What Chinese buyers need to know about buying in Dubai: funding, documents and the visa options.
Funding is the key issue for buyers from mainland China. China's personal foreign-exchange quota (around USD 50,000 per person per year, per current commentary) is intended for current-account uses and is not for overseas property purchases, so buyers need to ensure their funds are legitimately held and transferred in line with Chinese rules. We cannot advise on Chinese regulations, so take local advice first.
Chinese rules restrict how individuals can move money abroad. The annual personal quota is commonly described as about USD 50,000 per person, and commentary notes it is meant for current-account purposes rather than overseas property purchases. Splitting funds across relatives to get around the limit can be treated as a violation. Buyers should get advice on the China side, and expect UAE banks and developers to ask for source-of-funds documents.
Have your passport, proof of funds and source-of-funds documents ready. Payments to the developer or the seller are made through the proper banking channels, and the sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
Buying property worth AED 2 million or more may qualify you to apply for the 10-year Golden Visa, subject to conditions. We confirm current eligibility for your purchase.
Our site and team work in English. If you need documents translated for your own advisers, we can provide the English originals.
Tell us your budget, goals and timeline. We shortlist off-plan and resale options and confirm current availability.
Pay a reservation deposit to secure the unit. Reservation terms differ by developer and by resale seller.
Sign the sale agreement: the SPA with the developer for off-plan (registered through Oqood), or the Form F for resale. If you cannot attend, a power of attorney lets someone sign for you.
Follow the payment plan, or complete the resale payment at transfer. Fees typically include around 4% DLD transfer fee plus commission on resale; we confirm exact costs upfront.
The sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department and, on completion, title is issued in your name.
Tell us your budget and where you are buying from, and we will explain the practical steps.
Yes. Non-UAE nationals can buy freehold property in Dubai's designated areas. How the money is moved out of China is governed by Chinese foreign-exchange rules, which you should check with a qualified adviser.
Yes, expect to. UAE banks, developers and brokers apply anti-money-laundering checks, so prepare documents showing where the funds come from.
On a resale purchase, budget around 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, a trustee fee, about AED 580 for the title deed and typically 2% agency commission, so roughly 6 to 7% in total. Off-plan fee structures differ, and we confirm exact figures upfront.
General information, not legal, tax, financial or immigration advice. Prices, availability, payment plans and rules change; we confirm current terms before you commit.
