Buyer's guide for Danes in the UAE

Can Danes buy property in the UAE?

Yes. Foreigners can own property outright (freehold) in designated areas of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. You don't need to live in the UAE or hold a residence visa to buy.

• Freehold: You own the home and land with no time limit and can sell, rent out or pass it on.
• Leasehold: A long-term right of use (typically up to 99 years) – available in some areas.
• Ownership is registered with the local authority (e.g. Dubai Land Department), and you receive a title deed in your name.

You can buy personally, jointly or through a company. The right structure depends on your tax situation in Denmark.

The buying process step by step

This is how a typical purchase of a ready property in Dubai works. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are similar, but the authorities and forms have different names.

1. 1

   Brief and budget

   We discuss your goals, budget, financing and timeline – in Danish, by video or in Dubai.

2. 2

   Shortlist and viewings

   We find suitable properties and show them in person, or by live video if you're in Denmark.

3. 3

   Offer and negotiation

   We negotiate price and terms with the seller on your behalf.

4. 4

   Sale agreement (MOU) and deposit

   Buyer and seller sign a sale agreement (in Dubai: Form F), and the buyer typically lodges a 10% deposit.

5. 5

   Developer clearance (NOC)

   The seller obtains a No Objection Certificate confirming there are no unpaid service charges.

6. 6

   Transfer and title deed

   The transfer is completed at a registered trustee office. The balance and fees are paid and the title deed is issued in your name – often the same day.

7. 7

   After the purchase

   We help with handover, utilities, furnishing and renting out if you wish.

Buying off-plan (new builds)

Off-plan means buying a home before it is finished. You pay in instalments under a payment plan, usually a smaller amount on booking and the rest during construction and on handover.

• Payments go into a protected escrow account and are only released to the developer as construction progresses.
• The purchase is registered with the authorities (in Dubai: Oqood), so your ownership is secured during construction.
• Before handover we inspect the home for defects (snagging) so they're fixed before you take over.
• We assess the developer's track record, delivery history and the project's location before recommending it.

Buying costs

On top of the price you should budget for one-off costs. Every property page shows an estimate of the total cost in your chosen currency.

There is no annual property tax for individuals in the UAE. Fees are indicative and always confirmed before a deal.

Financing as a Dane

Many Danish buyers pay cash or use the developer's payment plan for off-plan. Non-residents can also get a mortgage in the UAE.

• UAE banks usually lend to non-residents at a lower loan-to-value than to residents – expect to put down a substantial deposit.
• Banks require documentation of income, assets and creditworthiness, often translated and attested.
• Borrowing in Denmark against a foreign property is rarely possible, but some buyers use equity in a Danish home.
• We work with independent mortgage advisers in the UAE and can introduce you.

Golden Visa and residency

If you own UAE property worth at least AED 2 million, you can generally apply for a 10-year Golden Visa – for your family too. Smaller investments can qualify for shorter residence visas.

• The property value can in some cases be combined across several properties.
• Some off-plan purchases and mortgaged properties may qualify, depending on current rules.
• Living in the UAE doesn't automatically change your tax liability in Denmark – that depends on where you are resident.

Renting out your property

You can rent your property long-term or short-term. Rental income isn't taxed in the UAE for individuals, but must be declared in Denmark if you are tax-resident there.

• Long-term: The tenancy is registered (in Dubai via Ejari). Rent is often paid a year in advance in one or more cheques.
• Short-term: Requires a holiday-home permit and is usually run by a management company.
• We can recommend managers who handle everything from tenants to maintenance.

Danish tax – what you need to know

If you are fully tax-liable in Denmark, you generally need to declare your foreign property and rental income to the Danish Tax Agency. This can affect property value tax, taxation of rental income and capital gains on sale.

• Check the double-taxation rules between Denmark and the UAE for your situation.
• Consider whether to own personally or through a company before you buy.
• Keep all purchase and cost records – you will need them when you sell.

We are property advisers, not tax advisers. We always recommend speaking to a Danish accountant or tax lawyer before you buy – and we can refer you to one.

Inheritance and wills

A Danish will doesn't necessarily cover your UAE property. To make sure the home goes to the people you choose, it's recommended to make and register a will in the UAE.

• Non-Muslims can register wills through, for example, the DIFC Courts Wills Service in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
• The will should be coordinated with your Danish will.
• If you own through a company, the company's rules on share transfers apply.

Checklist and documents

• Valid passport (and visa/Emirates ID if you have one)
• Proof of address
• Proof of source of funds (anti-money-laundering requirement)
• Bank details for payment in AED
• If financing: payslips, bank statements and credit report
• If buying through a company: company documents and authorisations
• Power of Attorney if you won't attend the transfer in person