Freehold vs leasehold zones
The UAE allows foreign freehold ownership only in designated zones. Outside these, only UAE/GCC nationals can own; foreigners may take leasehold (typically 99 years). The most active freehold areas include:
- Dubai: Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, JVC, JLT, Business Bay, Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, MBR City, Damac Hills
- Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Maryah Island
- Sharjah: Aljada, Tilal City (foreigners get 100-year usufruct)
- Ras Al Khaimah: Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab
Transaction costs in Dubai
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee: 4% of purchase price
- Property registration (Oqood for off-plan / Title Deed for ready): AED 540–4,000
- Real-estate agent: 2% + 5% VAT
- Mortgage registration (if financed): 0.25% of loan + AED 290
- NOC fee from developer: AED 500–5,000
Total: ~7–8% of property value for a cash purchase, slightly more if financed.
Golden Visa eligibility
Buying property worth AED 2,000,000 or more makes you eligible for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa. The property must:
- Be ready (off-plan only qualifies after handover)
- Be in your own name (not corporate)
- Be retained for the visa period
Mortgaged properties qualify if at least AED 2M of equity is in your name.
Step-by-step purchase process
- Sign Form F (MOU) with the seller
- Pay 10% deposit (held by the agent)
- Apply for NOC from the developer (1–3 weeks)
- Both parties attend the DLD trustee office
- Pay the balance, DLD 4% fee and registration fees
- Title deed is issued same-day in your name
Cash transactions can complete in 30 days; financed deals take 6–8 weeks.