Freehold ownership in Dubai for foreigners
Since 2002 foreigners have been able to own homes outright in Dubai, in areas the government designates. What freehold means, where it applies, and how to hold and pass on what you buy.
Short answer
In Dubai's designated freehold areas -- which include Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, JVC, Dubai Creek Harbour and most new communities -- anyone can own a home outright, in their own name, and sell, rent or leave it like any owner. Outside them, ownership is generally for UAE and GCC nationals. The title deed is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
What you can own
Freehold
The home outright, with a share of the building's common parts and land. You can sell, rent or mortgage it, and it passes to your heirs. Every project we sell to foreign buyers is freehold unless its page says otherwise.
Leasehold
A long lease, of up to 99 years, in some areas outside the freehold zones. Rare in new projects sold to international buyers.
Holding it, and passing it on
In your name
The simplest: alone or jointly, as individuals.
Through a company
Possible with certain companies, which can help with inheritance but brings costs and possibly corporate tax. Take advice.
A registered will
Without one, the estate may be divided under local rules rather than your own wishes. Non-Muslims can register a will in the UAE to avoid that.
Advice first, then the right project
Dubai has thousands of projects and every developer says theirs is the best. We compare them for you, in your language, and tell you honestly which we would buy.
Many developers compared
Prices, payment plans, service charges and track records side by side, not one developer's sales pitch.
No fee from you on new projects
When you buy off-plan from the developer, the developer pays our fee: the price is the developer's price.
In your language
Contracts, payment schedules and the Land Department's paperwork, explained in English or Turkish.
With you to the keys
Reservation, registration, instalments, snagging and handover: one consultant from start to finish.
Questions buyers ask us
The designated areas include Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, JVC, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai South and most master-planned communities, with more added over the years.
No. You can own freehold property without being resident; owning it can, in turn, help you get a residence visa.
No, there is no limit on the number of homes a foreigner can own in freehold areas.
It is strongly advised. A will registered in the UAE lets your property pass as you wish, and avoids your family facing a long process.
More guides
All guidesBuying in Dubai
Ownership, visas and protection
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Dubai's rules and fees change; figures are correct to the best of our knowledge on 15 October 2026. Check the latest with the Dubai Land Department or an adviser before you sign or pay.
Questions about owning in Dubai?
We can explain how to hold the property and put you in touch with lawyers for wills and company ownership.