Foreigners and expatriate residents can purchase property in Dubai, but must adhere to specific regulations. According to Law No. 7 of 2006, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property in designated areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.
Types of Ownership
- Freehold: Absolute ownership of land and buildings, unrestricted by time.
- Musataha: Right to use and develop another's land for up to 50 years.
- Usufruct: Right to use and benefit from another's property for up to 99 years.
Designated Areas for Foreign Ownership
Some designated areas where foreigners can own freehold property include:
- The Palm Jumeirah
- The World Islands
- Downtown Dubai
- Old Town
- Burj Khalifa
- Business Bay
- Dubai Marina
- Emirates Hills
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
- Discovery Gardens
- Arabian Ranches
For a full list, contact the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Steps Before Buying Property
- Legal Due Diligence: Ensure the property is free of any liens or mortgages.
- Sale and Purchase Agreement: Draft and sign a contract available on the DLD website.
- Property Registration: Visit a Real Estate Registration Trustees service center or use the Dubai REST app to complete the registration process.
Required Documents
- No-objection e-certificate from the developer
- Emirates ID or passport
- Power of attorney if applicable
- Company registration documents if the buyer is an entity
Fees
- Service partner fees range from AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 plus VAT
- Real estate unit or villa fee: AED 250
- Land plot map fees: AED 100-225
- Knowledge and innovation fees: AED 10 each
- Seller and purchaser fees: 2% of sale value
Documents Issued
- e-Certificate of Title
- Title deed
- Usufruct right e-certificate
- Provisional sale contract
Foreigners and expatriate residents must follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth property purchasing process in Dubai. For more information and assistance, contacting the Dubai Land Department is recommended.
News Source: Khaleej Times
