Buyer Guides · 10 min read
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai? Freehold Explained
The EQT Private Office · RERA-registered brokerage · Published July 22, 2026 · Updated August 4, 2026
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Dubai, and they can own it outright as freehold in designated areas. Since 2002, Dubai law has permitted non-UAE nationals to purchase, hold, sell, and lease property with full title in more than 60 gazetted freehold zones, including Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Emirates Hills, Al Barari, and Jumeirah Islands. There is no requirement to be a resident, no annual property tax, and no capital gains tax on resale. This guide explains exactly what freehold means, where foreigners can buy, the costs involved, and how ownership can lead to long-term UAE residency.
Key takeaways
- •Foreigners of any nationality can buy freehold property in Dubai's designated zones
- •Freehold grants full, permanent ownership of both the property and the land
- •Residency is not required to purchase; non-residents can buy too
- •No annual property tax and no capital gains tax apply
- •A purchase of AED 2M+ can qualify the owner for a 10-year Golden Visa
The law: how foreign ownership works in Dubai
Foreign property ownership in Dubai was established by law in 2002 and formalised under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 concerning land registration. This legislation created the concept of designated freehold areas where non-UAE and non-GCC nationals can hold property with a registered title deed.
Outside these designated zones, foreign ownership is generally restricted to leasehold or usufruct arrangements. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) maintains the official register and issues the title deed that proves ownership.
Freehold vs leasehold: what the difference means
Freehold and leasehold are the two principal ownership structures in Dubai, and the distinction materially affects your rights. Freehold is outright ownership; leasehold is a long-term right to use.
For luxury villa and apartment buyers in areas like Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, freehold is the standard, giving complete control over the asset and the ability to pass it to heirs.
- •Freehold: you own the property and the land indefinitely, with rights to sell, lease, or bequeath
- •Leasehold: you hold usage rights for a fixed term (commonly up to 99 years) but not the underlying land
- •Commonhold: applies to apartments, giving unit ownership plus a share of common areas
- •Freehold title deeds are registered directly with the Dubai Land Department
Where foreigners can buy: designated freehold areas
Foreigners can only take freehold title in gazetted zones, but these encompass most of Dubai's premium and most sought-after communities. The list has expanded steadily and now covers dozens of areas across the city.
For EQT's clientele, the key luxury freehold communities are among the most established and prestigious in the emirate.
- •Palm Jumeirah - beachfront villas and apartments
- •Emirates Hills - Dubai's premier gated villa community
- •Al Barari - low-density, green residential estates
- •Downtown Dubai and Business Bay - landmark apartments and penthouses
- •Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Hills, Dubai Marina, and District One
The buying process step by step
Purchasing as a foreigner is straightforward and can be completed in as little as a few weeks. You do not need to be physically present for every stage, and a power of attorney can be used where necessary.
The process is regulated end to end by RERA and the DLD, which protect both buyer and seller. Working with a RERA-licensed brokerage ensures the transaction, escrow, and registration are handled correctly.
- •Agree terms and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F)
- •Pay a deposit, typically 10%, held securely pending transfer
- •Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
- •Complete the transfer at a DLD trustee office and pay the 4% transfer fee
- •Receive the title deed in your name, confirming freehold ownership
Costs, taxes, and financing for foreign buyers
Dubai's tax environment is a central attraction. There is no annual property tax, no capital gains tax on resale, and no inheritance tax in the conventional sense, though estate planning via a registered will is strongly advised.
Buyers should budget roughly 6-8% of the purchase price in one-off transaction costs. Non-resident foreigners can also access mortgages from UAE banks, subject to larger down payments than residents.
- •DLD transfer fee: 4% of the purchase price
- •Agency commission: 2% plus 5% VAT
- •Registration and trustee fees: a few thousand dirhams
- •Non-resident mortgages available, typically up to 50-60% loan-to-value
- •No annual property or capital gains tax on the asset
Ownership and residency: the Golden Visa link
Property ownership in Dubai can open a direct route to long-term residency. Investing AED 2 million or more in real estate qualifies the owner for the UAE's 10-year renewable Golden Visa, which can extend to a spouse and dependants.
The Golden Visa does not require the property to be mortgage-free in all cases and provides a stable base for family relocation, schooling, and business. For buyers of luxury villas, whose values comfortably exceed the threshold, eligibility is effectively automatic.
- •AED 2M+ property investment supports a 10-year Golden Visa
- •The visa covers spouse and dependants and is renewable
- •Ownership does not require you to live in the UAE year-round
- •Property can be held individually or via a qualifying company structure
Frequently asked
Can any nationality buy property in Dubai?+
Yes. Dubai places no nationality restrictions on freehold purchases in designated areas. Buyers from any country can own property outright.
Do I need to live in Dubai to buy property there?+
No. Residency is not a prerequisite. Non-residents can purchase freehold property, and the transaction can be completed remotely via power of attorney if needed.
What does freehold ownership actually give me?+
Freehold grants permanent, full ownership of both the property and the land, with the right to sell, lease, renovate, or bequeath it, registered under a DLD title deed.
Are there taxes on buying or owning property in Dubai?+
There is no annual property tax and no capital gains tax. The main cost is the one-off 4% DLD transfer fee at purchase, plus agency and registration fees.
Can buying property get me UAE residency?+
Yes. A property investment of AED 2 million or more qualifies the owner for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa, extendable to immediate family members.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Dubai?+
Yes. UAE banks lend to non-residents, though loan-to-value ratios are more conservative, generally requiring a down payment of around 40-50%.
