How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Dubai

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