Buying property in the UAE involves several government fees, and one of the most misunderstood among them is the Stamp Duty Tax. While countries like the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong charge high stamp duties on real estate purchases, the UAE follows a different model, combining registration fees, transfer fees, and admin charges depending on each emirate.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Stamp Duty in the UAE in 2025 — with a special focus on Dubai, where most real estate transactions take place.
📌 What Is Stamp Duty in the UAE?
In the UAE, “stamp duty” refers to the property registration fee charged by the government when a property is transferred to a new owner. It applies to:
- Ready properties
- Off-plan properties
- Resale transactions
- Freehold + leasehold units
Although the term stamp duty is not commonly used by UAE authorities, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee performs the same function.
🏙️ Stamp Duty in Dubai (2025)
Dubai has one of the simplest and most transparent fee structures globally.
✔ DLD Fee: 4% of the property value
This is the main “Stamp Duty” equivalent.
✔ Admin Fee: AED 580 – AED 2,000
Depends on property type.
✔ Oqood Fee (Off-Plan): AED 580
For registering off-plan projects.
✔ Trustee Office Fee: AED 4,000 + VAT
For handling the transaction.
✔ NOC Fee: AED 500 – AED 5,000
Paid to the developer during resale.
🧮 Example: Stamp Duty for a AED 1,500,000 Property in Dubai
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| DLD (4%) | AED 60,000 |
| Trustee Office Fee | AED 4,200 (incl. VAT) |
| Title Deed Issuance | AED 520 |
| Knowledge/Innovation Fee | AED 20 |
| NOC Fee | AED 1,500 (varies) |
Total Stamp Duty Cost: ≈ AED 66,000 – 67,000
🏗️ Stamp Duty for Off-Plan Properties (Dubai, 2025)
If you’re buying off-plan:
✔ 4% DLD fee
(can be paid upfront or built into the payment plan)
✔ Oqood Registration (mandatory)
AED 580
✔ Developer admin fees
Varies (AED 1,500–5,000)
Most developers require the DLD 4% to be cleared within 30 days of signing the SPA.
🏛️ Stamp Duty in Abu Dhabi (2025)
Abu Dhabi charges a 2% registration fee (lower than Dubai) but processing fees vary.
✔ Registration Fee: 2%
Shared equally between buyer and seller unless agreed otherwise.
✔ Admin Fee: AED 1,000+
Depends on the project.
✔ Mortgage registration: 0.1% of loan amount
Minimal Oqood-equivalent for off-plan units.
🌇 Stamp Duty in Sharjah (2025)
Sharjah maintains one of the lowest fees in the UAE.
✔ Transfer Fee: 2%
Paid by the buyer.
✔ Admin Fees:** AED 500 – 1,000**
Applicable only to GCC nationals and companies unless special approval.
🏝️ Stamp Duty in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain
Most northern emirates have similar structures:
| Emirate | Stamp Duty Equivalent |
|---|---|
| RAK | 4% |
| Ajman | 2% |
| UAQ | 2% |
Generally lower admin fees compared to Dubai.
🧾 Who Pays Stamp Duty in the UAE?
✔ Buyer pays 100% in most emirates
Except Abu Dhabi, where cost may be split.
✔ Seller pays broker commission (if applicable)
✔ Buyer also pays:
- NOC fee
- Trustee fee
- Oqood fee (off-plan)
🔍 Stamp Duty vs Transfer Fee vs Registration Fee — What’s the Difference?
In the UAE, these terms are often used interchangeably:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stamp Duty | General tax for property transfer (UAE version = registration fee) |
| Transfer Fee | Fee charged by emirate to transfer ownership |
| Registration Fee | DLD fee (Dubai), Municipality fee (other emirates) |
| Oqood Fee | Registering off-plan property |
In Dubai, all fall under the 4% DLD Transfer Fee.
💰 Mortgage Stamp Duty (2025)
If the property is financed via home loan:
✔ Mortgage Registration Fee = 0.25% of loan amount + AED 290 admin
Example:
Loan: AED 1,000,000
Mortgage Fee = AED 2,500 + 290
📊 Stamp Duty Calculator (2025)
(Dubai Example)
Property Price: AED 2,000,000
Stamp Duty (4%): AED 80,000
Trustee Fee: AED 4,200
Title Deed: AED 520
NOC: AED 1,500
Total: AED 86,220
🛡️ Are There Any Exemptions?
Yes, but rare.
| Case | Exemption |
|---|---|
| Inheritance | 0.125% or minimal fees |
| Family transfers | Reduced fee (0.125% in Dubai) |
| Government-owned property | Special rules |
No exemptions for regular investors.
🌟 How to Save Money on Stamp Duty in the UAE
✔ Buy off-plan
You can delay certain payments (developer dependent).
✔ Negotiate NOC fees
Developers often reduce NOC charges if requested.
✔ Avoid urgent transfers
Some trustees charge extra for urgent processing.
✔ Choose the right payment plan
4% DLD can be bundled into post-handover deals.
📌 Final Advice (Kavani Real Estate Insight)
Stamp Duty in UAE is predictable, transparent, and lower than most global markets.
Whether you buy ready or off-plan, understanding the fee structure helps you:
✔ Budget accurately
✔ Compare properties properly
✔ Avoid hidden costs
✔ Plan your investment cashflow
Kavani Real Estate can assist you in calculating the exact stamp duty for any property and guide you through the entire purchase process.
