Buying Property in Sharjah
Who may own
Law No. 2 of 2022 keeps ownership in Sharjah for UAE and GCC nationals, with four exceptions: ownership approved by the Ruler, inheritance, transfer to a first-degree relative, and ownership in real estate development areas and projects under rules set by the Executive Council.2
Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022 then allowed individuals and companies of any nationality to own property of all types and uses, outright and without time limit, in approved development areas and projects.1,3
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | Approved real estate development areas and projects only |
| Cap per project | Non-UAE and non-GCC owners may hold up to 50% of the units |
| Ownership fee | 2% of the sale contract value |
| Existing usufruct holders | Exempt from the sale fee when buying the unit they hold, paying only the ownership fee |
Source: Sharjah Official Gazette: Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022 on real estate ownership by non-UAE and non-GCC nationals1
There is no published map of freehold areas in Sharjah. Ask the developer for written confirmation that the project is approved for foreign ownership, and check it with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department before you pay.1,3
The market
| Measure | 2025 | January to September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Trading value | AED 65.6 billion, up 64.3% | AED 46.8 billion, up 5.6% |
| All transactions | 132,659 | 91,560 |
| Sales transactions | 33,580 | 24,749 |
| Mortgages | AED 15.5 billion across 6,300 transactions |
Source: WAM: Sharjah real estate hits record AED 65.6 billion in 2025; Sharjah24: Sharjah real estate in the first nine months of 20264,5
In 2025, investors of 129 nationalities traded property in Sharjah. UAE nationals accounted for about AED 33.8 billion, Arab nationals AED 9.8 billion, other GCC nationals AED 3.4 billion and other nationalities AED 18.5 billion.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy freehold property in Sharjah?
Yes, since November 2022, but only in approved real estate development projects, and non-UAE, non-GCC owners may hold up to 50% of the units in each project.
What is the ownership fee for foreigners in Sharjah?
2% of the sale contract value, under Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022.
Sources
- Sharjah Official Gazette: Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022 on real estate ownership by non-UAE and non-GCC nationals
- Sharjah Official Gazette: Law No. 2 of 2022 amending the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Law
- Sharjah Executive Council: Decision allowing all nationalities to own real estate
- WAM: Sharjah real estate hits record AED 65.6 billion in 2025
- Sharjah24: Sharjah real estate in the first nine months of 2026
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.