Owning property
Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas, such as Dubai's freehold zones. Ownership is registered with the land department of each emirate — in Dubai, the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Property and residency
Property ownership can support a residence visa:
- Golden visa (10 years) — property worth AED 2 million or more
- Property investor visa in Dubai (2 years, renewable) — sole owners, or joint owners holding a share worth at least AED 400,000 each
- Retirement visa (5 years) — for applicants aged 55+ or with at least 15 years of service who own property worth AED 1 million or more (savings and income routes also exist)
Gifting property to family
In Dubai, property can be gifted to first-degree relatives — parents, children and spouses — and to a company owned by the donor, with a significantly reduced DLD fee compared with a standard transfer.
- A DLD valuation of the property is required
- Family relationships are proven with attested certificates translated into Arabic
- Off-plan property can generally be gifted only once the title deed has been issued
- Property gifted to a minor is managed by a guardian, and a later sale generally needs court approval
Wills
Without a registered will, the distribution of UAE assets can be delayed and may follow default rules that do not reflect your wishes. Options include:
- DIFC Courts Wills Service — for non-Muslims aged 18+ with assets in the UAE; residents and non-residents can register, including remotely
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — civil wills for non-UAE nationals
- Guardianship wills — to appoint guardians for minor children
- For Muslims, inheritance follows Islamic law, and a will may cover up to one-third of the estate
How ETURA helps
We coordinate property gifts, wills and related powers of attorney through our licensed legal partner, and align them with your residency plans.
This page provides general information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Requirements are set by the relevant authorities and may change; we confirm the current position for your case at assessment.
Last reviewed: November 2026