Buying an apartment or villa in Dubai is a significant investment, so it’s important to think ahead about how to safely transfer hryvnias abroad and pay for the property . Direct bank transfers are often inconvenient: not all banks support dirhams, fees are high, and transfers can take several days.
In practice, three reliable options work: an intermediary (the hawala systеm), cryptocurrency, and a SWIFT transfer through a bank .
1. Payment through an intermediary (hawala)
Hawala is a traditional, bank-free money transfer method that operates on the principle of trust. You give hryvnia to an intermediary in Ukraine, and their partner in Dubai gives you the same amount in dirhams or dollars.
Advantages:
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Payments arrive quickly, usually within one day. This is especially convenient when you need to make a down payment or full payment for a property.
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Allows you to transfer large amounts without bank restrictions. You can invest significant amounts without any questions.
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The rate is often better than at banks, and commissions are minimal, which saves money on currency exchange.
What to look out for:
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Choose only a reputable and trusted broker. Be sure to check customer reviews and recommendations from friends.
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Fix the exchange rate in advance. Even small currency fluctuations can significantly impact the final amount for large transfers.
Example: UAH 1,500,000 is transferred to an intermediary in Kyiv—within a few hours, the developer receives the equivalent in dirhams and can immediately process the contract payment.
2. Payment via cryptocurrency
If you’re familiar with cryptocurrency, this is a modern and convenient transfer method. You exchange hryvnias for a stable cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC) and send it to a platform in Dubai, where the crypto is exchanged for dirhams. The funds can be deposited into the developer’s account or received in cash.
Pros:
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Transfers are completely online and extremely fast—funds arrive within a few hours, making them ideal for urgent transactions.
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Complete control over the rate and commissions. Platforms often display all costs upfront, so you know exactly how much the developer will receive.
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Suitable for large amounts and remote transfers when visiting a bank is inconvenient.
Cons:
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Experience with cryptocurrency is required, and choosing the right network and wallet address is important.
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The cryptocurrency exchange rate can fluctuate slightly, so it’s best to lock it in at the time of transfer or use stablecoins.
3. Bank SWIFT transfer
A SWIFT transfer is a classic way to send money abroad through a bank. You send hryvnias to a foreign currency account, and the developer receives the equivalent in dirhams or dollars.
Pros:
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This is an official transfer method; money goes through the banking systеm, which guarantees security.
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It is possible to obtain documentary confirmation of the transfer, which is important in real estate transactions.
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Suitable for large amounts, especially if the bank is prepared for such transactions in advance.
Cons:
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Fees can be significant and transfers take 3-7 business days.
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Banks may require documentation of the origin of funds, especially for large amounts.
Tips for safe hryvnia transfers
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Use only verified intermediaries or licensed crypto platforms to avoid the risk of losing funds.
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Fix the amount and exchange rate in advance to know exactly how much the developer will receive.
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For large payments, issue a receipt or agreement with an intermediary—this creates official confirmation of the transfer of funds.
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Double-check the developer and cryptocurrency wallet details to avoid errors.
