Buying property in Dubai has become one of the most popular destinations for Russian investors. The Emirates offers reliability, a high standard of living, no rental income tax, and simple rules for foreigners. But the main question facing every buyer is: how to safely and conveniently transfer money from Russia to Dubai to pay for housing?
Today, we’ll examine the main methods used by Russian investors, compare them, and explain why some are more popular than others.
Bank transfer (SWIFT)
The most obvious method is a classic bank transfer . It’s official and familiar to all market participants.
Peculiarities:
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The money leaves the Russian bank account and goes to the seller’s or developer’s bank in Dubai.
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The translation may take from 3 to 7 business days.
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The bank will definitely ask for documents confirming the origin of the funds (for example, a real estate sales contract or a certificate of income).
Disadvantages for Russians:
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Not all banks process transfers in dirhams;
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commissions are quite high (fixed + % of the amount);
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the process is long and not always predictable.
Therefore, many investors from Russia are looking for faster and more convenient alternatives.
Exchange services
A popular option is exchange companies , which help convert rubles to dirhams with minimal hassle.
How does this work:
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The investor deposits rubles in Russia through an office or by transfer to a card.
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The service issues the equivalent in Dubai dirhams—in cash or by bank transfer.
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The buyer can pay for the apartment directly, or the service manager can also issue a receipt for the developer.
Pros:
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speed: from several hours to one day;
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Simplicity: no need to collect a package of documents;
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Flexibility: even large sums can be transferred.
It’s no coincidence that this method is used by a significant portion of investors, as not only security but also speed are important in real estate transactions.
Havala
Hawala is a traditional money transfer systеm widely used in the Middle East and South Asia. It has become especially popular for Russian investors.
Operating principle:
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the client gives money to an intermediary in Russia;
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the intermediary’s partner in Dubai issues the equivalent in dirhams;
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If necessary, a manager check is issued in the name of the developer.
Advantages of hawala:
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speed (often you can get money on the same day);
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the ability to convert rubles into dirhams directly;
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minimum formalities – no lengthy approvals.
Many Russians choose hawala precisely because of its efficiency and familiarity: the systеm has been in operation for decades and is trusted by investors.
Cash-to-cash
The cash-to-cash format has become another common tool.
Example: An investor deposits rubles in cash in Moscow and receives dirhams in cash in Dubai. They then either deposit them into a bank account or use a check issued by the manager.
This method is convenient for those who want maximum control over the process and prefer to work “hand-to-hand”.
Check manager
In Dubai, almost all real estate transactions are conducted through a manager’s cheque —a bank check issued in the name of a bank to a specific recipient (the developer or the seller).
Even if the money was transferred through hawala or an exchange service, a manager receipt is usually issued at the final stage. This is a mandatory requirement for registering the transaction in Dubai.
What do Russian investors choose?
In practice, Russian real estate buyers most often combine several instruments:
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transfer rubles through exchange services or hawala ;
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In Dubai , a manager issues a check for the developer;
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SWIFT is used less often because it is longer and more expensive.
This way, investors find a balance between speed, security and formality.
Result
For Russians, transferring money to Dubai to purchase real estate is a task that can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Hawala, cash-to-cash, and exchange services offer speed and flexibility. A check manager ensures the legality of the transaction.
It is the combination of these methods that makes the process of purchasing a home in the UAE convenient and reliable, even for large sums.
