5.5-8% Rental Yields | Tax-Free Returns | Golden Visa Eligible
Investment from ₹50 Lakhs | FEMA Compliant | 4-Hour Flight from India
For NRI investors seeking high rental yields and tax-efficient returns, Dubai off-plan property offers unmatched opportunities. With 5.5-8% rental yields (compared to 2-3% in Mumbai/Delhi), tax-free rental income, and flexible payment plans that eliminate the need for bank financing, Dubai delivers ROI that Indian property simply cannot match.
This comprehensive guide covers everything NRI investors need to know - from the best high-yield areas and FEMA-compliant payment methods to Golden Visa eligibility and step-by-step buying process from India.
Dubai delivers 2-3x higher rental returns than Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore. JVC apartments yield 7-8% annually.
Zero income tax on Dubai rental income locally. Massive savings compared to 30%+ tax in India.
10-year UAE residency for you and family. Work, live, and travel freely. No sponsor required.
Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad. Easy to visit and manage your investment.
Largest expat community in UAE. Indian schools, temples, restaurants. Feels like home.
Legal investment under LRS scheme. Up to $250,000/year. Proper banking channels ensure compliance.
Off-plan properties offer 15-25% discounts versus ready properties. A ₹1.2 Cr ready apartment might be available off-plan for ₹90 Lakhs - ₹1 Cr, with payments spread over 3-4 years. By handover, market appreciation often means your property is worth significantly more than your total investment.
| Investment Factor | Mumbai/Delhi | Dubai (JVC/Business Bay) |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Price | ₹2-4 Crore | ₹70 Lakhs - ₹1.5 Crore |
| Rental Yield (Annual) | 2-3% | 6-8% |
| Rental Income Tax | 30%+ (as per slab) | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 12.5% (LTCG) / 30% (STCG) | 0% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | 15-25% | 40-60% |
| Stamp Duty | 5-7% | 4% (often developer-paid) |
| Rental Demand | Moderate, tenant-friendly laws | High, landlord-friendly |
| Residency Benefit | None | Golden Visa (10-year) |
Purchase Price: ₹1 Crore
Stamp Duty: ₹6 Lakhs
Annual Rental: ₹2.5 Lakhs (2.5%)
Tax on Rental (30%): -₹75,000
Net Annual Return: ₹1.75 Lakhs
Purchase Price: ₹1 Crore
Registration: Developer-paid
Annual Rental: ₹7 Lakhs (7%)
Tax on Rental: ₹0
Net Annual Return: ₹7 Lakhs
Dubai delivers 4x higher annual returns!
These areas deliver the highest rental yields for Indian investors, combining affordability with strong tenant demand.
Price Range: ₹50 Lakhs - ₹1.5 Crore | Rental Yield: 7-8% | Appreciation: 35-45% since 2020
JVC is the #1 choice for ROI-focused NRI investors. This family-friendly community offers excellent infrastructure, parks, schools, and retail - all at prices 40-50% below prime Dubai areas. Off-plan studios start from ₹50 Lakhs, 1-beds from ₹70 Lakhs, and 2-beds from ₹1 Crore. The area's central location (15 minutes to Downtown Dubai, 20 minutes to Marina) ensures strong rental demand from young professionals and families. JVC consistently delivers 7-8% rental yields - among Dubai's highest - making it perfect for NRIs seeking maximum cash flow.
Best For: Maximum rental yield, budget-conscious investors, family tenants
Price Range: ₹45 Lakhs - ₹1.2 Crore | Rental Yield: 6-7% | Appreciation: High growth potential
Dubai South is Dubai's master-planned city around Al Maktoum International Airport (set to become world's largest) and Expo 2020 site. This is where smart NRI investors are buying now for future appreciation. Off-plan prices are among Dubai's lowest, with studios from ₹45 Lakhs and apartments offering excellent value. As the airport expands and businesses relocate, property values are expected to surge. Early investors in similar Dubai growth corridors (like JVC 10 years ago) saw 100-200% appreciation. Dubai South offers ground-floor entry to Dubai's next major hub.
Best For: Long-term appreciation, budget entry point, future growth
Price Range: ₹55 Lakhs - ₹1.3 Crore | Rental Yield: 6-7% | Appreciation: 30-40% since 2020
Arjan offers a sweet spot between affordability and lifestyle for NRI investors. Located near Dubai Miracle Garden and close to major highways, Arjan provides easy access across Dubai. Off-plan projects here feature modern designs, good amenities, and competitive pricing. Studios start from ₹55 Lakhs, with 1-beds around ₹75 Lakhs. The area attracts young professionals and couples seeking quality accommodation at accessible rents, ensuring consistent tenant demand. Arjan has seen strong appreciation while maintaining attractive entry prices.
Best For: Balanced investment, modern properties, steady appreciation
Price Range: ₹80 Lakhs - ₹2.5 Crore | Rental Yield: 6-7% | Appreciation: 45-55% since 2020
Business Bay is Dubai's commercial hub along the Dubai Canal, offering premium off-plan opportunities for NRIs seeking prestigious addresses. The area's proximity to Downtown Dubai and DIFC (financial centre) ensures strong rental demand from corporate tenants and executives. Off-plan 1-beds start from ₹80 Lakhs, offering Burj Khalifa views at accessible prices. Business Bay combines solid rental yields (6-7%) with excellent capital appreciation due to limited waterfront supply. Many Indian business owners and professionals prefer Business Bay for both investment and potential self-use.
Best For: Premium location, corporate tenants, self-use potential
Dubai off-plan payment plans are designed for international investors. No bank loans required - payments are spread over construction period, making large investments manageable through regular instalments.
Best for: Lower upfront commitment
Best for: Spreading payments evenly
Best for: Using rental income to pay
Using a 60/40 plan over 3-year construction:
This allows NRIs to build Dubai property portfolio with manageable monthly outlay, staying within LRS limits while building equity through market appreciation.
Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), resident Indians can remit up to $250,000 per financial year (~₹2 Crore) for overseas property purchase. For larger investments:
Our NRI desk provides complete guidance on FEMA-compliant investment structuring.
Minimum Investment: AED 2,000,000 (approximately ₹4.5 Crore)
Start UAE business, open bank accounts, access GCC markets without sponsor
Children can study in UAE universities at resident rates, access top schools
Access world-class UAE healthcare system, resident insurance options
Second home in Dubai, escape monsoons, enjoy tax-free living
Read our comprehensive Golden Visa guide for property investors
Golden Visa GuideYes, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can freely purchase off-plan property in Dubai with no restrictions. Indian passport holders enjoy full freehold ownership rights in designated areas throughout Dubai. The process is fully FEMA compliant when using proper banking channels (LRS for resident Indians, or overseas funds for NRIs). Many NRI investors complete purchases from India using Power of Attorney, with our NRI desk handling all documentation and coordination.
The minimum off-plan investment starts from approximately ₹50 Lakhs (AED 220,000) for studio apartments in high-yield areas like JVC, Dubai South, and Arjan. One-bedroom apartments start from ₹70-80 Lakhs, and 2-bedroom units from ₹1 Crore. For Golden Visa eligibility, the minimum is AED 2 million (approximately ₹4.5 Crore). Most NRI investors target the ₹70 Lakhs to ₹2 Crore range for optimal rental yields and manageable LRS compliance.
NRIs can transfer funds through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allowing up to $250,000 (approximately ₹2 Crore) per financial year per person. For larger purchases, transfers can be spread across financial years aligned with off-plan payment schedules, or supplemented with NRE/NRO account funds from overseas income. Use authorised dealer banks (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis) for FEMA-compliant transfers. NRIs with foreign income held abroad have no such limits. We provide complete guidance on structuring payments within regulatory frameworks.
Yes, Dubai property investment is fully FEMA compliant when purchased through proper banking channels. Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), resident Indians can remit up to $250,000 per year for property purchase abroad. NRIs with foreign income have no such limits and can invest freely. Always use authorised dealer banks, maintain Form A2 declarations, and keep proper documentation for tax compliance. Rental income from Dubai property should be reported in Indian tax returns (you can claim DTAA benefits). Our NRI desk ensures full compliance with both Indian and UAE regulations.
NRIs need the following documents: valid Indian passport, proof of address (Aadhaar card or overseas address proof), PAN card, bank statements (3-6 months), employment/income proof or business documents, and passport-size photographs. For LRS transfers, Form A2 declaration is required from your bank. If using Power of Attorney for remote purchase, the POA must be attested by Indian Embassy in UAE or apostilled. For Golden Visa application, additional documents include medical insurance and UAE ID application. Our NRI desk provides a complete checklist and assists with documentation.
Speak with our NRI desk about high-yield opportunities, payment plans, and Golden Visa eligibility.