Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai? Freehold Areas Explained

By the MgtWell Property research desk. Reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

It is one of the most common questions we hear from overseas investors: can foreigners buy property in Dubai? The short answer is yes. Since the mid-2000s, Dubai has allowed non-UAE nationals to own property outright in designated freehold areas, and today those areas cover most of the city's best-known residential communities. This guide explains the law, the ownership types, and what you need to know as an international buyer.

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai? What the law says

Two pieces of legislation set the framework:

• Law No. 7 of 2006 (the Real Property Registration Law). Article 4 lets UAE and GCC nationals own property anywhere in Dubai. Non-UAE and non-GCC nationals can own freehold, or hold usufruct or leasehold rights of up to 99 years, in areas designated by the Ruler of Dubai.
• Regulation No. 3 of 2006, which determines those designated areas. The Ruler can add areas by decree, and the list has grown over time.

In practice, this means a buyer from the USA, UK, Germany, India, Pakistan, China or almost anywhere else can buy and register property in their own name, in a freehold area, without a local partner or sponsor.

Freehold, leasehold and usufruct

Most international buyers in Dubai buy freehold. Your ownership is recorded by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) on a title deed, or on the Oqood interim register while an off-plan project is being built. See Oqood vs title deed explained.

Where can foreigners buy? Freehold areas explained

Regulation No. 3 of 2006 uses official land-registry area names, which often differ from the marketing names you see in adverts. For example, the original regulation lists zones such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, The World Islands, Al Barsha South, Jebel Ali, Al Jaddaf and Mirdif. Many master communities sit inside these official zones.

Al Tamimi & Company, a leading UAE law firm, gives examples of designated areas including Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Sports City and International City, and notes that most of Dubai is now open to foreign ownership, with some older areas excluded.

Popular freehold communities for international buyers include:

Browse our full list of Dubai areas for profiles of each.

Always confirm that the specific plot or building sits in a freehold area for non-GCC buyers. A licensed broker or the DLD can check this before you pay anything.

Do you need to live in the UAE?

No. You can buy as a non-resident with a valid passport. You do not need a UAE visa, a local bank account (though it helps), or a local sponsor. Many buyers complete the entire process remotely using digital signing, bank transfers and, where needed, a power of attorney.

Owning property does not automatically give you residency. However, if your property is valued at AED 2 million or more, you may qualify for the long-term Golden Visa. Read our Golden Visa through property guide.

Buying through a company

Individuals have the simplest route. Company ownership is more complex, and the DLD's policies change. According to Al Tamimi & Company:

• Offshore companies (for example BVI or Cayman) cannot newly acquire property in designated areas.
• Foreign onshore companies generally cannot hold property directly, but can set up a Dubai free zone company to hold it.
• DIFC companies can own property in designated areas under a DLD and DIFC arrangement.
• Foreign trusts and funds cannot own property in Dubai directly.

General information, not tax/legal advice. Speak to a qualified adviser in your country and a UAE lawyer before buying through any structure.

What foreign buyers pay

Foreign buyers pay the same government fees as UAE residents. The main one is the 4% DLD fee. Ready and resale purchases also involve trustee office and agency fees. See Dubai property buying costs for a full breakdown.

Steps for a foreign buyer

1. Choose a freehold area that fits your goals.
2. Work with a RERA-licensed broker and check their licence.
3. Verify the property: title deed or Oqood for resale, DLD registration and escrow details for off-plan.
4. Sign the contract: an MOU (Form F) for resale or an SPA for off-plan.
5. Pay by international bank transfer to the correct account.
6. Register at a DLD trustee office (resale) or through Oqood (off-plan).
7. Receive your title deed or Oqood certificate in your name.

Tips for international buyers

• Use your passport name exactly on all documents.
• Plan currency transfers. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar. Other currencies carry exchange-rate risk.
• Check home-country rules. Some countries limit or require reporting of overseas investments.
• Keep records of every payment for future resale and tax reporting.

How MgtWell helps

Our representatives in the USA, UK, Germany and other markets can meet you locally, while our Dubai team handles the transaction. Visit our international buyers hub to find guidance for your country.

Frequently asked questions