The most common question customers ask when buying property in Dubai is “How can I pay for a property from Russia?” In 2026, there are several legal and secure methods, from SWIFT transfers to cryptocurrencies and foreign accounts.
We have put together detailed step-by-step instructions so that you or your customers can make an international payment without fear and difficulties.
1. Payment via SWIFT transfer in AED
This is the most traditional and understandable way. Algorithm of actions:
Step 1:
Open an account with a Russian bank that works with the AED currency (UAE dirham). This is important.
Step 2:
Top up your account in rubles and convert the amount into AED.
Step 3:
Make a SWIFT transfer to the developer's account in the UAE to pay for real estate.
Russian banks with which this is possible (relevant as of 2025):
• BCS Bank — works through a mobile application, without restrictions on the amount.
• AK Bars Bank — supports transfers in AED, it is important to specify the purpose of payment in accordance with their requirements.
• Credit Europe Bank — transfer fee ~ 3% + AED 150.
• Digital Bank — check rates before shipping.
The average payment period is from 1 to 3 working days.
2. Payment via cryptocurrency
The UAE is on the list of countries that are loyal to cryptocurrency. More and more developers and agencies are accepting payments in USDT, BTC, or ETH.
The advantages of cryptocurrency transfers:
• Full independence from sanctions
• Instant enrollment
• Low fees
• Full confidentiality
The UAE does not tax crypto ownership and also welcomes crypto companies in free economic zones.
Important: crypto payments are made through licensed payment platforms (for example, AlphaToken, Binance Pay, Coinsfera), with the issuance of all legal documents and confirmations.
3. Transfer via a foreign account
It is possible to open a foreign currency account in a friendly country, for example, in Kazakhstan, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, and Turkey.
How it works:
- Open an account online (or in-person if attendance is required).
- Replenish it in rubles through a Russian bank.
- Convert rubles into dirhams.
- Send a payment to Dubai via SWIFT or a local payment system.
Plus: the bank is not subject to sanctions.
Minus: you can lose up to 2-5% on commissions and conversions.
4. Cash payment
The customer can come to Dubai in person and pay in cash in dirhams.
But there is an important limitation:
Starting in 2024, Dubai's largest developers have announced plans to limit cash payments to AED 55,000 (~USD 15,000) as part of the FATF requirements.
Therefore, this method is possible only after the developer has clarified the terms of the deal.
Bonus: how to open a UAE bank account
To send and receive payments in dirhams, a customer can open a bank account in the UAE, but this requires an Emirates ID (resident visa).
How to get an Emirates ID:
Method of obtaining the Requirement Period of Residency
Buying real estate from $205,000 Obtaining an investor visa for 2 years or 10 years
Starting a business from $136,000 Company registration 5 years
Official employment 2-year employer contract
Freelance visa Through free zone 1 year
University studies Confirmation of admission before graduation
Family ties Parent/spouse resident from 2 years of age
After receiving an Emirates ID, you will be able to open a bank account with any major bank in the UAE — Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADIB, RakBank and others.
Conclusion: what to choose?
The payment method depends on the goals, amount and type of customer. For most customers, we recommend:
• SWIFT through a non-sanctioned bank of the Russian Federation — if an official transfer is required;
• Cryptocurrency — if speed and independence are important;
• Foreign account — if the client works with friendly countries;
• Cash — if the amount is up to AED 55,000 and you have a personal presence.
Do you want your payment to be quick and secure?
Contact Green City Real Estate and our brokers will help you find a convenient, proven translation method for your budget and deal format
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