How to buy property in Dubai from China
Jun 3, 2025, 3:34:20 PM | Properties
How to Buy Property in Dubai from China: The Complete Guide
Dubai's property market has become increasingly attractive to Chinese investors, offering tax-free returns, visa benefits, and a stable economy. With new regulations and digital processes, purchasing Dubai real estate from China is more accessible than ever. This guide covers every step, from money transfers to legal requirements, helping you invest with confidence.
Why Chinese Investors Choose Dubai Real Estate
- Tax-Free Investment – No property, capital gains, or rental income taxes
- Golden Visa Access – Properties over AED 2M qualify for 10-year residency
- High Rental Yields (6-9% vs 1.5-3% in Shanghai/Beijing)
- Currency Stability – AED's USD peg protects against RMB fluctuations
- Belt & Road Benefits – Special financing options for Chinese investors
Step 1: Legal Requirements for Chinese Buyers
Can Chinese Citizens Buy Property in Dubai?
Yes! Chinese nationals can purchase:
1.Freehold properties in designated areas like:
2. Leasehold properties (up to 99 years)
Required Documents
- Valid Chinese passport (with notarized translation)
- Proof of funds (6 months bank statements)
- Chinese tax identification
- Power of Attorney (if buying remotely)
Step 2: Financing Options from China
Option 1: Cash Purchase
Best for avoiding mortgage interest
Some developers offer 5-10% discounts for cash buyers
Option 2: Dubai Mortgage
Chinese nationals can get up to 50-60% financing
Interest rates: 5.25-6.75%
Required documents:
3 years' tax returns
Employment verification
Chinese credit report
Option 3: Chinese Bank Financing
Limited options – Check with Bank of China (Dubai branch)
Typically require 40-50% down payment
Step 3: Money Transfer Process from China
Approved Transfer Methods
- Bank Transfers – Through SAFE-approved channels ($50,000/year personal quota)
- Hong Kong Remittance – Using offshore accounts (higher limits)
- Developer Direct Payments – Installment plans in CNY/AED
Important:
- Keep all transfer receipts for DLD registration
- Use exchange houses for better rates on large amounts
Step 4: Choosing the Right Property
Best Areas for Chinese Investors
Area | Property Type | Price Range (AED) | Rental Yield |
Downtown Dubai | Luxury Apartments | 2M - 8M | 5-6% |
Business Bay | Commercial/Residential | 1.5M - 5M | 6-7% |
Dubai South | Affordable Housing | 600K - 1.5M | 7-9% |
Step 5: Working with Real Estate Agents
Finding a Reliable Agent
✔ RERA-certified with Mandarin-speaking staff
✔ Experience handling Chinese clients
✔ Transparent fee structure (max 2% commission)
Red Flags:
❌ Pressure to use unverified payment methods
❌ No physical Dubai office
Step 6: The Purchase Process
Virtual Viewings (3D tours + live video walkthroughs)
E-Reservation (5-10% deposit via secure portal)
Contract Signing (Digital signatures legally binding)
DLD Registration (4% fee - can be done remotely via Power of Attorney)
Tax Considerations
In Dubai:
- No property taxes
- No capital gains tax
In China:
- Must declare foreign property holdings
- Rental income is taxable if remitted to China