Are foreigners allowed to own property in UAE?
When we asked expats in UAE if foreigners are allowed to own property, they answered...
"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in the UAE. The UAE government has implemented a number of laws and regulations that allow foreign investors to purchase and own real estate in the country. Foreigners are allowed to purchase freehold property in designated areas, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. In addition, foreigners can also purchase leasehold property in other areas of the UAE. However, it is important to note that foreign ownership of property in the UAE is subject to certain restrictions and regulations," explained one expat living in UAE.
"Yes. Expats cannot become full property owners and they cannot get permanent residence, so its usually contracted as a 100 year lease or something similar," said another in Dubai, UAE.

Get Quote
Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to the UAE?
- Where should I setup a bank account in the UAE?
- Will I be able to find a job in the UAE?
- What is life like in the UAE?
- What do expats in the UAE appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in the UAE?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in the UAE accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in the UAE like?
- What are healthcare services like in the UAE?
- What are medical services in the UAE like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in the UAE?
- What are emergency services like in the UAE?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in the UAE?
- How are local medical facilities in the UAE?
- As a foreigner living in the UAE, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Are foreigners allowed to own property in UAE?
If you live in the UAE, newcomers to the UAE would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.