Off-plan and secondary market represent two distinct approaches to purchasing real estate:

1. Off-plan refers to acquiring a property that is still under development or in the pre-construction phase. This option allows buyers to select key features, such as layout and location, before the property is completed. Additionally, buyers often benefit from flexible installment plans and avoid paying agent commissions.
2. Secondary market involves purchasing a completed property directly from the current owner. This option provides immediate possession of a fully finished unit, with the transaction typically managed by an agent who ensures all necessary documentation and permits are in order, guaranteeing the transparency and legitimacy of the deal.

1. Emirates ID: The Emirates ID must be obtained as part of the process.
2. Rental Agreement: Typically, rental agreements are signed for a one-year term.
3. Payment System: Payments are generally made via checks. The standard arrangement is 4 checks, although some landlords may prefer 2 checks (in such cases, you may be able to negotiate a discount). Agreements involving 12 checks are highly unusual.
4. Deposit:

• For non-furnished properties, the deposit is 5%.
• For furnished properties, the deposit is 10%.

1. Tenancy Contract: Utility bills (gas, water, electricity) are not included in the rent and must be arranged separately. Once the Tenancy Contract is signed, you will receive Ejari, a system that registers your tenancy and allows you to connect utilities in your name.

Required Documents:

• Emirates ID
• Bank account
• Checkbook
• Annual budget
• Deposit
• Brokerage fee of 5%
• Deposit for utilities (electricity, air conditioning, water)

The UAE offers a Golden Resident Visa, which is valid for 10 years, for real estate investments starting from AED 2,000,000. This visa allows foreign nationals to purchase property in designated areas known as Freehold Zones, where they can acquire full ownership of real estate. The minimum investment required for eligibility is AED 2,000,000, approximately equivalent to $545,000.

In Arabic, the term "Ejari" translates to "my lease." Under RERA Law No. 26 of 2007, all rental agreements, regardless of the property type, must be registered through the Ejari online portal. The primary purpose of Ejari is to formalize the relationship between property owners and tenants by creating legally binding documents that are structured in accordance with government-approved guidelines.
In March 2010, RERA mandated that landlords provide essential details, including the lease terms, property information, and owner details, through the portal. The Ejari system safeguards the interests of all parties involved in the transaction: the landlord, tenant, and property management company (if applicable). Each registration in the system is assigned a unique barcode for future reference.

While each developer may have their own specific guidelines, reselling an off-plan property is typically permitted once the building is 40% complete and 40% of the total purchase price has been paid.

Dubai does not impose a direct property tax, which makes it an attractive destination for real estate investment. However, there are several tax-related obligations when purchasing property in Dubai:

1. Dubai Land Department Property Transfer Tax (or Transfer Fee): This tax is applicable when transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. The tax rate is typically 4% of the property's assessed value.
2. Annual Property Ownership Fee: Dubai levies an annual property ownership fee, generally set at 0.25% of the property’s assessed value. This fee is included in the utility bill. Properties in Freehold Zones, with ownership lasting up to 99 years, are exempt from this tax.
3. Trustee Fee (or Registration Fee): Public notaries are responsible for registering property transactions. A fee, usually less than 1% of the property’s value, is charged for this service.
4. Realtor Commission: Real estate transactions in Dubai require the involvement of a realtor. The commission typically ranges from 1-3% for secondary market properties and 2-7% for primary market properties. While it is generally non-negotiable for new properties, there may be room to negotiate the commission on secondary properties, particularly if demand is low.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit in the UAE, valid for 10 years.
For real estate investors, the minimum investment threshold is set at 2 million AED. It is permitted to finance the purchase through credit from local banks, and the restriction on purchasing off-plan properties has been lifted, provided the developer has received government approval.

3-Year Resident Visa
To obtain a 3-year resident visa, an individual must purchase real estate in Dubai with a value of at least $205,000 (approximately 750,000 AED). This visa is renewable every three years. The investor can also sponsor visas for their immediate family members. The visa is granted not only to the property purchaser but also to close family members, with the condition that the property is either completed or at least 50% constructed, and that 750,000 AED has already been paid.

In both cases, the required sums must be paid, and the property must be more than 50% completed.