Dubai real estate is one of the known markets for international investors. However, a new law issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in June 2025 has introduced a change as to how non-resident property owners can sell their real estate. If you are living abroad in a country outside the UAE and you are selling your property in Dubai, it is important to know the recent DLD rules so as not to get involved in legal and financial issues.
The article explains the new changes and how HHS lawyers in Dubai can keep you in compliance through the entire process.
What’s Changed in New Dubai Property Sale Rules?
From June 2025 onwards, non-resident sellers of property in Dubai are required to maintain a bank account in the UAE to receive the proceeds of sale. Moreover, cheques will only be issued in the name of the person whose name appears in the property’s title deed. So, even if you give PoA to someone to be an agent on your behalf, they can no longer receive payment on your behalf.
Why the Change?
These are some of the primary reasons behind this change in regulation.
- To improve transparency in transactions related to real estate.
- To prevent unauthorized or misused powers of attorney for fraudulent activity.
- To ensure that the proceeds of the sale are received only by the rightful owner of the property.
Prior to this change, sale transactions by non-resident owners could take place through the notarization of documents abroad, legalized in their home countries through UAE embassies. With rising risks in fraud, these duly legalized documents also need to be duly authorized by the MOFA of UAE, or alternatively, the Power of Attorney can be issued within the UAE itself.
However, in some cases there have been disputes or financial misconduct. The new rule is meant to prevent such incidents by providing that all payments go to the registered owner instead.
What Is Still Allowed?
Overseas owners can still appoint someone on their behalf through Power of attorney for Instance, for the purpose of signing documents or attending appointments—but
- The POA must be issued and attested through the Dubai courts.
- Payments must go directly to your UAE bank account and not to the PoA holder.
Even virtual court sessions (e.g., via Zoom) are accepted for PoA issuance, making the process more accessible for overseas sellers.
What If You Don’t Have a UAE Bank Account?
If you are a non-resident and do not have a bank account in the United Arab Emirates, you must first open a bank account prior to commencing the sale. The time required may be lengthy, especially if you are not flying to the UAE; thus, it is advisable to start looking for a bank and start applying for an account.
Requirements that certain banks may ask for include
- A passport and visa copy
- Proof of property ownership
- A local address or utility bill
- A minimum deposit amount
Legal advisors will help you find banks that accept non-resident clients and assist in filing the necessary paperwork.
What Happens If You Ignore the Rule?
In case of selling your property without meeting the new requirements:
- The transaction may get rejected by the Dubai Land Department.
- The bank shall not release payment to the POA holder.
- You may face legal delays, penalties, or other complications.
In short, failing to follow updated DLD guidelines at any time can cause delay to the sale of the property and result in unnecessary expenses.
Real Example: How This Affects You
Imagine that you live in the UK, and you want your sister in Dubai to sell your villa through a power of attorney.
Previously:
You might have issued your sister a POA attested from Dubai, and then the cheques could be drawn in her name.
Present (after June 2025):
- The payment must be made only in your name.
- In order to receive the money into the account, you must have a UAE bank account.
Your sister may still represent you at the DLD but will not be able to collect the money herself.
This makes it necessary for non-resident sellers to personally open an account in the UAE and comply with the new DLD requirements.
How HHS Dubai Lawyers Can Help
Here at HHS Lawyers, we have vast experience in the compliance for clients overseas concerning property laws in Dubai. Our real estate legal team offers full support to non-resident investors, including
- Preparing and attesting your power of attorney through Dubai courts
- Assisting with the UAE bank account opening process
- Reviewing and drafting property sale agreements
- Coordinating with real estate brokers, banks, and the DLD
- Offering online consultations so you can manage the sale from abroad.
We assure a smooth, legal, and safe property sale in Dubai—with or even without you at that time.
In conclusion
Changes initiated by Dubai’s new DLD regulation relating to non-resident property sellers require that your investment be safe and transparent in any real estate transaction. Briefly, you must:
- Have a UAE bank account in your name as a requirement for selling property.
- Payment disbursements will be made to only the owner whose name appears on the title deed.
- Power of attorney is still allowed but restricted to representation and not fund receipt.
Prepare in advance and get your legal assistance so that the sales process does not get delayed and you can have an efficient and smooth sale of property in Dubai.
Get Expert Help from HHS Dubai Lawyers in UAE
If you’re a non-resident selling property in Dubai, HHS Lawyers in Dubai is here to help you through every step. From power of attorney documentation to bank account assistance and sale contract reviews, we ensure that your transaction is legally compliant and hassle-free.
Contact us today to ensure that your property sale in Dubai gets everything right under the new DLD regulations—with confidence and clarity.
