Foreign nationals can purchase real estate in Dubai only in areas designated as 'freehold'. Foreigners as well as expats, who acquire property in freehold areas, may acquire freehold ownership rights over purchased real estate without restriction, or leasehold rights for up to 99 years..

There are a number of reasons why it is good to invest in real estate market in Dubai. For instance, property prices in the Emirate are significantly lower than in Europe, America or Asia. Moreover, real estate investment is the best option in terms of reducing inflation, since there is a direct correlation between the demand for real estate and the level of economic indicators.

Freehold property refers to the type of property purchase, where the buyer owns the plot as well as the unit. He/She is the landowner and has the title deed under his name. An heir can inherit a freehold property from the title deed holder. The owner of a freehold property is entitled to lease, occupy or sell his/her property. The owner can use the property for any purpose as long as it is in accordance with the local rules and regulations. Freehold properties were introduced here to encourage foreign investment in Dubai and the most popular freehold areas for expats to purchase property, include Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Al Barsha, and Palm Jumeirah. .

Launched by the UAE government, the system for long-term residence visas enables successful applicants to reside in the UAE without a UAE national sponsor. These visas are issued for five or ten years — depending on the category. The Golden Visa is available to various categories of applicants. The categories for the Golden Visa include: Investors, Real Estate Investors, Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Scientists, Creatives (Art & Culture), Inventors, Executive Directors, Specialists in priority educational fields, Sports Professionals, PhD Holders, Specialized in engineering or science, High School Graduates and University Graduates .

Golden Visa holders benefit from long-term residency in the UAE, offering greater stability and peace of mind, enabling them to invest and build fulfilling, long-lasting careers in the country. Golden Visa holders are able to sponsor family members, dependents, as well as senior employees, depending on the nature and eligibility of sponsorship determined by each visa category. .

The United Arab Emirates is a tax-less country so there are no taxes on property or on any income generated off it. However, the property owner is responsible for the annual maintenance fee and service charge payments, which need to be made to the management company hired by the owner’s association. Payments are made from between one to four times a year at an average price of AED10-AED30 per sq.ft, depending on the project and services included.