Yes. Foreign buyers can own freehold property in Abu Dhabi’s designated investment zones, whether they live in the UAE or abroad. This guide explains where you can buy, the steps to follow, the costs to budget for and how mortgages work for non-UAE nationals.
Where Can Foreigners Buy Property in Abu Dhabi?
Since Law No. 13 of 2019, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property and land in Abu Dhabi’s investment zones. Before that, foreign buyers were limited to long leaseholds.
The investment zones include:
- Yas Island
- Saadiyat Island
- Al Reem Island
- Al Maryah Island
- Hudayriyat Island
- Al Raha Beach
- Masdar City
- Al Reef
- Al Ghadeer
- Al Shamkha
Some communities inside these areas are reserved for UAE nationals, so always confirm a project’s eligibility before you reserve.
How to Buy Property in Abu Dhabi: Step by Step
- Set your budget and financing. Decide whether you will pay cash or use a mortgage, and get a bank pre-approval if you need one.
- Choose the area and the project. Compare off-plan and ready homes, payment plans, service charges and handover dates.
- Check the listing. Every advertised property in Abu Dhabi should show a Madhmoun permit with a QR code that confirms the listing is authorised.
- Reserve and sign. For off-plan homes you sign the developer’s sale agreement and pay the booking amount; for ready homes you agree the terms with the seller.
- Pay into escrow. Off-plan payments go into the project’s escrow account and are released to the developer as construction progresses.
- Register on DARI. The sale is registered with the Department of Municipalities and Transport through DARI, Abu Dhabi’s official real estate platform, and your title deed is issued digitally.
What Does It Cost to Buy Property in Abu Dhabi?
- Property registration fee: 2% of the purchase price.
- Mortgage registration: 0.1% of the loan amount, if you finance your purchase.
- Service charges: paid every year to the community, and they vary by project.
Ask our team for the full cost breakdown of the unit you choose before you sign.
Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. UAE banks lend to residents and, at some banks, to non-residents. Under the UAE Central Bank’s limits, expatriates can usually borrow:
- Up to 80% of the value on a first home under AED 5 million.
- Up to 65% on a first home of AED 5 million or more.
- Up to 60% on a second or investment home.
Many banks lend less on off-plan homes, so plan for a larger down payment if you buy before completion.
Does Buying Property Give You a UAE Visa?
Property worth at least AED 2 million can qualify you for the 10-year Golden Visa. Off-plan and mortgaged homes can also qualify, subject to the conditions set by the authorities.
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