Real estate remains one of the more reliable ways to build long-term wealth, and UAE residents are in an unusually good position to invest abroad given the tax-free income most earn locally. Here is what to know about several markets commonly considered by investors based in the UAE, including where residency-by-investment rules have changed recently.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s own real estate market remains a strong option for residents who would rather invest locally. There is no income tax on rental returns, average rental yields sit around 5% depending on the area, and the market draws steady demand from tourists and new residents alike. Popular areas for foreign and resident investors include Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah and International City. Property portals such as PropertyFinder are a good starting point for current listings and pricing.
Australia
Australia’s stable economy and strong rental demand make it a consistent option for overseas investors, with areas outside the major capital cities often offering better yields than Sydney or Melbourne.
Turkey
Istanbul’s tourism and rental demand continue to draw overseas investors, particularly for vacation rentals aimed at students and visitors.
Portugal
Portugal’s real estate market remains active, particularly in Lisbon, but investors should know that property purchases no longer qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency programme. Since October 2023, under a reform known as Lei 56/2023, direct property investment (and even real-estate-holding funds) were removed as a qualifying route at every investment level. Current Golden Visa routes are limited to investment funds (a minimum of EUR 500,000 into an eligible Portuguese fund), job creation, or cultural and scientific donations. This doesn’t rule out buying Portuguese property as a straightforward investment, it just means it no longer comes with a residency permit attached.
Ireland
Ireland offers a transparent tax system and has historically welcomed overseas property investment, with rental values continuing to rise in most areas.
Georgia
Georgia remains popular with UAE-based investors thanks to visa-on-arrival access, fast property registration, and no tax on rental income. Batumi in particular continues to attract investment in the resort and hotel sector.
If a residency permit is the goal, not just the property
For investors who specifically want a residency permit attached to their purchase, Greece is currently the strongest remaining property-based golden visa option in the EU, with thresholds ranging from EUR 250,000 in select areas up to EUR 800,000 in high-demand zones like Athens and Thessaloniki. Malta also offers a property-based residency route, from EUR 474,000 to buy or EUR 169,000 a year to rent, plus fixed government contributions. Spain, by contrast, closed its golden visa programme entirely to new applicants in April 2025, so it should no longer be considered an option.
A note on financing
Mortgage rates for overseas buyers vary significantly by market and are considerably higher than they were a few years ago. As of 2026, a rough guide is 30-year fixed rates around 6.5 to 7% in the US, roughly 5 to 5.55% in the UK, and a blended eurozone average around 3.43%, with lower rates in Malta (around 2.08%) and higher rates in Germany (around 3.84%). Always confirm current rates directly with a lender in your target market rather than relying on a figure from an older comparison.
Property law, tax treatment and residency rules differ meaningfully by country and change more often than most guides account for, so get current, locally qualified legal and financial advice before committing to a purchase abroad. If you’d rather start closer to home, real estate crowdfunding in Dubai covers a lower-commitment way to get exposure to property from as little as AED 500.
For UAE residents weighing overseas property against options closer to home, the real estate investing page rounds up buying, renting, and crowdfunding in the local market.
