Invest in Dubai from New Zealand
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. We explain how much it is in NZ dollars, how to send the money and what to declare to IRD.
Diversify beyond the kiwi dollar
For a New Zealand investor, Dubai adds more than yield: a property asset in a dollar-pegged currency, in a regulated market with fast-growing demand and no local income tax on your rent.
The NZ dollar against the US dollar, at three moments
NZ dollars per US dollar, annual average. A higher bar means a weaker NZ dollar.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. The NZ dollar has weakened against the US dollar over the last decade. Investing in dirhams means holding part of your wealth in dollars: 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 NZ 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 NZ dollars?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into NZ 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 NZ 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 NZ bank
You make an international (SWIFT) transfer in NZ dollars, US dollars or dirhams from your online banking 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 IRD
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, but if you are a New Zealand tax resident you have obligations at home. These are the main ones, in general terms.
You declare your Dubai rent
New Zealand tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. Rent from your Dubai property goes in your IR3 return as overseas income, taxed at your marginal rate.
The bright-line test
The bright-line rule also applies to overseas residential property. If you sell within 2 years, the gain is usually taxable; other rules can apply if you buy to resell.
Foreign exchange gains
Large foreign-currency loans or deposits can fall under the financial arrangements rules. If you finance in dirhams or dollars, ask your adviser.
NZ–UAE treaty
New Zealand and the UAE have a double tax agreement 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
New Zealand citizens get a multiple-entry visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
About 17 hours
There is a non-stop flight from Auckland, and one-stop options from Christchurch and Wellington via Australia or Asia.
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 SafeTravel advice for the UAE and confirm requirements with your airline.
What Kiwi 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 New Zealander?
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 NZ dollars?
Yes. You can transfer in NZ 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.