District Intelligence content is indicative only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult a licensed District Real Estate advisor before making any property decision.
Yes. Foreign nationals of any nationality can purchase freehold property in Dubai in designated freehold zones. Dubai has over 60 freehold areas including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, JVC, Dubai Hills Estate, and many more. There are no nationality restrictions in these zones and no property tax.
Key Freehold Areas in Dubai
| Area | Freehold | Golden Visa Eligible | DRE Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | ✓ | ✓ | Active |
| Dubai Marina | ✓ | ✓ | Active |
| Palm Jumeirah | ✓ | ✓ | Active |
| Business Bay | ✓ | ✓ | Active |
| Dubai Hills Estate | ✓ | ✓ | Active |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | ✓ | Larger units | Active |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | ✓ | ✓ | Active |
What Foreigners Need to Know
Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the purchase price on transfer. This is paid by the buyer. There is no annual property tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
Purchase a completed property worth AED 2 million or more anywhere in Dubai freehold zones to qualify for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Both off-plan and completed properties now qualify in Dubai, subject to conditions.
You do not need UAE residency to buy property in Dubai. Purchases can be completed remotely via Power of Attorney. DRE handles overseas buyer transactions across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Non-residents can access mortgages in Dubai at up to 50% LTV. Residents qualify for up to 80% LTV. Major banks including Emirates NBD, ENBD, Mashreq, and HSBC all offer non-resident mortgage products.
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi — which should a foreign buyer choose?
Dubai offers a more liquid market, stronger short-term rental yields, and a broader choice of freehold areas. Abu Dhabi offers higher long-term rental stability, stronger government sector tenant demand, and arguably more conservative capital preservation. Both are excellent markets for foreign buyers.
District operates across both markets. We do not have a bias toward either city — we recommend based on your investment objectives, budget, and timeline.
DRE holds RERA Dubai licence 818563 and ADM Abu Dhabi licence 2018/233912.
Related Intelligence
Dubai offers a more liquid market, stronger short-term rental yields, and a broader choice of freehold areas. Abu Dhabi offers higher long-term rental stability, stronger government sector tenant demand, and arguably more conservative capital preservation. Both are excellent markets for foreign buyers.
Read District Intelligence →
Property in the UAE is governed by the official authorities below. Requirements and thresholds can change — always confirm current rules with the relevant authority before transacting.
- Dubai Land Department (DLD)The government authority that registers property ownership and transactions in Dubai.
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)The regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department, overseeing brokers, developers and escrow accounts.
- Dubai RESTThe Dubai Land Department’s official app for title deeds, transactions and property services.
- DARIThe Dubai Land Department’s official platform for real estate data, registration and services.
Get instant answers about property ownership in the UAE from our AI property intelligence assistant.
Ready to buy property in the UAE?
Our advisors are specialists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai investment zones. Speak to us directly.