What is the difference between Freehold and Leasehold property in Dubai?

Freehold property ownership grants full 100% absolute ownership of the land and building in perpetuity, with rights to sell, lease, or inherit. Leasehold ownership grants rights to occupy the property for a long-term period (typically up to 99 years) without land ownership.

How does the AED 2 Million Real Estate Golden Visa work?

Under UAE Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022, expats who purchase real estate worth AED 2,000,000 or more (including mortgaged or off-plan properties with AED 2M+ value certified by DLD) qualify for a 10-Year Renewable UAE Golden Visa.

Home/Uae/Property Laws Real Estate Ownership Guide

Dubai DLD Law No. 7 of 2006 & Abu Dhabi Law No. 19

UAE Property & Real Estate Ownership Laws

Full legal framework for expat real estate ownership — freehold zones, title deeds, DLD transfer fees, off-plan buyer protection escrow accounts, and the AED 2M Golden Visa.

The UAE Real Estate Legal System

Real estate ownership for non-GCC nationals was codified under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 and Abu Dhabi Law No. 19 of 2005 (amended by Law No. 13 of 2019). Foreign expats can hold absolute 100% freehold ownership of real estate in designated areas designated by the Ruler of each Emirate.

Property transactions are registered centrally with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), guaranteeing legal title deed protection.

Core Real Estate Laws in the UAE

Law / Regulation	Scope & Key Rules	Impact on Expat Buyers
Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006	Real Estate Registration Law	Grants non-GCC nationals absolute freehold ownership rights in designated areas
Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007	Escrow Accounts for Off-Plan Development	Mandates developers deposit buyer funds into DLD-supervised escrow accounts released only upon construction milestones
Dubai Law No. 13 of 2008	Initial Real Estate Register (Oqood)	Protects off-plan buyers by requiring pre-registration of off-plan contracts with DLD
Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019	Jointly Owned Property (JOP) Law	Regulates building service charges, Mollak system registration, and owners committee oversight
Abu Dhabi Law No. 13 of 2019	Freehold Real Estate Amendments	Allows foreign expats full freehold land and property ownership in Abu Dhabi investment zones

Freehold vs Leasehold Ownership

🏢 Freehold (Absolute Ownership)

Buyer owns the land and structure in perpetuity. Full rights to sell, lease, mortgage, or pass down through inheritance deed.

⏳ Leasehold (Usufruct / Long Lease)

Right to occupy and use property for a long-term lease (up to 99 years). Land ownership remains with the freeholder.

AED 2M Real Estate Golden Visa

Under UAE Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022, property buyers qualify for a 10-Year Renewable Golden Visa under these conditions:

✅ Property value must be AED 2,000,000 or greater certified by DLD valuation
✅ Mortgaged properties qualify if unencumbered paid equity reaches AED 2M
✅ Off-plan properties qualify if developer is DLD-approved & initial payment certified
✅ Includes spouse, children of any age, and domestic helpers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreign expats can legally purchase and own real estate in designated freehold areas across the UAE (such as Dubai Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Yas Island Abu Dhabi) with 100% title deed rights.

Freehold grants 100% absolute ownership of land and building in perpetuity. Leasehold grants long-term occupancy rights (up to 99 years) without underlying land ownership.

Under Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022, purchasing property worth AED 2,000,000 or more qualifies the owner for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa for themselves and their family.

💰 DLD Property Transfer Fees Calculator →🏰 Real Estate Golden Visa (AED 2M) Guide →🏠 UAE Tenancy & Landlord-Tenant Laws →

Dubai Land Department (DLD)

• Dubai Land Department (DLD): dubailand.gov.ae
• Abu Dhabi DMT Real Estate Services: dmt.gov.ae