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Foreigners were not allowed to buy property in the UAE before May 2002, as it was restricted to citizens of the country and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, it is now available under legal regulations that vary from emirate to another.
Conditions for buying a property in the UAE for foreigners
The conditions for foreigners to buy property in the UAE vary according to the laws of each emirate, as well as the ownership systems and procedures, in addition to the right of usufruct and disposal, and other original and subsidiary property rights.
Buying a property in Abu Dhabi for foreigners
As per the Law No. (19) of 2005 on property ownership, which has been amended by Law No. (13) of 2019, the government of Abu Dhabi has granted permission for foreign nationals to own properties on its territory.
Conditions for foreign ownership in Abu Dhabi
foreigners are permitted to own a property in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi without the land, and simultaneously, the law provides the proprietors of properties located in investment areas with all primary and derivative property rights, enabling them to conduct any transaction concerning the same.
Foreign property ownership in Abu Dhabi emirate is subject to a set of options governed by ownership standards and systems, which are as follows:
Ownership System (Freehold)
This property ownership system enables foreigners to own properties through 99-year bonds, granting them the authority to manage the property without the land during this duration.
Musataha System
The Musataha contract grants the foreigner the right to own property in certain investment areas f or a period of 50 years, renewable for a similar period.
As per Law No. (13) of 2019, Musataha rights can sell or mortgage a property without the owner’s consent for over 10 years.
The property owner cannot mortgage the property without the consent of the Musataha holder, unless otherwise agreed upon.
Usufruct system
Foreigner can own properties in specific investment areas of Abu Dhabi up to 99 years via a usufruct contract. This allows them to use and mortgage the property, along with its amenities, without the owner’s consent during this period.
While the property may not be mortgaged by its owner except after obtaining the consent of the owner of the usufruct, unless otherwise agreed upon between the two parties.
Long-term lease system
A foreigner can own real estate in Abu Dhabi through the long-term lease system, which gives them the right to lease properties for a period of not less than 25 years.
Areas of foreign ownership in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi government has identified 9 areas in the emirate where foreigners are allowed to own and purchase real estate, which are as follows:
- Yas Island
- Saadiyat Island
- Al Reem Island
- Al Maryah Island
- Lulu Island
- Al Raha Beach
- Saadiyat Beach
- Al Raha Gardens
- Masdar City
- Sieh al sedairah
Buying a property in Dubai for foreigners
In May 2002, Dubai became the first emirate in the UAE to announce the allowance for foreigners to own property within certain designated areas in the emirate, known as ‘freehold areas’. The Dubai government then granted foreigners the right to unrestricted real estate ownership, under Law No. (7) of 2006 regarding property registration in Dubai.
Foreigners in Dubai are also allowed to lease or use the property for up to 99 years within specifically designated areas. Property registration in Dubai is conducted through the Dubai Land and Ownership Department to obtain title deeds without requiring a specific age limit for property ownership in the emirate.
Freehold areas in Dubai
Dubai has announced specific plots of land within the designated freehold areas where unrestricted property ownership is allowed. You can find the complete list in Article (3) of the 2006 law regarding the identification of areas for non-citizens to own properties in the emirate of Dubai.
Buying a property in Sharjah for foreigners
Under Law No. (2) of 2022, Sharjah has allowed foreign expatriates of all nationalities the right to own all types of real estate, with unrestricted and unlimited ownership, within the designated areas and real estate development projects.
Conditions for foreign ownership in Sharjah
Foreigners are allowed to purchase properties in Sharjah subject to the following conditions:
- Obtaining approval from the ruler.
- Inheritance transfer through legal notification.
- The owner relinquishes the property unit to a first-degree relative.
- Ownership within designated areas and real estate development projects, in accordance with the conditions set by the Executive Council.
Source: The official portal of the UAE government + the official website of the Emirate of Sharjah
