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Foreigners can legally buy property in Dubai, but only in specific government-designated freehold zones where full ownership rights are granted.
Dubai's property market offers excellent opportunities for foreign investors, with over 100 designated freehold areas including prestigious locations like Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. As of June 2025, the Dubai government continues expanding these zones to attract international investment.
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Foreigners can purchase property in Dubai only within designated freehold zones, where they receive full ownership rights including land ownership.
Over 100 areas are approved for foreign ownership, with property purchases qualifying buyers for residency visas starting from AED 750,000 investments.
| Aspect | Freehold Areas | Non-Freehold Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | Full ownership permitted | Restricted to UAE nationals |
| Land Rights | Buyer owns land and property | Leasehold only (up to 99 years) |
| Property Types | Apartments, villas, townhouses, land | Limited options |
| Investment Threshold | No minimum for purchase | N/A for foreigners |
| Visa Eligibility | AED 750,000+ qualifies for residency | No visa benefits |
| Popular Locations | Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah | Old Dubai areas |
| Resale Rights | Full resale to any buyer | Restricted resale options |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Jean-Charles Salvin 🇫🇷
Co-Founder, Best Dubai Condos
Where in Dubai are foreigners legally allowed to buy property?
Foreigners can legally purchase property in Dubai only within specific government-designated freehold zones.
These freehold areas are officially listed and regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) under Article 3 of Regulation No. 3 (2006). Outside these designated zones, property ownership remains restricted to UAE nationals.
As of June 2025, over 100 areas across Dubai have been approved for foreign ownership, spanning from luxury waterfront developments to established residential communities. The Dubai government actively maintains and updates this list to attract international investment.
Popular freehold zones include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Dubai Hills Estate. Each zone offers different property types and investment opportunities.
Foreign buyers receive the same ownership rights as UAE nationals within these areas, including full title deed registration and unrestricted resale rights.
Are there specific zones or communities designated for freehold ownership by foreigners?
Yes, Dubai has established over 100 specific zones and communities exclusively designated for foreign freehold ownership.
The Dubai Land Department maintains an official registry of approved freehold areas, which includes master-planned communities, individual developments, and specific building projects. These designations are legally binding and clearly defined by geographic boundaries.
Major freehold zones include complete communities like Dubai Marina (covering 4 square kilometers), Downtown Dubai (encompassing the Burj Khalifa district), and Palm Jumeirah (the entire artificial island). Smaller designated areas include specific building projects within mixed-use developments.
Recent additions to the freehold list include parts of Sheikh Zayed Road corridor and Al Jaddaf area, demonstrating the government's commitment to expanding foreign investment opportunities. Each new designation undergoes thorough legal review before approval.
It's something we develop in our Dubai property pack.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold property in Dubai?
Freehold property grants foreigners complete ownership of both the property and the underlying land with no time restrictions.
| Aspect | Freehold Property | Leasehold Property |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Duration | Permanent ownership | Fixed term (typically 99 years) |
| Land Rights | Full land ownership included | No land ownership rights |
| Title Deed | Buyer's name on title deed | Lease agreement only |
| Inheritance Rights | Full inheritance rights | Limited to lease term |
| Resale Rights | Unrestricted resale | Subject to lease terms |
| Mortgage Options | Full financing available | Limited financing options |
| Property Modifications | Owner discretion (within regulations) | Landlord approval required |
Can foreigners buy both residential and commercial properties in these areas?
Foreigners can purchase both residential and commercial properties within designated freehold zones without restrictions on property use.
Residential options include apartments, villas, townhouses, and penthouses across all freehold areas. Commercial properties encompass office spaces, retail units, warehouses, and mixed-use developments within the same zones.
Business Bay and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offer extensive commercial property options, while areas like Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah focus primarily on residential developments. Downtown Dubai provides both residential towers and commercial office spaces.
Investment properties for rental income are equally accessible, with many foreign buyers purchasing both residential units for personal use and commercial spaces for business operations. No additional permits are required for foreign ownership of commercial properties in freehold zones.
The same ownership rights apply to both property types, including full title deed registration and unrestricted resale capabilities.
Are there any restrictions on the type of property (villa, apartment, land) that foreigners can buy?
Within freehold zones, foreigners face no restrictions on property types and can purchase apartments, villas, townhouses, and even vacant land plots.
1. **Apartments and Penthouses**: Available in all freehold high-rise developments, from studio units to multi-bedroom luxury penthouses2. **Villas and Townhouses**: Offered in gated communities like Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, and Palm Jumeirah3. **Vacant Land Plots**: Available in select freehold areas for custom development projects4. **Commercial Units**: Including office spaces, retail shops, and warehouse facilities5. **Mixed-Use Properties**: Combining residential and commercial elements within single developmentsProperty size limitations depend on individual developments rather than government restrictions. Some luxury developments offer plots exceeding 10,000 square feet, while others focus on compact urban units.
The only restrictions relate to location (must be within freehold zones) rather than property type. Foreign buyers enjoy the same purchasing options as UAE nationals within these designated areas.
Custom development projects on purchased land require standard building permits and compliance with local construction regulations, but face no additional foreign ownership restrictions.
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What are some of the most popular freehold areas among foreign investors?
Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah rank as the three most popular freehold areas among foreign property investors.
Downtown Dubai attracts investors seeking luxury high-rise living near the Burj Khalifa, with average apartment prices ranging from AED 1.2 million to AED 8 million. The area offers world-class amenities, proximity to Dubai Mall, and strong rental yields averaging 6-8% annually.
Dubai Marina appeals to waterfront lifestyle enthusiasts, featuring over 200 residential towers with marina views. Property prices range from AED 900,000 for studio apartments to AED 6 million for penthouses, with consistent rental demand from expatriate professionals.
Palm Jumeirah provides exclusive villa and apartment options on the artificial island, with properties starting from AED 2 million for apartments and reaching AED 50 million for waterfront villas. The area offers private beaches and resort-style amenities.
Business Bay serves as a popular choice for commercial property investment, while Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) offers affordable entry points with apartments starting from AED 700,000.
It's something we develop in our Dubai property pack.
Do all developers in freehold zones sell to foreigners, or are there exceptions?
The vast majority of developers in freehold zones actively market to foreign buyers, but verification with the Dubai Land Department remains essential.
Major developers like Emaar, DAMAC, Sobha Realty, and Dubai Properties specifically target international investors and maintain dedicated sales teams for foreign buyers. These developers handle all legal documentation and title deed transfers for non-UAE nationals.
Some smaller or boutique developers may lack experience with foreign buyer requirements, potentially causing documentation delays rather than outright restrictions. However, legal obligations require all developers in freehold zones to sell to qualified foreign buyers.
Rare exceptions occur when specific buildings within freehold zones were constructed before the area's freehold designation, creating mixed ownership structures. These properties require individual verification through DLD records.
Always confirm the property's freehold status directly with the Dubai Land Department before making purchase commitments, regardless of developer assurances. This verification protects against potential title deed complications.
How do I check if a specific project or building is in a freehold zone?
The Dubai Land Department's online E-Services portal provides the most reliable method to verify a property's freehold status.
1. **DLD E-Services Portal**: Enter the area name and land number to check official property status and ownership regulations2. **Title Deed Verification**: Request to see the existing title deed, which clearly indicates freehold or leasehold status3. **Developer Documentation**: Review official sales brochures and legal documents that must specify ownership type4. **Real Estate Agent Confirmation**: Licensed agents can access DLD databases to verify property status instantly5. **Legal Consultation**: Property lawyers can conduct comprehensive due diligence including zoning verificationThe E-Services portal (dubailand.gov.ae) requires property coordinates or building registration numbers, typically available from developers or real estate agents. This official verification takes 2-3 minutes and provides definitive legal status.
Never rely solely on marketing materials or verbal assurances, as some properties may be located on boundaries between freehold and non-freehold zones. Official DLD verification eliminates any uncertainty about ownership rights.
Professional real estate agents licensed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) can also provide instant verification through their access to official databases.
Are there any government or legal fees specific to foreign buyers in Dubai?
Foreign buyers pay the same government fees as UAE nationals, with no additional charges based on nationality.
The Dubai Land Department transfer fee equals 4% of the property purchase price, traditionally split equally between buyer and seller (2% each), though this allocation is negotiable. Registration fees amount to AED 2,000 for properties under AED 500,000 or AED 4,000 for properties exceeding AED 500,000, plus 5% VAT.
Title deed issuance costs AED 250 per document, while mortgage registration fees reach up to 0.25% of the loan amount plus AED 290 for applicable financing arrangements. Real estate agent commissions typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price.
Legal fees for property purchase assistance range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 depending on transaction complexity and property value. Some buyers also incur property valuation costs of AED 2,000-5,000 for mortgage applications.
No foreign buyer taxes, nationality-based surcharges, or special permit fees apply to property purchases in freehold zones. The fee structure remains identical regardless of buyer citizenship or residency status.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UAE versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Can foreigners buy property under their own name or only through a company?
Foreigners can purchase Dubai property directly under their personal name without requiring company establishment.
Individual ownership provides the simplest and most common approach for foreign property buyers, with title deeds registered directly in the buyer's personal name. This method offers full ownership rights, inheritance capabilities, and unrestricted resale options.
Company ownership through UAE-registered entities remains optional for buyers seeking privacy, asset protection, or estate planning benefits. Companies must be registered in specific free zones like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).
Personal ownership requires standard identification documents (passport, Emirates ID if applicable) and proof of income for mortgage applications. Company ownership involves additional corporate documentation and ongoing compliance requirements.
Most foreign buyers choose personal ownership for simplicity and direct control, while high-net-worth individuals may prefer corporate structures for tax optimization or estate planning purposes. Both approaches offer identical property rights within freehold zones.
Is there a residency visa or investor visa linked to property purchase in these areas?
Dubai property ownership qualifies foreign buyers for renewable residency visas based on investment value thresholds.
| Investment Amount | Visa Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| AED 750,000+ | Property Investor Visa | 2 years (renewable) |
| AED 1,000,000+ | Investor Visa | 3 years (renewable) |
| AED 2,000,000+ | Golden Visa | 5 years (renewable) |
| AED 5,000,000+ | Golden Visa Premium | 5 years (renewable) |
| AED 10,000,000+ | Golden Visa Elite | 10 years (renewable) |
| Family Inclusion | All visa types | Spouse and children included |
| Multiple Properties | Combined value counts | Aggregated investment amounts |
The 2-year property investor visa for AED 750,000+ investments includes family members (spouse and unmarried children under 18) and allows multiple entries with 6-month stay periods per visit.
Higher investment amounts unlock longer-term visas with enhanced benefits, including extended stay periods and reduced renewal requirements. Golden Visa holders enjoy priority government services and expanded family inclusion options.
It's something we develop in our Dubai property pack.
Are there any future areas being planned or added to the freehold list for foreigners?
The Dubai government actively expands freehold designations, with recent additions including Sheikh Zayed Road corridor sections and Al Jaddaf area.
As we reach mid-2025, Dubai's Real Estate Master Plan 2040 outlines continued freehold zone expansion to accommodate 5.8 million residents by 2040. This growth strategy includes new urban developments and conversion of existing leasehold areas to freehold status.
Recent government announcements indicate upcoming freehold designations in Dubai South, parts of Deira, and select areas along the Dubai Creek. These expansions aim to provide foreign investors with more diverse location and price point options.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid City development and Dubai Hills Estate Phase 2 represent major upcoming freehold areas scheduled for completion by 2026-2027. These projects will add over 50,000 new residential units available for foreign ownership.
Dubai's strategy focuses on balancing heritage preservation in traditional areas while opening new districts for international investment. Future expansions prioritize sustainable development and transportation connectivity to existing business centers.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Dubai offers exceptional opportunities for foreign property investors through its comprehensive freehold zone system.
With over 100 designated areas and expanding government support, international buyers can access world-class properties with full ownership rights and residency visa benefits.