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Buying Property

Who Can Buy Property in the UAE?

Rules for UAE nationals, residents and non-residents.

Updated: September 2026 5 min read

Yes — foreigners can buy property in the UAE. In Dubai, non-UAE nationals can own property outright in designated freehold areas, with no local partner, no sponsor and no time limit. You don't need to live in the UAE or hold a residency visa to buy.

What the law allows in Dubai

Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 on Real Property Registration limits ownership anywhere in the emirate to UAE and GCC nationals, companies they wholly own, and public joint stock companies. Its Article 4 makes an exception: in areas designated by the Ruler, non-UAE nationals may own property on a freehold basis without time restriction, or hold a usufruct or leasehold interest of up to 99 years. The designated areas are set out in Regulation No. 3 of 2006.

Where foreigners can buy in Dubai

Freehold status belongs to designated land (Regulation No. 3 of 2006 and later resolutions), not to a community's name, so always confirm it for the exact plot. The communities international buyers look at most are in freehold areas, including:

  • Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Jumeirah Lake Towers
  • Downtown Dubai and Business Bay
  • Palm Jumeirah
  • Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Village Triangle
  • Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches and Emirates Hills

Abu Dhabi and the other emirates

Each emirate sets its own rules. Abu Dhabi allows foreign ownership in designated investment zones such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach. Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman also allow foreign buyers in specific areas. Always confirm the status of the exact plot or building before paying a deposit.

Freehold or leasehold?

  • Freehold: you own the unit (and a share of the land) outright, with no expiry.
  • Leasehold: you hold the right to use the property for a fixed term, up to 99 years in Dubai.
  • The title deed issued by the land department states which one you have.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the property is in a freehold or investment area, not just that the developer says so.
  • Budget for the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4% of the price, plus registration and agency fees.
  • Check the developer's and agency's reviews on RealtyReview.ae.
  • Property worth AED 2 million or more can make you eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa — check the current criteria with the ICP.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Yes. Non-UAE nationals can own property outright in Dubai's designated freehold areas, with no local partner, no sponsor and no time limit. Outside those areas, Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 limits ownership to UAE and GCC nationals and companies they own.

Do I need a UAE residency visa to buy property in Dubai?

No. You don't need to live in the UAE or hold a residency visa to buy property in Dubai. Foreign buyers in designated freehold areas also need no local partner or sponsor.

Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah?

Yes, in specific areas, because each emirate sets its own rules. Abu Dhabi allows foreign ownership in designated investment zones such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach, and Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman also allow foreign buyers in specific areas. Confirm the status of the exact plot or building before paying a deposit.

Does buying property in the UAE qualify me for a Golden Visa?

It can. Property worth AED 2 million or more can make you eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa. Check the current criteria with the ICP before relying on it.

Sources

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