Foreigners and expatriate residents in the UAE can purchase property in the country, as per the UAE government portal. Law No. 7 of 2006 allows non-UAE nationals to own freehold land and property in designated areas in Dubai. Freehold ownership offers unrestricted rights extending to the land and all buildings on it, including musataha, usufruct, and long-term leases up to 99 years. Musataha allows investors to develop land owned by another for up to 50 years, while usufruct grants usage rights for up to 99 years. Designated areas where foreigners can own property include prominent locations like The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay.
Before buying property in Dubai, it is crucial to conduct legal due diligence, sign a sale and purchase agreement, and ensure the property’s legality. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) offers services to verify ownership and project status through their website. Legal due diligence involves confirming property ownership, free of charges or liens, using DLD’s online services. Registration of the sale requires signing the contract issued by the DLD and visiting Real Estate Registration Trustees with the necessary documents to complete the process.
The registration process can be carried out either through service centers or the Dubai REST app. Through service centers, required documents are submitted digitally, transaction details are audited, and necessary documents are issued. With the Dubai REST app, buyers can enter the booking reference number, pay fees online, and download the certificate. Required documents for registration include an e-NOC from the developer in freehold areas, Emirates ID or passport, and legal power of attorney if needed. Fees for services are based on the property value and type, including service partners fee, unit or villa fee, seller and purchaser fee, and others.
After completing the registration process, buyers receive essential documents like the e-Certificate of Title, title deed, usufruct right e-certificate, provisional sale contract, and others. These documents confirm the property ownership and legality for the buyer’s records. It is essential for foreigners and expatriate residents looking to invest in Dubai real estate to follow the legal procedures outlined by the DLD to ensure a smooth and legitimate property purchase process. The DLD’s online services provide a convenient way to verify property ownership, check project status, and access necessary documents for registration.
