Can foreigners own property in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can own property in Dubai in designated freehold areas.
Freehold vs Leasehold
- Freehold: Full ownership of property and land indefinitely
- Leasehold: Typically 99-year ownership rights
Popular Freehold Areas
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah
- Business Bay
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
- Arabian Ranches
- Dubai Hills Estate
Ownership Rights
Foreign property owners in freehold areas have full rights to:
- Buy, sell, lease, and mortgage the property
- Pass the property to heirs through inheritance
- Register property with Dubai Land Department
- Obtain residency visa based on property value
Legal Requirements
- Valid passport
- UAE entry stamp or residence visa
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income documentation)
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from developer if buying off-plan
Registration Process
All property transactions must be registered with the Dubai Land Department. Registration fees are 4% of property value (2% from buyer, 2% from seller).
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