Buying an Apartment in Dubai for Foreigners 2026: Legal Requirements

Conditions for buying an apartment in Dubai for foreigners include owning property in freehold areas, having a valid passport, and providing proof of income or approved bank financing. Imtilak Global explains these conditions in detail and assists you in every step of the process of buying an apartment in Dubai through its integrated services.

Law of Foreign Ownership in Dubai

Over the past twenty years, the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has witnessed a boom in construction and infrastructure projects, as well as a real estate revolution that established a distinctive and attractive real estate market for major investors and developers from all over the world.

The real estate market in Dubai has entered the list of the world’s best real estate markets, achieving record numbers in outstanding projects built in the emirate, which currently form the typical image that represents the modern and developed city of Dubai.

Dubai’s properties have become major landmarks that shape the city’s visual identity and leave a lasting impression in the minds of its visitors and residents as a city that came from the future.

The legal regulations in the Emirate of Dubai allow foreign investors to own apartments and residential properties without any age restrictions.

The Dubai government law regarding foreign ownership of properties in the city refers to designated areas where foreigners can own properties on a freehold basis.

The law of foreign ownership of properties in Dubai affirms that a foreign investor acquires the right to own property with absolute ownership not restricted by time, in addition to the right to benefit from the property, whether by renting it out or living in it.

The law of foreign ownership of properties in Dubai also clarifies another type of property ownership, other than freehold, called usufruct, which is buying a property and benefiting from it for only 99 years.

According to the regulations in force in the United Arab Emirates, the title deed for properties in Dubai is issued by the Land Department, which is affiliated with the government of the emirate.

What properties can foreigners own in Dubai?

Foreigners are allowed to own properties in Dubai within the freehold areas specified by law, including apartments, villas, and residential and commercial properties.

According to Article 3 of Law No. 3 of 2006 in the United Arab Emirates, the areas where freehold ownership for foreigners is permitted in the Emirate of Dubai have been determined.

A foreign investor wishing to own properties in Dubai can inquire about the areas where freehold ownership is allowed from the responsible authorities and review all procedures, conditions, and legal requirements.

Foreigners can also own properties in other areas of Dubai outside the freehold areas if there are certain exceptions from the competent authorities in the Dubai government, or through another type of ownership other than freehold.

Read also: Investment value of The Springs area in Dubai.

What properties are foreigners not allowed to own in Dubai?

In general, there are no properties in Dubai that foreigners are legally prohibited from owning; however, outside the areas designated by the government for freehold ownership, foreigners cannot own properties outright but can purchase properties with the right to benefit from them for 99 years.

There are also some properties designated by the competent authorities in the Dubai government or the UAE federal government as not allowed for foreign ownership.

What are the conditions for buying an apartment in Dubai for foreigners?

The conditions for buying an apartment in Dubai for foreigners include the following:

• The property must be located within approved freehold areas in Dubai.

• Providing documents that prove financial capability and sufficient income to purchase the apartment.

• Registering the property at the Dubai Land Department and completing all legal procedures.

• Committing to pay government fees related to registration, evaluation, and mortgage, including Land Department fees, property registration fees, property evaluation fees, mortgage loan fees, and mortgage registration fees.

• Contracting with a licensed real estate agent to facilitate the purchase procedures.

• The buyer must not have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude in their country.

Conditions related to the seller

• The real owner of the property must be present at the time of sale to transfer ownership to the buyer, and a legally authorized representative may act on their behalf if there is an official power of attorney.
• Paying the financial dues resulting from selling a property owned in Dubai, including government taxes and real estate agent fees.
• Owning a property with full disposal rights, with the type of ownership allowing for resale and transfer to another owner.

What are the freehold areas in Dubai?

The Dubai government has designated freehold areas for foreigners in the emirate, and the following areas stand out as the most important where foreign investors can buy apartments in Dubai with absolute ownership:

• Umm Hurair Second (Plot No. 013).
• Al Barsha South Second (Plot No. 002).
• Al Barsha South Third (Plot No. 002).
• Emirates Hills First (Plots No. 004 - 814).
• Emirates Hills Second (Plots No. 001 - 049).
• Emirates Hills Third (Plot No. 001).
• Jebel Ali (Plots No. 051-074-081-082-083-084-142-143-391).
• Al Jaddaf (Plots No. 003-007-008).
• The World Islands (Plot No. 001).
• Ras Al Khor (Plot No. 165).
• Al Ruwayyah (Plots No. 063-065).
• Sheikh Zayed Road (Plots No. 118-147).
• Al Sufouh First (Plot No. 069).
• Al Sufouh Second (Plot No. 005).
• Al Quoz Third (Plots No. 005-006).
• Al Quoz Industrial Second (Plots No. 010-030).
• Al Quoz Industrial Third (Plot No. 028).
• Mirdif (Plots No. 143-144).
• Dubai Marina (Plots No. 007-014-015-003).
• Palm Jebel Ali (Plot No. 001).
• Palm Jumeirah (Plot No. 001).
• Nad Al Sheba (Plots No. 209-215-222).
• Warsan First (Plot No. 002).
  
  

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Imtilak Global facilitates all procedures for buying an apartment in Dubai

The team at Imtilak Global works with high professionalism and expertise gained from extensive experience in the Dubai real estate market. Through this, Imtilak Global provides exclusive and distinguished real estate opportunities in Dubai for those wishing to invest and own property.

The company is committed, through its integrated service package, to overcoming all obstacles and completing all necessary procedures for its clients to purchase an apartment in Dubai.

Questions and answers about buying an apartment in Dubai

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