How to buy property in Dubai from China

How to buy property in Dubai from China
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