How Expats Can Buy Property in Abu Dhabi: Complete Guide

The laws for expats buying property in the UAE can vary from one emirate to another. Under Law No. 19 of 2005, foreigners are allowed to buy property in Abu Dhabi. However, properties should only be in the form of apartments and floors and not land.

This guide lets you explore all the information you need to own a property in Abu Dhabi. From eligible areas to Golden Visa rules, you will find everything in one place.

• Where Foreigners Can Own Property in Abu Dhabi?
• Required documents for foreigners buying property in Abu Dhabi
• Step-by-step property purchase process
• Does buying property in Abu Dhabi guarantee permanent residency?
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

Where Foreigners Can Own Property in Abu Dhabi?

There are designated areas in Abu Dhabi where non-UAE nationals have the right to own a property. These areas include:

• Saadiyat Island
• Al Reef
• Masdar Cty
• Al Shamkha City
• Al Reem Island
• Al Myrah Island
• Sayh Al Sedairah
• Lulu Land
• Al Raha Beach
• Yas Island

The capital’s real estate landscape is incredibly diverse, offering everything from luxurious island penthouses to affordable mainland apartments. By exploring the wide array of properties for rent in Abu Dhabi, expats can easily find a residence that perfectly aligns with both their financial goals and personal lifestyle preferences.

Required documents for foreigners buying property in Abu Dhabi

Before taking out your cheque book and purchasing a property in Abu Dhabi, there are some documents you need to have on hand, such as:

• Passport & UAE residence visa
• Emirates ID
• Signed sale agreement & Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
• Proof of payment (manager’s cheque, fee receipts)
• Title deed, floor plan, completion certificate

Step-by-step property purchase process

Now that you know that foreigners can buy a property in Abu Dhabi, the question is how foreigners can purchase property. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.

Step one: Search for a property

One of the most important questions that arises while figuring out the answer to ‘how can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi?’ is where to start the search.

Thankfully, there are several ways you can start looking for a property and compare the prices. One of the most useful ones is to scout listings on Property Finder. Here, you will be able to look for listings in your preferred areas, compare prices, and get insights into the Abu Dhabi real estate market.

Once you have shortlisted the area and community, you can then use Property Finder’s SuperAgent feature. This will allow you to get a licensed and qualified agent to help you through the entire process of viewing the properties and negotiating the best deals.

Explore Properties For Sale in Abu Dhabi

Step two: Gather your documents and pick a financing option

As previously noted, there are certain documents required for a foreigner to buy a property in Abu Dhabi. After gathering all documents, you can decide whether you will be buying outright or using a mortgage/financing option.

Foreign buyers may face stricter requirements (such as a higher down payment, limited financing percentage). There are several options for purchasing properties with a long payment plan, including:

• Bank mortgages
• Developer’s payment plan (usually offered for off-plan projects)

Abu Dhabi Property Fees

It is worth mentioning that several additional charges are levied over and above the cost of the property. It is essential to be aware of and factor in these charges to help you set your budgets safely and confidently.

• Registration fee: 2% of the purchase price (Usually split with the seller).
• Brokerage/Agency fee: Tends to be from 1-2% of the purchase price.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) fee: AED 500–5,000 (depends on developer).
• Service Charges: AED 10–20 per sqft annually (depending on building)

If you opt for a mortgage, there are some additional charges, including:

• Mortgage Registration fee: 0.1% of the loan amount (min AED 500, max AED 1,000).
• Valuation fee: Usually around AED 2,500–3,500.
• Bank Processing Fee: 0.5–1% of loan amount.

Step three: Register the purchase and transfer title

After signing the contract, you have to register with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to legally own your property in Abu Dhabi. You can easily register online through the TAMM platform.

This platform allows you to upload all required documents and pay fees effortlessly. After that, DMT issues an official title deed (Sanad Al Milkiya) in your name. The title deed allows you to:

• Apply for utility connections (water, electricity, and internet).
• Register for service charge accounts (if in a community or tower).
• Apply for Golden Visa
• Resell or mortgage it in the future

Now you officially own a property in Abu Dhabi!

Does buying property in Abu Dhabi guarantee permanent residency?

With the Golden Visa, the UAE has offered a 10-year residency to non-nationals. Owning a property in Abu Dhabi is a clear pathway to obtaining the Golden Visa. However, specific criteria must still be met. For instance, the property investment should be at least AED 2,000,000.

If you are purchasing a property with long-term residency in mind, ensure you have reviewed the eligibility criteria. The financing method on the official ICP platform should also be checked before you seal the deal.

Key Takeaways

Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi? The answer is yes. There are specific investment zones in the emirate where foreigners can easily purchase property. Rest assured, these zones have plenty of luxurious and budget-friendly options for you to pick from.

Additionally, numerous financing options are available, so you won’t have to worry about lump sum payments.

Bear in mind that buying property in Abu Dhabi also opens pathways for getting a Golden Visa, ensuring long-term residency. However, certain eligibility criteria should be met if the Golden Visa is the ultimate goal.

FAQs

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