinitely.
Do I get a visa if I buy property in UAE?
Property purchase exceeding certain value thresholds qualifies you for a residency. An investment of AED 750,000 is enough to obtain a 2-year visa, renewable, whereas a real estate worth AED 2 million and above grants a 10-year Golden Visa.
Is buying property in Dubai tax-free?
For individuals, there is currently no personal income tax on rental yields or capital gains tax on selling property. However, significant upfront transaction taxes (like the 4% DLD fee) apply, and Corporate Tax may apply if property is held through a business entity.
What are the hidden costs of buying property in Dubai?
In addition to the purchase price, buyers will need to allocate about 6-7% in cash for various government and agency charges. These are the 4% DLD transfer fee, the 2% agency commission (+VAT), the mortgage registration fees, and NOC fees from the developer.
Is it a good time to buy property in Dubai 2026?
Real estate market of Dubai is getting more and more mature with the help of long-term population growth, a series of government initiatives such as the Golden Visa and the city’s position as a global safe haven. Based on these factors, we can expect that the demand for properties in good locations will remain at a high level.
Our Dubai office is our main advisory hub, supporting international structuring, incorporation, and ongoing compliance.
Our London office focuses on transfer pricing policies, benchmarking, and documentation to support compliant international group structures.
Our Hong Kong team supports corporate structuring, banking solutions, and ongoing accounting and compliance for international businesses.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to discuss your structure, compliance requirements, and possible next steps.
Yes. 100% compliant. Same strategies Fortune 500 uses.
Only if you fake substance. We build real structures only.
Transparent pricing provided during strategy call | Break even in 2-6 months vs. paying €40-200K+ annually in unnecessary tax.
2-4 months of complete implementation. Would you rather spend 3 months setting this up properly once, or spend the next 20 years overpaying 40-50%?
Yes. UAE 183 days/year, Cyprus 60 days/year, Malta 183 days/year. This isn't negotiable. Paper residency without actual presence is what gets people in trouble.
91% of people who try DIY make costly mistakes. You can spend 6 months learning and risk getting it wrong, or work with people who do this daily.
At the heart of our process lies a simple yet crucial step, conversation.