Invest in Dubai from Hong Kong
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving Hong Kong. We explain how much it is in HK dollars, how to send the money and how foreign rental income is treated.
Diversify into another hub
For a Hong Kong investor, Dubai adds geographic diversification: another low-tax global hub with higher rental yields, a dollar-pegged currency and a regulated market.
Two currencies pegged to the dollar
HK dollars per US dollar, annual average.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. The HK dollar trades in a band linked to the US dollar, and the dirham is pegged to it at 3.6725. As long as both pegs hold, the currency risk between them is small.
Strong currency
Like the HK dollar, the dirham is linked to the US dollar, so the currency risk between them is small.
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 HK dollars?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into HK 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 HK 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 HK bank
You make an international (SWIFT) transfer in HK dollars, US dollars or dirhams from your online banking. There are no capital controls on outward transfers.
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 IRD
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, and Hong Kong taxes on a territorial basis. These are the main points, in general terms.
Foreign rent, usually not taxed
Hong Kong’s property tax applies to property in Hong Kong. Rent from a property in Dubai held in your own name is generally not taxed in Hong Kong.
No capital gains tax
Hong Kong has no capital gains tax for individuals investing, as long as you are not trading property as a business.
FSIE rules
If you buy through a Hong Kong company in a multinational group, the foreign-sourced income exemption (FSIE) rules may apply. Speak to your adviser first.
Hong Kong–UAE agreement
Hong Kong and the UAE have a comprehensive double taxation agreement. 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-free
HKSAR passport holders get a free 30-day visit visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
About 8 hours
There are several non-stop flights a day between Hong Kong and Dubai.
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 Immigration Department’s travel advice and confirm requirements with your airline.
What Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong resident?
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 HK dollars?
Yes. You can transfer in HK 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.