Dubai allows non-UAE nationals to own freehold land and property within designated areas by the Ruler of Dubai, as per Law No. 7 of 2006. Freehold ownership gives absolute rights to the land and buildings without any time restrictions. Foreign nationals can also acquire different types of real estate interests such as musataha, usufruct, and long-term leases of up to 99 years.
Musataha allows the owner to invest in and construct on another party’s land for a maximum of 50 years, after which ownership reverts to the original owner. Usufructing allows individuals to use and benefit from another owner’s property for up to 99 years. Designated areas for foreigners to own property in Dubai include popular locations like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Emirates Hills, and more. To explore other areas, contacting the Dubai Land Department is recommended.
Before buying a property, conducting legal due diligence is crucial. This involves verifying ownership, mortgages, and any charges on the property. The DLD website provides resources such as sale contracts for download and access to real estate data to find properties suited to the buyer’s needs. To confirm property ownership, the DLD online service enables individuals to inquire by name, Emirates ID, or passport number.
To register the sale, a sale and purchase contract must be signed and submitted to a Real Estate Registration Trustees service center or through the Dubai REST smart application. Required documents include an e-certificate from the developer in freehold areas, Emirates ID or passport of the seller and purchaser, a legal power of attorney if representative, and company registration if applicable. Various fees apply based on the property value and services rendered.
The registration process can be completed through service centers by submitting documents, verifying transactions, and making payments. Alternatively, the Dubai REST app allows for online processing by entering the booking reference number and paying fees through the Noqodi payment page. Documents issued upon completion of the process may include e-Certificate of Title, Title deed, usufruct right e-certificate, and provisional sale contract.
By following these steps and understanding the regulations, foreign nationals can easily invest in and own property in Dubai’s designated areas. Conducting thorough research, legal due diligence, and utilizing online services provided by the Dubai Land Department can help streamline the process and ensure a smooth property acquisition experience.
