Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner: what DLD says

Yes. A foreigner can own property in Dubai, but only in freehold areas. Dubai Land Department's FAQ (read 9 October 2026) lists "Foreign ownership in freehold areas" as one of the two kinds of ownership right in Dubai.

Who may own property, and where?

DLD's FAQ splits the right to own property in two. Emirati and GCC citizens, their wholly owned companies and joint public companies may own in all areas. Foreigners may own in freehold areas.

A freehold area is an area where non-UAE citizens may register property. The FAQ says these are the areas specified by the Ruler of Dubai under Dubai's law on real estate registration (read 9 October 2026).

The same FAQ answer says a company owned by non-UAE citizens may hold property in those areas if it is registered in a Dubai free zone or in another emirate, under the agreements concluded for that.

Does a purchase have to be registered?

Yes. DLD's FAQ says DLD is the only body legally allowed to register and document real estate transactions in Dubai. It says a transaction that is not registered in DLD's registers is invalid.

Developers record their own sales through a self-registration system. For other sales, the parties or their representatives attend a Real Estate Registration Trustee centre.

What is initial registration?

The FAQ defines initial registration as registering a sale contract off-plan before the property moves to the real estate registry. It covers off-plan homes and some ready homes, and gives an initial sale certificate.

The FAQ says an off-plan unit or contract can be resold before transfer to the registry after a No Objection Certificate from the developer.

Can someone buy for me under a power of attorney?

Yes, within the limits of the power of attorney. DLD's FAQ (read 9 October 2026) says a power of attorney for a purchase is valid for five years from notarisation, and one for sale, mortgage or gift for two years.

A power of attorney issued outside the UAE must be ratified by a notary, the foreign ministry of the country of origin, the UAE embassy there and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Can a foreigner get a mortgage?

The UAE Central Bank sets the maximum loan sizes. Keyva's mortgage basics guide sets out what its mortgage regulation says.

This is general information about published rules, not legal advice.

Updated 9 October 2026: figures and wording corrected.