Rare homes across the UAE.

Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold property, which means full ownership of the residence and its share of the land, in the areas designated for foreign ownership. There are many of them in both emirates. The best known in Dubai include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Business Bay; in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island. These are only the main ones.

No. You do not need a UAE residence permit to buy property. If you cannot be present, the purchase can be signed through an attorney who holds your power of attorney.

For individuals, the UAE has no personal income tax, so rent received and a gain on resale are generally not taxed, and there is no annual property tax on owners. Residential sales and lettings are exempt from VAT, while commercial property carries 5%. A company that holds property can fall under the 9% corporate tax on profit above AED 375,000. Your country of residence may tax the same income, so check your own position.

In Dubai the Land Department charges a transfer fee of 4% of the price, normally paid by the buyer. In Abu Dhabi the registration fee is generally 2%. On top come the agent's commission and the registration fee of the trustee office.

For a completed residence the process runs in this order: a sale agreement is signed and a deposit is paid; the developer issues a no-objection certificate (NOC); the deal is then completed at a trustee office, where the transfer of rights is registered in the land registry, the balance and fees are paid and the title deed is issued.

Yes. Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify the owner for the UAE Golden Visa, a renewable residence permit for ten years that can also cover the family. It is applied for separately after the purchase and is not granted automatically. Read the Golden Visa guide.