Invest in Dubai from South Africa
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. We explain how much it is in rand, how to move the money offshore and what to declare to SARS.
Take part of your wealth offshore
For a South African investor, Dubai adds more than yield: a hard-currency property asset, pegged to the dollar, in a regulated market with fast-growing demand.
The rand against the dollar, at three moments
Rand per US dollar, annual average. A higher bar means a weaker rand.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. The rand has lost value against the dollar over the last decade. An asset in dirhams, pegged to the dollar, protects that part of your wealth, although rates can also move the other way.
Strong currency
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar. Your property and your rent don’t depend on the rand.
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 rand?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into rand 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 SA 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.
Offshore allowances
Each adult can send up to R2 million a year under the single discretionary allowance, and up to R10 million more with SARS approval (AIT). Your bank handles the paperwork.
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 SARS
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, but if you are a South African tax resident you have obligations at home. These are the main ones, in general terms.
You declare your Dubai rent
SA residents are taxed on worldwide income. Rent from your Dubai property is declared in your ITR12, converted into rand.
Capital gains
If you sell at a profit, 40% of the gain is included in your taxable income, which means a maximum effective rate of 18%.
Keep the paper trail
Keep the AIT approval, bank confirmations and the SPA. They prove the funds left South Africa legally and help when you bring money back.
SA–UAE treaty
South Africa 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 in advance
South African citizens need a visit visa arranged before travelling, online or through the airline. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
About 8 hours
There are direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
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 DIRCO travel advice and confirm requirements with your airline.
What South African 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 South African?
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 rand?
Your bank converts rand into dollars or dirhams within your offshore allowance. 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.