Can a Overseas Company Buy Property in Dubai? This is a question some people ask and the answer is Yes—if the company is set up in, or migrates to, an approved UAE free zone or offshore jurisdiction and the property lies in a designated freehold area.
Understanding Overseas Companies
Overseas (Foreign) Company – Incorporated outside the UAE and not registered with any UAE authority.
●Who can buy? JAFZA offshore entities and most Dubai free‑zone companies whose activities permit real‑estate ownership.
●Where? Only in areas the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has earmarked as freehold.
●Main hurdle? Producing fully legalised company documents and passing Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) checks.
Legal Framework If Can a Overseas Company Buy Property in Dubai?
1- Core Statute: Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006
This law restricts foreign ownership to specific zones and allows “non‑UAE nationals, whether natural or juridical persons,” to acquire freehold rights only in those zones. The Dubai Land Department maintains the official freehold map.
2- Eligible Corporate Structures
| Structure | Can hold title? | Notes |
| JAFZA Offshore | Yes | Most straightforward; recognised by DLD since 2011. |
| Free‑Zone LLC | Yes (zone dependent) | DMCC, DSO, and DIFC entities are commonly approved. |
| Foreign company (no UAE presence) | No | Must redomicile or establish a JAFZA/Free‑Zone entity. |
| Mainland LLC | Yes | Broader choice of locations but requires UAE national shareholding. |
Also Read: How to Avoid Real Estate Frauds in Dubai
Where Can an Overseas Company Buy Property in Dubai?
Dubai’s freehold map currently includes (2025):
- Business Bay
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina & JBR
- Palm Jumeirah & Palm Jebel Ali
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) & Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)
- Emirates Living (The Springs, Meadows, Lakes)
- Dubai Hills Estate, etc.
Always double‑check the DLD interactive map before signing; zone boundaries can change.
Also Read : How to Transfer Ownership Of Property in Dubai
Steps to Buying Property in Dubai as an Overseas Company
1.Appoint a RERA‑licensed broker
Secure a brokerage agreement that confirms their commission and duties.
2.Legal & financial due diligence
Obtain a copy of the title deed, check encumbrances, and verify the seller’s authority.
3.Hire a UAE real‑estate lawyer
Our real estate lawyers in Dubai will draft or vet the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA), confirm the company’s constitutional documents are in order, and arrange notarisation/legalisation.
4.Secure funds
UAE banks seldom finance offshore entities. Budget a cash purchase plus 7–8 % of the price for fees.
5.Sign the SPA and pay the deposit
A 10 % deposit is common; it is usually held in escrow or by the broker.
6.Obtain No‑Objection Certificate (NOC)
Collected from the developer or owners’ association; certifies service‑charge payments are up to date.
7.Register at the DLD
Documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles
- Board resolution approving the deal
- Passports & Emirates IDs (if any) of directors/UBOs
- Power of attorney (if applicable)
- Legalisation stamps (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & UAE Embassy in the issuing country)
Fees:
- 4 % DLD transfer fee
- AED 580 title‑deed issuance
- AED 4,200 trustee office fee
8.Receive the e‑Title Deed
Ownership is effective once the DLD issues the electronic title deed.
Also Read : Guide to Buying Property in Dubai: Legal Tips for Investors
Common Challenges—and How to Solve Them
| Challenge | Why it happens | Mitigation |
| Heavy document attestation | UAE requires foreign papers to be notarised, legalised, and translated | Start attestation early; use Dubai‑based corporate‑service providers |
| UBO scrutiny | Anti‑money‑laundering rules | Prepare a clear share register and UBO declaration |
| Funding | Banks avoid offshore borrowers | Consider shareholder loans or ring‑fenced cash |
| Zone restrictions | Property outside freehold areas | Confirm zoning on DLD site before paying a deposit |
Advantages of Property Ownership by Overseas Companies
- Asset segregation – Keeps the property separate from personal liabilities.
- Succession planning – Shares can be transferred without changing the title deed.
- Tax efficiency – Dubai levies no annual property tax or capital‑gains tax.
- Corporate visa pathway – Certain free‑zone entities qualify directors or shareholders for renewable UAE residence visas.
- Rental income – Long‑term and holiday‑let markets generate yields of 5–9 % p.a.
Need Help From Real Estate Lawyer?
Our team of real estate lawyers in Dubai have guided dozens of overseas corporations through successful acquisitions. Contact us for a 30‑minutes consultation.
FAQ
1- Can a foreign company without a UAE presence buy property?
No. It must first establish or migrate to a recognised UAE entity.
2-Is property ownership limited to commercial units?
No. Residential, commercial, and mixed‑use units in freehold zones are permissible, but agricultural and government land is off‑limits.
3- How long does the purchase process take?
Four to eight weeks, depending on document attestation and NOC timing.
4-Do offshore companies pay VAT on property purchases?
Residential property purchases are exempt. Commercial property attracts 5 % VAT on the first sale; secondary sales are VAT‑exempt.
5-Can the company sell the property freely later?
Yes—subject to the same DLD procedures and payment of the 4 % transfer fee.
