Who Can Buy Property in the UAE
The rules by emirate
| Emirate | Who may own anywhere | What foreigners may hold |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | UAE and GCC nationals, companies wholly owned by them, and public joint stock companies | Freehold without time limit, or a usufruct or lease of up to 99 years, in the freehold areas |
| Abu Dhabi | UAE nationals, public joint stock companies with no more than 49% foreign shareholding, and persons named by a Crown Prince or Executive Council resolution | All property rights inside the investment areas |
| Sharjah | UAE and GCC nationals | Outright ownership without time limit in approved development projects, up to 50% of the units in each project |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Expatriates buying a property in the UAE; Dubai Legislation: Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration; ADREC: Law No. 13 of 2019 amending the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Ownership Law; Sharjah Official Gazette: Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022 on real estate ownership by non-UAE and non-GCC nationals1,2,3,5
Buying from abroad
The UAE Government Portal confirms that foreigners who do not live in the UAE may buy in Dubai's freehold areas. In Abu Dhabi, DARI lets the seller add a non-resident buyer by passport, so a buyer outside the country does not need an Emirates ID.1,4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-residents buy property in the UAE?
Yes. Foreigners who do not live in the UAE can buy in Dubai freehold areas, and DARI accepts non-resident buyers in Abu Dhabi by passport.
Is there an age limit to buy property in Dubai?
No. The UAE Government Portal states that there is no age limit to own property in Dubai.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Expatriates buying a property in the UAE
- Dubai Legislation: Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration
- ADREC: Law No. 13 of 2019 amending the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Ownership Law
- DARI help centre: Guide to selling and buying property
- Sharjah Official Gazette: Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022 on real estate ownership by non-UAE and non-GCC nationals
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.