Buying process
Buying in Dubai from France: how to do it remotely
Léonard Arzouni · 24 September 2026
It is entirely possible to acquire a property in Dubai from France without making the trip. The Emirati system is designed for international buyers, provided the steps are well prepared.
Selecting the property
Video viewings, detailed floor plans, developer documents and district analysis make it possible to choose a property without visiting. A prospecting trip remains an excellent complement, especially for a large amount, but it is not compulsory.
Documents to provide
The seller or developer generally asks for a copy of the passport, proof of address and, for some projects, information on the source of funds. These checks are normal: they are part of anti-money-laundering rules.
Signing remotely
Off-plan sale contracts are most often signed electronically. On the secondary market, the transfer takes place at a trustee office; the buyer can be represented there by a power of attorney drawn up before a notary, with the required translations and legalisations.
Paying the funds
Funds are transferred by international wire transfer to the account stated in the contract: the project's escrow account for a new property, or the trustee office's account or a bank cheque for a resale. The beneficiary's identity should be carefully checked, payment should never be made to an account not stated in the contract, and all supporting documents should be kept. The exchange rate and transfer fees should be factored into the budget.
After the purchase
The title deed or contract registration is issued by the Dubai Land Department. For a rented property, management can be entrusted to a local professional for letting, rent collection and maintenance management.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying without having checked the seller, the property and its title.
- Ignoring ancillary costs and service charges.
- Signing without having read the cancellation clause and resale conditions.
To review your project and check the conditions currently in force, book an appointment with Arzouni Properties.
Keep reading
- Reselling an off-plan property before handover in Dubai: conditions and cautions
Contract assignment, payments required, developer approval and fees: how a resale before handover works in Dubai.
- Property purchase costs in Dubai: what to budget for
4% registration fee, agency commission, mortgage costs, service charges: the costs to plan for on top of the purchase price.
- Buying off-plan in Dubai: the steps from booking to handover
Booking, sales contract, Oqood registration, payments, inspection and handover: the full journey of an off-plan purchase.