Short answer: EU citizens can own freehold property in Dubai like any other foreign buyer. The UAE taxes neither rent nor gains, but your home country almost certainly taxes both if you live there, and each country does it differently. Two EU level changes help: the UAE was removed from the EU list of high risk third countries for money laundering in 2025, and it is not on the EU list of non cooperative tax jurisdictions.
What Dubai property costs in euros
| What sold (median) | Dirhams | Euros |
|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | AED 657,040 | €159,911 |
| One bedroom apartment | AED 1,204,200 | €293,079 |
| Two bedroom apartment | AED 2,094,999 | €509,882 |
| Villa or townhouse | AED 3,416,640 | €831,543 |
| Golden Visa property threshold | AED 2,000,000 | €486,761 |
Euro figures at about €0.243 per dirham, European Central Bank reference rate on 13 October 2026.
Why the 2025 EU change matters
Until August 2025 the UAE was on the EU’s list of high risk third countries for money laundering. That meant enhanced checks whenever an EU bank sent or received money from the UAE. Its removal took effect on 5 August 2025, which should make transfers for a purchase smoother. Your bank will still check where the money comes from.
How three EU countries treat Dubai property
| Country | Rent | Sale | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | The treaty credit can offset French tax on Dubai rent. Confirm with an adviser | Gains are taxed in France | Declare foreign income on form 2047 and UAE bank accounts on form 3916 |
| Germany | Taxed in Germany | Taxable if sold within 10 years | No Germany UAE tax treaty since the end of 2021 |
| Italy | Taxed in Italy | Taxable if sold within 5 years | IVIE property tax of 1.06% a year and the RW form for foreign assets |
Banks in the UAE report financial accounts to EU tax authorities under the Common Reporting Standard. Property is not part of that exchange, but rent paid into a UAE account is.
The Dubai side: the same for every nationality
- Where you can buy: foreign nationals can own freehold property outright in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, which include most of the city’s main communities. See freehold vs non freehold in Dubai.
- Transfer fee: the Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the price, plus registration and agency fees.
- Off plan money: payments for off plan homes go into a project escrow account regulated under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007.
- Tax in the UAE: individuals pay no annual property tax and no UAE income tax on rent or gains. Your home country may still tax them, which is what the rest of this guide is about.
- Residency: property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for the ten year Golden Visa. See the Golden Visa property threshold.
- Buying remotely: you can sign and pay from abroad, or appoint someone by power of attorney. A power of attorney signed outside the UAE must be notarised and legalised for use in Dubai, because the UAE does not accept apostilles.
- Mortgages: UAE banks lend to non residents, generally at 60% to 65% of the value, and most will not lend on off plan for non residents.
Talk to Cresco
Cresco Real Estate is a RERA registered brokerage in Dubai (ORN 34288) with an office in Los Angeles. We check what applies to your passport and home country before we show you a single property. Contact us to start.
Frequently asked questions
Can EU citizens buy property in Dubai?
Yes. EU nationals can own freehold property outright in Dubai’s designated freehold areas.
Is the UAE on the EU money laundering high risk list?
No. The UAE was removed from the EU list of high risk third countries with effect from 5 August 2025.
Do I pay tax in Europe on Dubai rent?
Usually, if you live in an EU country. France, Germany and Italy each treat Dubai rent and gains differently, so take advice in your country of residence.
Method and limits
Dubai prices: Dubai Land Department register, sales registered 1 September to 11 October 2026, medians by unit type. EU rules: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1184 removing the UAE from the high risk list, in force 5 August 2025; Council of the EU list of non cooperative jurisdictions, February 2026; France UAE tax convention and impots.gouv.fr guidance; Crowe on the end of the Germany UAE treaty, 2022, and section 23 EStG; Italian IVIE rate from 2024. Euro rate: European Central Bank, 13 October 2026. Laws and tax rules change often. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak to a qualified adviser in your home country before you buy.