If we say that Dubai is one of the most dynamic and attractive destinations for foreign real estate investors, you would likely agree. Especially in recent years, Dubai has become a major hub for global property investors. There are many reasons for this — including a strong investor-friendly environment, the ease of the investment and property purchase process (including remote or online purchase options), and several other favourable factors.
Therefore, if I say that foreigners today can purchase both off-plan and secondary market properties remotely — through power of attorney or even fully online systems — it should come as no surprise.
In this blog, I will provide insights on how to purchase an off-plan property in Dubai remotely along with the key nuances and important points you should know. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance in identifying or purchasing your off-plan property in Dubai, do not hesitate to contact me. As an investment advisor at fäm Properties — the largest and most technologically advanced real estate agency in Dubai — I would be glad to offer you my services throughout the entire process.
Why Foreign Investors Prefer Off-Plan Property When Buying Remotely
Off-plan properties or projects in Dubai are those offered for sale by developers before construction is complete — and in some cases, even before construction has started. The purchase is usually based on architectural plans, visual renderings, and the developer’s overall proposal rather than a finished building.
In Dubai, most major new master-plans and residential communities are launched and sold during the pre-construction phase — and in some cases, units are fully booked within just a few hours of the project announcement, due to several contributing factors. As a result, purchasing off-plan property directly from newly announced projects has become a very common and straightforward process for both foreigners and local buyers.
This is also the main reason why many investors today purchase off-plan properties remotely. At the time of launch, there is usually no completed property to physically inspect. The entire decision process is based on reviewing official project brochures, architectural plans, design concepts, floor layouts, and the developer’s proposal — all of which can be accessed digitally.
When foreign investors work with professional advisors and reputable developers, they know exactly what they are purchasing, even without being physically present. Therefore, the same steps that could be done in person can now be completed smoothly and securely through remote processes.
Other Contributing Reasons Why Foreign Investors Prefer Purchasing Off-Plan Remotely — and How fäm Properties Supports Remote Investment
So, there are several additional reasons why foreigners prefer to invest in Dubai’s off-plan properties remotely. Some of the key advantages include:
- Professional consultation and project identification: At fäm Properties, we help you identify the most suitable off-plan project according to your investment goals. Once the right project is selected, we arrange meetings with developers to explain the full process in detail and provide all essential materials — including brochures, 3D visuals, project specifications, and floor plans.
- Digital signing of documents: All required documents, including reservation forms and the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement), can be signed digitally with our expert guidance.
- Secure payments to escrow accounts: Every payment for an off-plan property in Dubai is made directly to the project’s official escrow account. We guide you through each step to ensure the process is safe, transparent, and fully compliant with Dubai regulations.
- Online Oqood registration and remote Title Deed assistance: The Oqood registration — which legally records your off-plan purchase — can be completed online. Our team assists throughout the process to ensure accuracy and compliance. Additionally, we support you in obtaining your Title Deed once the project is handed over.
These factors, combined with Dubai’s structured and reliable off-plan purchase system, make remote property investment not only possible but highly efficient and investor-friendly for international buyers.
How the Remote Process Works: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors
Purchasing an off-plan property remotely in Dubai follows a clear, structured, and legally protected framework. Whether you are investing from Europe, the US, Canada, Asia, the CIS region, or anywhere else in the world, the process remains the same — straightforward, transparent, and designed to accommodate foreign buyers. Below is a simplified overview of how the remote process works, step by step:
1. Step: Define Your Investment Goals (Capital Growth, Rental Yield, or Both)
For every project in Dubai, you can easily find strong reasons to invest — especially when the developer is reputable and the location is well-positioned. However, the reality is that the very first thing you must clarify is your investment goal.
If your investment target is not clearly defined, even a “good” project may disappoint you or fail to meet your expectations. Every project can be professionally analyzed to estimate its potential future price appreciation, rental yield, and overall performance — but these indicators only matter when they align with your specific investment objective. That is why getting guidance from a professional advisor before taking the first step is always beneficial.
2. Step: Decide on the Developer and the Project
Once your investment goal is clearly defined, the next step is to decide on the developer and project that best match your financial strategy and long-term expectations. Dubai has many reputable developers, each offering unique communities, architectural styles, and payment structures — so choosing the right one is a critical part of the remote purchase process.
When investing remotely, this decision relies on clear data, expert guidance, and official project documentation rather than physical site visits.
3. Step: Reserve Your Unit and Complete the Booking Process Remotely
Once you choose the project you want to invest in — either independently or with the support of your advisor — you are ready to proceed with reserving and booking your unit. In Dubai, this entire step can be completed fully remotely, allowing foreign investors to secure a property without being physically present.
During this stage, all you need to ensure is that the payment conditions and all terms are clear to you. With your advisor’s guidance, you will sign the EOI (Expression of Interest) and make the initial payment directly to the project’s escrow account, completing the booking process safely and correctly.
4. Step: Sign the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement) Digitally and Make Payments Accordingly
Once your unit is booked and the initial payment is completed, the next step is signing the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement). In Dubai, this step can also be completed fully remotely, allowing foreign investors to finalize their contract without being physically present.
During this stage, all you need to ensure is that the payment schedule, project terms, and all conditions in the SPA are clear to you. With your advisor’s guidance, you will review the document, clarify any questions, and then sign the SPA remotely.
Once the SPA is signed, you may be required to make additional payments according to its terms. Always make sure that every instalment is paid directly to the project’s official escrow account.
5. Step: Register the Property Under Your Name (Oqood Registration)
After the SPA is signed and the initial payments are completed, the next essential step is registering the property under your name through Dubai’s Oqood system. This registration confirms your legal ownership of the off-plan unit during the construction phase.
In Dubai, Oqood registration can also be completed remotely. It is highly recommended to work with an advisor or agent from the very beginning so that professionals can guide you through each step of this process. Once completed, you will receive your official Oqood Certificate — a critical document that secures your rights as the buyer of the off-plan property.
6. Step: Follow the Payment Plan and Complete the Handover Remotely
Once your Oqood registration is completed, the next stage is following the developer’s payment plan throughout the construction period. All instalments can be paid remotely, and your advisor will guide you to ensure that every payment is completed correctly and according to the agreed terms.
When the project reaches completion, the developer will issue a handover notice. Even if you are abroad, you can appoint your advisor or a professional inspection service to conduct the snagging and complete the final steps on your behalf. After the final payment is made, your Title Deed will be issued — and this can also be obtained remotely, finalising your off-plan purchase in Dubai.
Legal Protection for Remote Off-Plan Purchases: Understanding the Escrow System
When purchasing an off-plan property remotely in Dubai, your primary legal safeguards are the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement) and the escrow account system. The SPA outlines all contractual terms, payment schedules, obligations, and rights, ensuring that you fully understand the conditions of your purchase before proceeding.
In addition, every developer in Dubai is legally required to open a dedicated escrow account for each project, and all buyer payments must be transferred directly into that account. This structure protects your funds — even when investing from abroad — because money can only be released to the developer once specific construction milestones are verified by independent auditors.
Dubai’s escrow regulations, established under Law No. 8 of 2007, ensure that the off-plan purchase process remains transparent, regulated, and secure for foreign investors.
Professional Guidance for Remote Off-Plan Property Purchase in Dubai
With deep knowledge of Dubai’s rapidly expanding off-plan market — supported by my eight years of prior legal experience before becoming an investment advisor — I, Siraj Sultanli, provide tailored guidance throughout the entire remote off-plan purchase process. As an Investment Advisor at fäm Properties, Dubai’s largest and most technologically advanced real estate company with nearly two decades of experience, 25 branches, and a growing team of over 3,000 professionals, I help clients select the right project based on their budget, goals, and investment strategy.
My role is to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence: identifying your investment targets, presenting suitable projects that align with those targets, and ensuring that your remote off-plan purchase is executed smoothly and securely — whether you choose the property with my support or independently.
Contact me today to plan your remote off-plan real estate investment in Dubai!
FAQ
Can foreigners purchase off-plan property in Dubai remotely?
Yes. Foreigners can complete the entire off-plan purchase process remotely — from selecting the project to signing documents and making payments.
How do I choose the right off-plan project if I cannot visit Dubai?
You can confidently choose the right off-plan project even without visiting Dubai. I provide full investment consultation, including identifying reputable developers and projects that align with your investment targets, analyzing promising options, payment plans, and expected returns. After the consultation, once you decide on a project, I will arrange an online meeting with the developer’s team to proceed further. Contact me for details.
Do I need to be in Dubai to sign the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement) or any other documents??
No. You can sign the SPA and all required documents fully remotely. Dubai developers and authorities accept secure digital signatures, allowing you to complete the process without being physically present.
Is it legally safe to purchase off-plan property remotely in Dubai?
Yes. Remote off-plan purchases in Dubai are safe because all payments go through a regulated escrow account, and every project is monitored by DLD/RERA. With proper advisory support, the entire process is transparent, secure, and legally protected.
Can I purchase off-plan property remotely without a power of attorney?
Yes. In most cases, you can complete the full off-plan purchase remotely without a power of attorney. Documents can be signed digitally, payments are made directly to the escrow account, and Oqood registration can be completed online. A power of attorney is only required for specific actions beyond the standard purchase process.
How are payments made securely when buying off-plan property remotely?
Payments are made directly to the project’s official escrow account, which is regulated by the Dubai Land Department. As your advisor, I will provide the escrow details, and all instalments are transferred securely through bank channels. This system ensures your funds remain fully protected throughout the construction process.
Can I rent my property once it is ready or resell my off-plan property without coming to Dubai?
Yes. You can rent your property once it is handed over or resell your off-plan unit without coming to Dubai. For rentals, a licensed management company — such as fäm Property Management — can handle everything on your behalf. For resale, the process can also be completed remotely with legal support from fäm Conveyancing to ensure all documents and procedures are handled correctly.
Which nationalities invest mainly in Dubai’s off-plan property market?
Investors from India, the UK, Canada, USA, Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, European Union countries (Mainly Germany), and the GCC are among the most active buyers in Dubai’s off-plan market. Demand also continues to grow from Canada, the United States, and CIS countries, as these buyers see Dubai as a stable, high-growth investment destination.
Which countries’ citizens most often purchase off-plan properties remotely in Dubai?
Many foreign buyers now purchase off-plan properties remotely in Dubai — especially investors from the UK, Canada, the US, Europe, and Russia. These buyers rely on digital documentation, online meetings with developers, escrow-protected payments, and advisor support, making remote investment safe, fast, and fully manageable from abroad.
Are remote off-plan investments in Dubai more common among certain regions or buyer groups?
Yes. Remote off-plan investments in Dubai are especially common among buyers from developed countries and investors with busy schedules who already know what they want to purchase. Many of them see no need to travel, as they are accustomed to digital processes and rely on advisors, online meetings, and official documentation to complete the transaction efficiently from abroad.
