Dubai remains one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets, supported by favorable tax policies, strong population growth, and consistent rental demand. By 2025, average returns are projected to range between 6% and 9% , well above those of major European capitals.
Yes. A French investor can purchase remotely without residing in Dubai. Documents can be signed electronically, and transfers are made securely to the developer. Rivoli Dubai Estate assists at every stage, from property selection to signing.
No. Foreigners can buy property without a visa, particularly in freehold areas , where ownership is total and permanent. However, becoming a resident can offer tax advantages and facilitate rental management.
Yes, there is no income tax or property tax in Dubai. Landlords receive their net rental income. The only costs to anticipate are registration fees (4%) and condominium fees, which vary depending on the property.
Depending on the district, rental yields vary from 6% to 9% gross . Areas such as Business Bay, JVC, Marina, and Downtown Dubai offer the best balance between yield and long‑term appreciation.
The most sought‑after sectors in 2025:
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – good value for money.
Business Bay – close to the centre and high demand.
Dubai Marina – high rental yield.
Downtown Dubai – high resale value.
Dubai Creek Harbour – a rapidly developing area.
Yes. Some local banks accept non‑residents, under certain conditions: a minimum down payment of 20 to 30% , stable income, and bank statements. Rivoli Dubai Estate can refer you to reliable banking partners.
Freehold : total and permanent ownership of the property and land.
Leasehold : right of use limited in time (often 99 years).
Foreigners almost always prefer freehold.
Yes, provided the property is located in a government‑recognized freehold zone . The property is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in the buyer's name.
Investment starts at around €150,000 for a studio apartment in a developing area. High‑end developments (Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown) typically start at around €400,000 .
An "off‑plan" property is a home purchased before construction begins . The buyer reserves it at a preferential price and pays in installments until delivery. This type of purchase is very common in Dubai, supported by a regulated market and developers certified by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) .
The main advantage is the potential for capital gains upon delivery. Prices are 15 to 30% lower than market prices for completed properties. Staggered payments allow investment without tying up all the capital upfront. Finally, new homes are often more attractive for resale and rental.
The main risk is delivery delays . However, projects approved by the DLD are strictly regulated: buyers' payments are deposited into an escrow account and released as the work progresses. Therefore, the risk of project abandonment is very low for approved developers.
It is essential to verify that the developer is registered with the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency). Rivoli Dubai Estate only collaborates with certified groups that have a proven track record of on‑time deliveries: Emaar, Damac, Sobha, Ellington, or Dubai Properties.
Generally, construction takes between 2 and 4 years, depending on the project size. The most ambitious projects (luxury villas or tower blocks) can take up to 5 years. Developers provide a precise construction schedule approved by the DLD (Department of Land Development).
Yes, resale before delivery is possible once a certain percentage (often 30 to 40%) of the price has been paid. The profit made depends on demand and the scarcity of the project. This flexibility makes it a very popular option for investors.
The typical pattern:
10% deposit upon booking,
30‑40% during construction
50% upon handover of keys (or afterwards, according to post‑handover plans).
Each project has a detailed payment plan validated by the DLD.
No. Rental income in Dubai is not subject to any local taxes . The landlord receives their net income, without property tax or income tax. This is one of the main attractions of the Emirati real estate market.
Yes, French tax residents must declare their foreign income . Dubai does not impose taxes, but France applies the bilateral tax treaty to avoid double taxation. Rental income is included in total income and can affect the marginal tax bracket.
It varies between 6% and 9% gross , depending on the neighborhood, the quality of the property, and the rental type (long‑term or short‑term). Returns are higher than in Paris, London, or Geneva, while also benefiting from a more favorable tax environment.
Additional costs are limited:
4% registration fee (Dubai Land Department),
Approximately 2% agency,
Minor fixed administrative costs (title deed, registration).
There is no annual tax or capital gains tax.
No. Dubai does not levy any property tax . Only tenants pay a small municipal fee included in their water or electricity bill. Homeowners incur no recurring costs associated with ownership.
Investors can purchase with cash or through local bank financing . Some banks grant loans to non‑residents with a down payment of at least 20 to 30%. Installment payments offered by developers provide an alternative to traditional financing.
Yes, under certain conditions. The investor must demonstrate stable income, a good banking history, and sufficient capital. Interest rates average between 4% and 6% , with loan terms ranging from 10 to 25 years.
Transactions are conducted in dirhams (AED) , but it is possible to send funds from a European account. Rivoli Dubai Estate assists its clients with secure transfers and verifies transaction compliance with the Dubai Law Registry (DLD).
Yes. The market is strictly regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) . Payments are deposited into escrow accounts linked to the projects, which protects investors in case of problems with a developer.
The main rooms are:
valid passport
proof of income or bank statements,
sales contract ( Sales Purchase Agreement )
proof of funds transfer.
No local residency is required to complete a purchase.
No, it's not mandatory. The legal framework is clear and digital. However, specialized French‑speaking support like that offered by Rivoli Dubai Estate can help verify contracts, secure payments, and protect the buyer's interests.
Every developer or agency must be registered with the RERA . Official information (license number, project history) can be found on the Dubai Land Department website. Rivoli Dubai Estate works exclusively with approved partners.
There is no notary in the French sense. This role is fulfilled by the DLD (Land Registry), which collects the 4% registration fee and issues the title deed . The entire process is electronic, fast, and secure.
Disputes are arbitrated by the RERA Dispute Center . If a developer fails to meet their obligations, buyers may obtain compensation or a refund. Funds remaining in escrow can only be used after a formal resolution.
Buying property abroad requires a thorough understanding of the legal, tax, and cultural landscape. A French‑speaking agency like Rivoli Dubai Estate simplifies every step, eliminates language barriers, and ensures clear communication between the buyer, developer, and local authorities.
The agency offers a turnkey support service:
property selection according to objectives (income, residence, resale),
direct negotiation with approved developers,
Legal verification of contracts
assistance with bank transfers,
Follow‑up until handover of keys and possible rental management.
Rivoli Dubai Estate combines expertise in the Emirati market with a French approach to transparency . The agency advises on Franco‑Emirati taxation, documentary compliance, and best practices for long‑term investment.
Yes. Clients can benefit from full assistance in Dubai : property viewings, meetings with developers, account opening, administrative support and logistical guidance (accommodation, transport, visa).
Yes. The agency collaborates with banking and legal partners to facilitate the opening of a local account and obtaining an investor visa or Golden Visa , depending on the amount of the investment.
The process unfolds in five stages:
Analysis of investor profile and objectives,
Targeted property proposal ,
Remote or on‑site signing ,
Construction monitoring and post‑purchase management ,
Rental assistance or resale .
Yes. All partners are RERA/DLD accredited , with a verifiable history of compliant deliveries. This selection guarantees the legal and financial security of every project presented to clients.
Yes. Any real estate investor can obtain a residence visa if the property value exceeds AED 1 million (approximately €250,000). This visa is renewable every two to five years depending on the amount invested and allows the holder to live, open a bank account, and work in Dubai.
The Golden Visa is granted to investors purchasing one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2 million . It offers 10 years of renewable residency , with no employment requirement in the country. Families (spouse and children) can be included.
The cost of living depends on lifestyle. Rent is the main expense. Expect to spend around €2,500 to €3,000 per month for a couple living comfortably (housing, transportation, entertainment). Petrol and household services remain affordable.
Yes. Platforms like Airbnb , Booking , and local agencies handle short- and long‑term rentals. Rivoli Dubai Estate offers a turnkey solution for listing, managing, maintaining, and remotely tracking rental income.
Short‑term rentals offer above‑average returns, between 8 and 12% gross depending on location and season. The most lucrative areas are: Marina , Downtown , Jumeirah Beach Residence , and Palm Jumeirah .
Downtown Dubai : central, close to the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Marina / JBR : lively, seaside.
Arabian Ranches : residential, ideal for families.
Business Bay : modern, close to the centre.
Dubai Hills : greenery and tranquility.
Yes. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world , with an extremely low crime rate. Its safety, cleanliness, and family‑friendly infrastructure make it a popular destination for expats.
Dubai's real estate market has experienced continuous growth since 2021 , driven by international demand, foreign investment, and attractive tax policies. Prices are expected to continue rising through 2025, fueled by the booming tourism sector, the green economy, and infrastructure projects.
Yes. The market remains bullish but stable , with opportunities in off‑plan programs at preferential prices. The absence of tax, strong rental demand, and easy payment terms make 2025 particularly favorable for a first investment.
Unlike France or Europe, Dubai combines zero taxation, high returns, and political stability . Purchasing property is simple and quick, without the need for a notary or cumbersome administrative procedures. Returns often exceed those of London or Lisbon for comparable investments.
Forecasts from the Dubai Land Department and major developers predict an increase of 5 to 8% per year over the next five years. Foreign demand, population growth, and the arrival of international events (COP28, new economic zones) are supporting this trend.
Several projects are shaping the growth:
Dubai Creek Harbour : future eco‑friendly urban center.
Palm Jebel Ali : reviving an iconic island.
Dubai South / Expo City : an expanding business hub.
Bluewaters Island and JLT Extension : premium beachfront areas.
These developments enhance the value of neighboring districts and attract long‑term investors.
Property selection and developer verification (RERA/DLD).
Signature of the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) .
Payment of the deposit (usually 10%).
Payment will be made progressively according to the progress of the construction work.
Registration at the Dubai Land Department .
Title Deed to be handed over upon delivery.
All steps can be managed remotely with the assistance of Rivoli Dubai Estate
A resale purchase (ready property) is completed in 2 to 4 weeks , while an off‑plan purchase extends over the entire duration of the project (often 2 to 4 years) with staggered payments. The transfer of ownership takes place immediately upon full payment.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) issues the Title Deed , the official property ownership document, in the buyer's name. It proves full ownership of the property and can be verified online via the DLD platform.
When buying a resale property, the buyer pays a deposit of 10% of the total price, which is held securely until completion. For a new property, payments are made into an escrow account regulated by the DLD (Dutch Law), with funds released at each stage of construction.
Yes. Remote purchasing is common. Documents can be signed electronically , and transfers made directly from abroad. Rivoli Dubai Estate coordinates all the steps and verifies each transaction with the local authorities.
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