Invest in Dubai from Canada
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal. We explain how much it is in Canadian dollars, how to send the money and what to report to the CRA.
Diversify into a dollar-pegged asset
For a Canadian investor, Dubai adds more than yield: a property asset in a currency pegged to the US dollar, in a regulated market with fast-growing demand.
The Canadian dollar against the US dollar
Canadian dollars per US dollar, annual average. A higher bar means a weaker loonie.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. Investing in dirhams means holding part of your wealth in US dollars: if the loonie strengthens, your investment is worth a little less in Canadian 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 Canadian 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 Canadian dollars?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into Canadian 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 Canadian 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 Canadian bank
You send an international wire (SWIFT) in Canadian 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 CRA
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, but if you are a Canadian tax resident you have obligations at home. These are the main ones, in general terms.
You report your Dubai rent
Canadian residents are taxed on worldwide income. Rent from your Dubai property is reported in Canadian dollars on your T1 return.
Capital gains
If you sell at a profit, 50% of the gain is added to your taxable income. The planned increase in the inclusion rate was cancelled in 2025.
Form T1135
If the total cost of your foreign property held for income exceeds C$100,000, you must file Form T1135 with your return.
Canada–UAE treaty
Canada and the UAE have a tax treaty in force. Ask your adviser how it applies to your case.
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
Canadian citizens get a visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
About 13 hours
There are non-stop flights from Toronto and Montreal, and easy connections from Vancouver, Calgary and other cities.
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 the Government of Canada travel advice for the UAE and confirm requirements with your airline.
What Canadian 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 a Canadian 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 Canadian dollars?
Yes. You can transfer in Canadian 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.