Invest in Dubai from the USA
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving New York, Miami or Los Angeles. We explain how much it is in dollars, how to wire the money and what to report to the IRS.
Diversify without currency risk
For a US investor, Dubai adds more than yield: a property asset priced in a currency pegged to your own dollar, in a regulated market with fast-growing demand.
The dirham and the dollar
Dirhams per US dollar: the rate hasn’t moved since 1997.
in 1997
in 2014
in 2025
Source: Central Bank of the UAE. For a US investor there is no currency risk on the price or the rent as long as the peg holds: the dirham has been fixed to the dollar since 1997.
Strong currency
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, so your price and your rent are effectively in dollars.
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 dollars?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into dollars at the fixed rate. We include the 4% DLD fee so you see the real number.
In euros:
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 US 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 US bank
You send an international wire (SWIFT) in 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 IRS
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, but US citizens and residents are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live. These are the main points, in general terms.
You report your Dubai rent
Rent from your Dubai property is reported on your federal return (Schedule E), with depreciation and expenses, like any foreign rental.
Capital gains
Long-term gains (property held over a year) are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20%, plus the 3.8% net investment income tax where it applies.
FBAR and FATCA
Property held in your own name is not reported on the FBAR, but a UAE bank account is if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any time in the year.
No US–UAE tax treaty
The US and the UAE have no income tax treaty. Since the UAE doesn’t tax your rent, there is usually no foreign tax credit to claim.
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
US citizens get a visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
12 to 16 hours
There are non-stop flights from New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
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 State Department travel advice for the UAE and confirm requirements with your airline.
What US 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 US 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 dollars?
Yes. Developers accept wires in dollars and convert them at the fixed rate, so there is no currency risk on the price.
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.