Guide · 6 min read · Updated 2026-10-27
Buying Property in Dubai from India: What to Know First
LRS limits, TCS, off-plan escrow, DLD fees, Golden Visa thresholds and how to choose a Dubai developer — a practical guide for Indian resident buyers.
Dubai is the most popular overseas property market for Indian buyers. Before you choose a community, understand the rules on both sides.
Sending money from India
Resident Indians can buy property abroad under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows remittances of up to USD 250,000 per person per financial year. Family members can each use their own limit. Tax collected at source (TCS) applies to LRS remittances above the threshold; the rate and threshold change, so check the current position with your bank or chartered accountant.
Off-plan or ready?
Off-plan purchases are paid in stages during construction, with payments going into a regulated escrow account, and the sale registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through an Oqood registration. Ready homes can be rented immediately but need more capital upfront.
Costs to budget for
- DLD transfer fee — typically 4% of the purchase price.
- Registration and trustee fees, and agency fees on resale.
- Annual service charges, which vary widely by community.
Residency
Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify the owner for a long-term UAE Golden Visa, subject to current rules.
Choosing the developer
Look at delivery record, the escrow and handover terms, and the depth of the resale market in that community. Large master developers such as Emaar, Sobha, DAMAC, Danube and Azizi each have a different positioning — see our Dubai developer guide.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change — confirm the current position with a lawyer or chartered accountant.