Basic documents for every buyer
Every property transaction in Dubai requires the following basic documents:
• Valid passport: a copy of the identity page. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of the transaction. If you are present in Dubai, the original passport is checked.
• Emirates ID: only required if you are a UAE resident. Foreign buyers without a residence permit do not need an Emirates ID.
• Proof of address: a recent utility bill, bank statement or official document showing your home address. This is not always mandatory, but some trustee offices ask for it.
• Manager's cheques: for payment of the purchase price, the DLD fee and the trustee fee. These must be requested in advance from a bank in Dubai.
• Photographs: two passport photos on a white background (for the Title Deed registration).
For a buyer who is physically present in Dubai, the process is straightforward: bring your passport to the trustee office and the rest is arranged on the spot.
Power of Attorney
If you cannot be physically present at the transfer of ownership, you need a Power of Attorney (POA). This is an authorisation by which you empower a representative in Dubai to act on your behalf.
Requirements for the POA: • The POA must state specifically that the attorney is authorised to buy, sell or transfer real estate • The POA must name the specific property (or grant a general authority for property transactions) • The POA must be drawn up in English or Arabic (or translated by a sworn translator) • The POA must be executed before a notary
Arranging a POA in the Netherlands, for example: 1. Visit a notary and have the POA drawn up in English 2. Request an apostille from the district court (Hague apostille stamp under the 1961 Apostille Convention) 3. Send the apostilled POA to Dubai (by courier) 4. In Dubai, the POA is attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) 5. After MOFA attestation, the POA is legally valid in Dubai
Arranging a POA in Belgium: 1. Visit a notary and have the POA drawn up in English 2. Request an apostille from the FPS Foreign Affairs 3. Send the apostilled POA to Dubai 4. MOFA attestation in Dubai
Costs: approx. EUR 200–500 for the notary + EUR 25–50 for the apostille. Lead time: 1–2 weeks.
Augusta Properties can act as your attorney in Dubai and manages the entire process on your behalf.
Documents for a mortgage
If you take out a mortgage with a bank in Dubai, additional documents are required:
For employees: • Payslips for the past 3–6 months • Employment contract or employer's statement • Bank statements for the past 6 months • Last year's tax return • Overview of existing loans and liabilities • Proof of address in your home country
For the self-employed/business owners: • Annual accounts for the past 2–3 years (preferably audited by an accountant) • Tax returns for the past 2 years • Company register extract or equivalent • Business bank statements (6 months) • Personal bank statements (6 months) • Proof of address
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Dutch documents such as an annual income statement or a chamber of commerce extract are generally accepted after translation.
Belgian documents such as a personal income tax assessment or an extract from the company register are likewise accepted after translation.
Documents for off-plan purchases
When buying a new build directly from the developer, the documentation requirements are simpler:
• Passport (copy) • The developer's reservation form • Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA): drawn up by the developer • Proof of payment of the deposit
For off-plan purchases there is generally no MOU, no NOC and no trustee required. The developer handles the Oqood registration with the DLD.
Some developers additionally request: • Proof of financial capacity (bank statement) • A signed payment schedule • A copy of a visa (if you are a UAE resident)
Augusta Properties reviews all documents in advance and ensures the paperwork is correct before you sign.
Apostille and legalisation explained
The apostille is an internationally recognised certificate confirming the authenticity of a document. Under the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), more than 120 countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium and the UAE, accept each other's apostilled documents.
When is an apostille needed? • For a Power of Attorney drawn up abroad • For official documents to be used in Dubai (marriage certificate, birth certificate in inheritance matters) • For corporate documents if you buy property through a foreign company
How do you obtain an apostille?
In the Netherlands: • Request the apostille from the district court in the district where the notary is established • Costs: approx. EUR 25 • Lead time: 1–5 business days
In Belgium: • Request the apostille from the FPS Foreign Affairs in Brussels • Costs: approx. EUR 20 • Lead time: 1–3 business days
After the apostille: • Send the document to Dubai by courier (DHL, FedEx) • In Dubai, the document is attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) • After MOFA attestation, the document is legally valid in the UAE • MOFA attestation costs: approx. AED 150–300
Augusta Properties guides you through the entire legalisation process and can arrange the MOFA attestation in Dubai for you.
Document checklist by situation
Use the checklist below to determine which documents you need:
Situation 1: Buyer is physically present, no mortgage: ✓ Passport (original + copy) ✓ Manager's cheques ✓ Passport photos (2x)
Situation 2: Buyer purchases remotely via a Power of Attorney, no mortgage: ✓ Passport (copy) ✓ Power of Attorney (apostilled and MOFA-attested) ✓ Manager's cheques (requested by the attorney)
Situation 3: Buyer with a mortgage in Dubai: ✓ Passport (copy) ✓ Payslips or annual accounts ✓ Bank statements (6 months) ✓ Tax return ✓ Manager's cheques for the equity contribution and costs
Situation 4: Buyer of an off-plan property: ✓ Passport (copy) ✓ Reservation form ✓ Proof of payment of the deposit
Augusta Properties sends you a personal document checklist based on your specific situation, so you know exactly what is required.