1 min read
Can you buy property in Dubai without residency
September 20, 2025
Can you buy property in Dubai without residency

A common misconception about Dubai real estate is that you need to be a resident to buy property. In fact, non-residents can legally purchase both residential and commercial properties in designated freehold areas across the city. Dubai actively welcomes foreign investment, and the property market is structured to accommodate international buyers.
The real challenge isn’t about eligibility—it’s navigating the process. From choosing the right area to understanding legal requirements, securing financing, and figuring out how to manage the property from abroad, there are several moving parts that can overwhelm first-time buyers.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about buying property in Dubai without residency and how smart property platforms like Prosper can streamline your buying journey.
How to Buy Property Without Residency in Dubai?
Whether you’re looking to move or buy property in Dubai for investment, the process for non-residents is straightforward.
1. Choose from ready or off-plan units (residential/commercial)
Selecting the right asset will provide you long-term value. This includes choosing between residential, commercial, or off-plan units based on budget, yield expectations, and future goals.
At this stage, Prosper’s Property Specialists play an active role—advising you on what to buy, where to buy, and when to buy. Backed by market data and project-level insights, they help you identify properties that align with your investment objectives, rental yield expectations, and preferred ownership timelines.
2. Verify Property Ownership
Before signing anything, request a copy of the title deed and verify it through the Dubai REST app. This ensures the seller is the legal owner and the property is free from disputes or encumbrances.
3. Sign the Memorandum of Understanding (Form F)
Form F is a standard contract outlining sale terms, signed by both buyer and seller. At this point, the buyer pays a 10% deposit, which is usually held by the broker until transfer.
4. Open a Local Bank Account (Optional)
While not mandatory, opening a UAE bank account simplifies payment transfers, utility setups, and service charges. It also makes future mortgage applications and rental income management smoother.
How Prosper Streamlines the Process for Non-Resident Buyers
Prosper’s property specialists support you at every stage of the buying journey—whether you need expert guidance on choosing the right property or insights on the best opportunities in your target areas.
Let’s understand how Prosper can assist you.
1. Property Specialists to Guide You Before and After Purchase
Even before a property is bought, Prosper connects buyers with dedicated Property Specialists. These experts offer location-level insights, project-specific guidance, and market timing advice based on your investment goals.
They help you assess property performance potential and support your decision to buy, rent, or sell. This strategic guidance continues after purchase, ensuring your portfolio stays aligned with market trends.
2. Comprehensive Landlord Dashboard With Real-Time ROI Tracking
Once you’ve uploaded your title deed, Prosper unlocks a centralized landlord dashboard tailored for non-resident owners. You can:
- Track current-year ROI across all properties
- Review 5-year ROI trends to understand long-term growth
- Benchmark performance between your own properties
- Compare your rental income with area/building averages
- Monitor off-plan project progress and handover timelines
- Access recent sale and rental transactions in nearby units
It’s a data-driven tool that tells you exactly how each investment is performing—no spreadsheets or third-party reports needed.
3. Instant Access to Ownership Services
By uploading your title deed, you can:
- List your property for rent or sale
- View market insights by area and asset type
- Connect directly with Relationship Managers or Mortgage Experts
- Initiate renewals, listings, and service requests—all from one platform
4. Automated Contract Creation and Renewal Tracking
Prosper handles contract generation and renewal on your behalf. The system:
- Creates tenancy contracts in advance
- Shares them with tenants for review and signing
- Triggers follow-up reminders automatically
Both you and your tenant stay informed—ensuring leases are renewed on time, without back-and-forth coordination.
5. Proactive Vacancy Management to Minimize Income Loss
If a tenant decides not to renew, Prosper’s system detects it early and prompts you to list your unit. This ensures:
- Minimum downtime between tenants
- Faster listing visibility on the market
- Lower chances of missed rental cycles
The process is managed proactively so your unit remains an active source of income.
6. Tenancy Transaction History and Secure Recordkeeping
You get a complete log of all tenancy transactions going back two years, including:
- Contract versions
- Rent payments
- Tenant details
- Cheque records
Everything is stored securely on the platform, available whenever you need it.
7. Relationship Managers for Ongoing Guidance
Every landlord is assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager who:
- Supports with documentation, alerts, and follow-ups
- Coordinates with tenants, banks, and developers
- Acts as your first point of contact for any platform-based service
You get a real person handling the fine print—while the platform gives you visibility at every step.
8. Secure Document With Anytime Access
Your Ejari, tenancy contracts, title deeds, payment receipts, and other property documents are stored in Prosper’s encrypted digital vault. You can access them from anywhere—securely and instantly—whether you’re applying for refinancing, resolving a dispute, or preparing to sell.
In short, Prosper is your local real estate team, data analyst, document manager, and investment advisor rolled into one. It helps non-residents go from buying a property to building a managed portfolio without needing a UAE residency or being physically present.
Mortgage Options for Foreigners Buying Property in Dubai
Dealing with lender criteria, interest rates, and hidden costs as a non-resident buyer can be complex. Prosper simplifies this with end-to-end mortgage support, offering tailored solutions for foreign buyers investing in Dubai.
You get access to a smart mortgage calculator that:
- Monitors live interest rates based on your profile and eligibility.
- Bundles all one-time fees—like DLD charges and brokerage costs—into your monthly estimate
- Tracks EMI schedules and sends automated alerts before payments are due
- Provides full breakdowns of tenure, payment history, and outstanding balances
- Helps you refinance at better rates when market conditions improve
Whether you're seeking ready or off-plan mortgages for non residents, Prosper connects you with real mortgage professionals—not generic agents—who offer guidance through every step of the process.
Buy Property In Dubai With Prosper Hassle-Free
For non-residents wondering whether they can buy property in Dubai, the answer is clear: yes—legally, securely, and without needing UAE residency. What sets successful buyers apart is how they manage that property after purchase—especially when they’re not based in the UAE. That’s where Prosper delivers real value.
From connecting you with verified agents and property specialists to offering real-time ROI tracking, auto-contract renewals, tenancy record-keeping, and refinancing tools—everything is built for remote owners who want visibility without complexity.
Add in support from dedicated relationship managers and integrated mortgage solutions for non-residents, and Prosper becomes more than a platform—it becomes your partner in smart ownership.
Download Prosper now for smarter ownership and property management.