Invest in Dubai from Australia
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. We explain how much it is in Australian dollars, how to send the money and what to declare to the ATO.
Diversify beyond the Aussie dollar
For an Australian investor, Dubai adds more than yield: a property asset in a dollar-pegged currency, in a regulated market with fast-growing demand.
The Australian dollar against the US dollar
US dollars per Australian dollar, annual average.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. Investing in dirhams means holding part of your wealth in dollars: if the Australian dollar strengthens, your investment is worth a little less in Australian dollars, and vice versa. Diversifying doesn’t remove currency risk, it spreads it.
Strong currency
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar. Your property and your rent don’t depend only on the Australian dollar.
Rent in dirhams
Rent is paid in AED. Dubai’s median gross rental yield was 7% in 2025.
Regulated market
Official registration with the DLD, escrow accounts and regulated agencies. See safe purchase
Residency for your family
From AED 2,000,000 you can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa for you and your family.
How much is it in Australian dollars?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into Australian dollars at today’s rate. We include the 4% DLD fee so you see the real number.
In US dollars:
Indicative market rate, updated automatically. The actual rate is set by your bank or provider on the day of the transfer, with its fees.
From your Australian account to the escrow account
The money never goes through us: it goes from your bank to the project’s escrow account, in the project’s name, as stated in your contract.
Reservation and contract
You choose the property and receive the reservation form and the sale contract (SPA) with the project’s escrow account details.
Your Australian bank
You send an international transfer (SWIFT) in Australian dollars, US dollars or dirhams from your bank or a regulated transfer provider.
Source of funds
Your bank may ask you to show where the money comes from and the purpose of the transfer. Keep the contract and receipts for your tax return.
Confirmation
The developer confirms and records the payment. You get your receipts and, once registered, your Oqood certificate from the DLD.
What you need to know for the ATO
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, but if you are an Australian tax resident you have obligations at home. These are the main ones, in general terms.
You declare your Dubai rent
Australian residents are taxed on worldwide income. Rent from your Dubai property is declared as foreign income in your tax return, in Australian dollars.
Capital gains
If you sell at a profit, the gain is added to your income. Residents who held the property for more than 12 months generally get the 50% CGT discount.
Keep your documents
Keep the SPA, receipts, exchange rates on each payment date and rental statements: the ATO asks for amounts in Australian dollars.
No Australia–UAE tax treaty
Australia and the UAE have no comprehensive tax treaty. Since the UAE doesn’t tax your rent, there is usually no foreign tax to offset.
If one day you want to see it
You don’t need to travel to buy. If you want to visit the city or your property, here’s what to know.
Visa on arrival
Australian citizens get a visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
11 to 15 hours
There are non-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
We’ll show you around
If you come, we organise visits to projects and neighbourhoods. If not, we send you videos and set up video calls.
Entry requirements can change. Before travelling, check Smartraveller advice for the UAE and confirm requirements with your airline.
What Australian investors ask us most
If you have another question, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer right away.
Can I buy in Dubai as an Australian citizen?
Yes. In freehold areas any nationality can buy outright, with the property registered in your name with the DLD.
Do I need to travel to buy?
No. Reservation, contract, payments and registration are all done remotely. Only residency procedures need you there in person.
Can I pay in Australian dollars?
Yes. You can transfer in Australian dollars and the bank converts it into dirhams, but compare the exchange rate and fees before sending.
Can I finance the purchase?
Many off-plan projects have interest-free developer payment plans. Some UAE banks also lend to non-residents, usually with a larger down payment.
How much do I need to start?
It depends on the project. Off-plan usually starts with a 10–20% deposit plus the 4% DLD fee, and the rest is paid in stages.
Who manages the rental?
We do. We manage long-term or holiday rentals and send you the rent.