How to Invest in Dubai Real Estate from India
This is the big question for property investors “How to Invest in Dubai Real Estate from India”, Dubai’s real estate market has surged recently. In 2025, Dubai set record levels: Q1 sales were up 41% year-on-year and transaction value hit AED 197.5 billion in the 12 months to April 2025. Rents are also climbing – Dubai Land Department estimates short-term rents will rise ~18% by end-2025 (long-term leases ~13%). These gains reflect Dubai’s booming economy and infrastructure. Indian investors are drawn by this strong growth, plus Dubai’s world-class lifestyle and lucrative rental yields (often in the 6–8% range for apartments). Importantly, Dubai offers a tax-free environment: there is no property tax or income tax on rent or capital gains in the UAE, unlike in India. (Indian buyers must still report overseas income in India, but can benefit from India-UAE tax treaties.)
Dubai’s iconic skyline (left) reflects its real estate boom. Sky-high demand has pushed apartment prices and sales volumes to record levels in 2025.
Dubai’s Appeal to Indian Investors: Profitable Returns and a Tax-Free Market…
Investors note that yields in Dubai generally exceed what one finds in Indian cities. For example, Global Property Guide reports average gross apartment yields over 7% zin key areas (vs ~2–4% in Indian metros). High-net-worth Indians have been buying in hot zones – e.g. the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown – where yields of 6–7% (and up to 10% in some micro-markets) are achievable. Dubai also offers residency incentives: property investments of AED 2 million (about ₹4.5 cr) or more can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa, a big draw for many families. In short, the combination of accelerating price growth, robust rents, zero local taxes, and a strong economy make Dubai highly attractive to Indian buyers.
Steps to Invest: Eligibility, Documents, and Process
Indian nationals (residents and NRIs) are eligible to buy property in Dubai. The Indian government’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) permits resident Indians to remit up to US$250,000 per financial year overseas for investments. Under FEMA rules, this covers property purchase abroad (subject to normal banking documentation). Indian NRIs living abroad can invest through their foreign-based funds as well. There is no restriction on foreigners buying in designated Dubai freehold zones (since 2002, non-UAE citizens can have full freehold ownership there).
Required documents and steps typically include:
- Property Selection and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Once you pick a property (often with a broker’s help), you formally agree to buy it by signing an MOU on the Dubai Land Department portal. At this point you usually pay a 10% deposit to the developer. (Silverdome consultants can assist in shortlisting projects and negotiating these terms with their developer partners.)
- Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC): The developer issues an NOC indicating there are no outstanding fees. This is required to proceed with the sale.
- Transfer of Ownership: Within a few weeks, the sale is registered at the Dubai Land Department. For the final settlement, the buyer provides the MOU, NOC, passport/ID, and pays the agreed price (often via an AED manager’s cheque or bank transfer). A title deed is then issued to the buyer.
- Financing (optional): Non-residents often pay in cash or via home-country remittance (there is no easy UAE mortgage for foreigners). If you do seek a loan, banks typically require a ~25% down payment and charge non-resident rates.
Key documents include: passport copy, visa copy (if applicable), proof of funds (bank statements or NRE/NRO account statements), and sometimes a signed Power of Attorney if buying without being present. Silverdome’s team can advise on paperwork and even arrange for purchase via PoA for clients who cannot travel.
Payment and Remittance: The purchase price is paid in AED. Indians usually send funds via wire transfer through their bank under LRS. It is wise to use an NRE/FCNR account (repatriable) to send funds abroad, so proceeds (rental or sale) can be brought back to India tax-efficiently. India-UAE banking is well-connected. (Note: RBI’s LRS rules mean you must disclose foreign property in Indian tax returns and you may incur TCS on large remittances.)
Taxes and Repatriation: Dubai has no property tax, income tax or capital gains tax. However, as an Indian resident, your rental income (and gains on sale) must be declared in India. Under the India-UAE DTAA, taxes paid abroad (if any) can be credited, avoiding double taxation. Current Indian law charges 20% (capital gains on properties bought before July 2024) or 12.5% (for later purchases, no indexation) on sales of foreign property. Crucially, you can still remit the principal and rental earnings back to India freely (up to the LRS limit) via your bank.
Property Types: Freehold vs Leasehold
Dubai’s real estate is divided into freehold zones (where foreigners own 100%) and limited leasehold areas. Freehold ownership is available in most major communities (Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, etc.). Indians generally prefer freehold for full control – you can rent, sell or mortgage without time limit. Leasehold (usually 30-year leases) exists in some older neighborhoods but is less common for expatriate investors.
Freehold ownership brings several advantages: you get a title deed, are free to redevelop/alter (subject to permits), and crucially there are no annual property taxes as in India. For example, apartments in freehold zones in Dubai currently yield about 6–7% on average. Villas in luxury gated communities can be pricier to buy but still deliver rental yields around 4–5%. Silverdome’s experts can explain these trade-offs: they have in-depth knowledge of each Dubai community, so they guide investors toward properties that match budgets and yield expectations.
Luxury villas are in high demand. In Q1 2025 villa sales jumped 43% from a year earlier, driven by HNIs seeking space and privacy. Freehold villa communities like Arabian Ranches and Palm Jumeirah are popular with Indian investors.
Finally, Silverdome offers post-sale services: they help set up rental management (so your property is cared for and earns income), advise on insurance, and handle re-sale or handover details. The aim is a one-stop solution for Indian investors – minimizing hassle and ensuring compliance. As the firm’s press notes say, Silverdome “has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted real estate advisory firms in the luxury segment”. For an Indian buyer, this means peace of mind: an expert partner overseeing your Dubai investment journey, from property search to keys in hand.
Silverdome’s Presence and Success Stories
Silverdome Realtors maintains a strong footprint in both markets. Their Gurgaon office (Sector 61, Gurgaon) handles Indian client relations, while local associates in Dubai coordinate viewings and registration. Recent success stories include guiding a Delhi entrepreneur through a multi-unit purchase in downtown Dubai, and helping an NRI family secure villas on the Palm for future residency. Testimonials often highlight Silverdome’s clear communication and after-sales support.
The accolades speak for themselves. Besides the M3M Channel Partner award, industry coverage on Rishi Singh touts his innovative approach and growth into the Dubai market. This blend of local insight and global reach means clients get personalized advice backed by on-the-ground expertise. When you work with Silverdome, you tap into Rishi Singh’s network of developers and service providers – a distinct advantage in a fast-paced market.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Dubai’s 2025 property market offers Indian investors an exciting opportunity: rapid capital appreciation, strong rental returns, and a secure legal framework for foreign buyers. Of course, careful planning and credible partners are key. Silverdome Realtors (led by Rishi Singh) positions itself as that partner, guiding you through every legal, logistical and financial detail.
