Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah: property, fees and free zones compared

Side by side

Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah compared

Official fees and rules for Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, side by side.

Emirate rules

Rules in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah

Property transfer fee: Dubai

In Dubai the fee for registering a real property sale contract is 4 per cent of the contract value, shared equally unless agreed otherwise.
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Freehold for foreigners: Dubai

Foreigners may own freehold property in Dubai in areas designated by the Ruler.
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Housing fee on rent: Dubai

Dubai tenants pay a municipality housing fee of 5 per cent of annual rent, added to the DEWA bill.
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Residence visa authority: Dubai

Residence visa applications for Dubai are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai.
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Schools regulator: Dubai

Private schools in Dubai are regulated by KHDA.
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School fee rule: Dubai

In Dubai, how much a private school may raise fees depends on its inspection rating and the Education Cost Index set by KHDA (2.35 per cent for 2025-26).
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Courts: Dubai

Dubai has its own local court system, Dubai Courts, and the DIFC Courts hear civil and commercial cases that relate to the DIFC.
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Land department: Dubai

Dubai property is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
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Property transfer fee: Ras Al Khaimah

In Ras Al Khaimah the real estate sale contract fee is 2 per cent of market value for the seller and 2 per cent for the buyer, 4 per cent in total.
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Freehold for foreigners: Ras Al Khaimah

Non-UAE nationals may own property in Ras Al Khaimah freehold areas such as Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab and Al Marjan Island.
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Residence visa authority: Ras Al Khaimah

Residence visa applications for Ras Al Khaimah are tracked through the federal ICP.
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Schools regulator: Ras Al Khaimah

Private education in Ras Al Khaimah is regulated by the Department of Knowledge.
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Courts: Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah maintains its own local judicial department, RAK Courts.
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Land department: Ras Al Khaimah

Property registration in Ras Al Khaimah is handled by the Land and Property Sector of RAK Municipality.
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All figures for Dubai · All figures for Ras Al Khaimah · The full free-zone register

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Questions

Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah: common questions