How to Buy Property in Dubai from India: A Complete Guide

Dubai’s booming real estate market attracts investors worldwide, and Indians are among the top buyers. If you’re looking to purchase property in Dubai from India, this guide covers everything—from legal requirements to financing options—helping you make a smart investment with confidence.

Why Should Indians Invest in Dubai Property?

Dubai offers several advantages for Indian buyers:

✅ Tax-Free Returns – No income, capital gains, or property taxes.

✅ High Rental Yields – Average returns of 5-8%, higher than most Indian cities.

✅ Stable Currency – AED is pegged to USD, reducing forex risk.

✅ Easy Residency – Property worth AED 2M+ qualifies for a 2-year Golden Visa.

✅ World-Class Infrastructure – Modern amenities, safety, and luxury living.

(Source: Dubai Land Department, 2023 data)

Step-by-Step Process to Buy Property in Dubai from India

1. Research & Budgeting

Decide between off-plan (lower prices, flexible payments) or ready properties (immediate ownership).

Popular areas for Indians: Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Downtown Dubai, and DAMAC Hills.

Budget range:

Affordable: ₹50L – ₹2Cr (Apartments in JVC/Discovery Gardens)

Premium: ₹2Cr+ (Villas in Palm Jumeirah/Emirates Hills)

2. Legal Requirements for Indian Buyers

No citizenship/residency needed – Foreigners can buy freehold properties in designated areas.

Required Documents:

Passport copy

Indian PAN card

Proof of funds (bank statements)

NOC from developer (if buying off-plan)

3. Financing Options

Cash Purchase – Best for investors avoiding loan interest.

Mortgage in Dubai – Indian nationals can get loans up to 75% LTV (Local banks like Emirates NBD offer competitive rates).

Home Loans from India – Some Indian banks (SBI, HDFC) provide NRI property loans for Dubai.

4. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Choose a RERA-certified agent to avoid scams.

Agents help with:

Shortlisting properties

Negotiating prices

Handling paperwork

5. Due Diligence & Property Check

Verify the developer’s reputation (check RERA’s website).

For resale properties, ensure:

No pending debts

Title deed is clear

6. Making the Payment

Booking Amount: 10-20% of property value (refundable in some cases).

Payment Methods:

Bank transfer (use RBI’s LRS scheme – limit $250,000/year).

International cheques/drafts.

7. Registration & Ownership Transfer

Sign the Sales Agreement (SPA) and pay 4% DLD fee (Dubai Land Department charges).

Register the property under your name at the DLD office (can be done remotely via Power of Attorney).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not checking RERA approvals – Avoid unregistered projects.

❌ Ignoring additional costs – Factor in service charges (₹1-3L/year), agent fees (2%), and maintenance.

❌ Over-leveraging with loans – Ensure you can afford EMIs if financing.

Tax Implications for Indian Buyers

In Dubai: No taxes on rental income or capital gains.

In India:

• Rental Income: Taxable under "Income from Foreign Sources" (declare in ITR).
• Capital Gains: Taxed if sold within 2 years (short-term) or after (long-term with indexation benefits).

Alternatives to Direct Purchase

• REITs – Invest in Dubai real estate without buying property (e.g., Emirates REIT).
• Fractional Ownership – Buy a share in luxury properties via platforms like SmartCrowd.