Abu Dhabi fees versus Irish stamp duty
Buying a Abu Dhabi property costs roughly 8% of the price in government and registration fees: a 4% transfer fee paid to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre and a 4% administrative fee typically paid to the developer or broker. Irish stamp duty on non-residential property runs up to 7.5%, and residential rates are tiered, so the all-in cost is broadly comparable, but Abu Dhabi adds no annual property tax, no local property tax equivalent and no tax on rental income.
Tax on rental income for Irish residents
The UAE levies no income tax on rental income. As an Irish tax resident, your Abu Dhabi rental is taxable in Ireland as foreign rental income, taxed at your marginal rate after deducting allowable expenses such as service charges and management fees. There is no UAE withholding tax on rental repatriated to Ireland, and because the UAE rate is zero the foreign tax credit provides no relief. You must declare the rental on your annual Form 11 return to Revenue.
- Report foreign rental income on your Form 11 each tax year.
- Capital gains on sale are chargeable gains in Ireland; the UAE levies no capital gains tax.
The 10-year Golden Visa in euros
An investment of AED 2 million, about EUR 490,000, qualifies you and your family for a 10-year renewable UAE Golden Visa. Several Modon apartments in Downtown, Hudayriyat Island and Bashayer start near this level. The visa requires no minimum annual stay and does not, on its own, change your Irish tax residency.
Remote purchase and the Power of Attorney
Irish buyers can complete a Abu Dhabi purchase largely remotely. A Notarised and Apostilled Power of Attorney, arranged through an Irish notary and the Department of Foreign Affairs authentication, lets a representative in Abu Dhabi sign the SPA, register the title and handle handover. We coordinate the POA drafting, the escrow transfer and the Oqood (off-plan) or Title Deed registration so only a short visit is needed for key collection.