Do foreigners pay property tax in Dubai?

Dubai does not impose an annual property tax on real estate, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors.However, there are certain one-time and recurring fees associated with property ownership:

  • Transfer Fee: A one-time fee of 4% of the property's purchase price is payable to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) upon transfer of ownership. This fee is typically shared between the buyer and seller, though the exact arrangement can vary.

  • Registration Fee: Depending on the property's value, buyers pay a registration fee to the DLD—AED 2,000 for properties under AED 500,000 and AED 4,000 for those above. 

  • Municipality Housing Fee: Property owners are subject to a municipality housing fee, calculated at 5% of the property's annual rental value. This fee is typically paid in monthly installments through utility bills.

  • Maintenance and Service Charges: Property owners are responsible for annual maintenance and service charges, which cover the upkeep of common areas and facilities. These charges vary based on the property type and location.

Notably, Dubai does not levy taxes on capital gains, rental income, or inheritance related to property ownership.

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