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Ownership and visa guides

Short, checked guides for foreign buyers: ownership, visas and taxes, country by country.

United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab EmiratesUAE Golden Visa guideHow owning a residence worth AED 2 million or more relates to long-term residence in the UAE, in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi.IndonesiaIndonesiaBali ownership and visas guideForeign buyers cannot own freehold land in Bali. This guide sets out the leasehold and company routes, how zoning and permits affect a villa, which visas fit a long stay, and the taxes and checks that come with a purchase.ThailandThailandThailand ownership and visas guideForeigners can own a condominium unit freehold in Thailand, within a quota, but not land. This guide sets out how freehold and leasehold work, what has to be checked before you pay, the costs and taxes, and which visas suit a long stay.United KingdomUnited KingdomEngland buying guideA buyer from abroad pays the same stamp duty bands as a UK resident plus a surcharge, and has to report and pay tax on a later sale quickly. This guide sets out the costs and taxes, the difference between freehold and leasehold, how a purchase goes, and what a purchase does and does not mean for residence.CyprusCyprusCyprus: buying and residenceA buyer who is not a citizen of an EU country needs a permission before a sale can be transferred. Transfer fees depend on the price band, and VAT changes the picture for a new home. A residence permit for investors is a separate route with its own conditions. This guide sets out the permission, the costs and taxes, how a purchase goes, and what the investor permit requires and does not give.GreeceGreece · SoonGreece: buying and residenceA buyer from abroad usually pays a transfer tax of 3.09% of the taxable value, and a new home from a developer may be sold without VAT under a temporary scheme. Greece also offers an investor residence permit tied to property, with conditions set by law that differ by area. This guide sets out the costs, the title checks and the residence rules point by point.