Invest in Dubai from Singapore
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving Singapore. We explain how much it is in Singapore dollars, how to send the money and how foreign rental income is treated.
Diversify into another hub
For a Singapore investor, Dubai adds geographic diversification: another global hub with higher rental yields, a dollar-pegged currency and a regulated market.
The Singapore dollar against the US dollar
Singapore dollars per US dollar, annual average.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. The Singapore dollar has been relatively stable against the dollar. Investing in dirhams means holding part of your wealth in dollars: if the Singapore dollar strengthens, your investment is worth a little less in Singapore dollars, and vice versa.
Strong currency
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar. Your property and your rent sit in a different currency zone from your Singapore assets.
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 Singapore dollars?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into Singapore 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 Singapore 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 Singapore bank
You make a telegraphic transfer (SWIFT) in Singapore dollars, US dollars or dirhams from your online banking or a regulated 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 IRAS
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, and Singapore taxes individuals mostly on local income. These are the main points, in general terms.
Rent from Dubai
Foreign-sourced income received in Singapore by individuals is generally tax-exempt, unless it comes through a partnership. Check how it applies to your structure.
No capital gains tax
Singapore has no capital gains tax for individuals investing, as long as you are not trading property as a business.
Company or personal name
Buying through a company changes the treatment. If you are considering it, speak to your adviser first.
Singapore–UAE treaty
Singapore 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
Singapore citizens get a visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
About 7.5 hours
There are several non-stop flights a day between Singapore Changi 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 MFA travel advice and confirm requirements with your airline.
What Singapore 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 Singaporean?
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 Singapore dollars?
Yes. You can transfer in Singapore 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.