Abu Dhabi property for overseas investors

Where you can own

All nationalities can buy in Abu Dhabi’s designated investment zones. The UAE Government portal lists the nine original zones: Yas Island, Saadiyat, Reem, Maryah, Lulu, Al Raha Beach, Sayh Al Sedairah, Al Reef and Masdar City. Ownership is set plot by plot, so confirm the zone on DARI.

Source: UAE Government portal (checked 3 Nov 2026) · DARI (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Buying from abroad

A buyer outside the UAE can buy without an Emirates ID. Non-residents can use DARI for title deeds, site plans and certificates, and can register a power of attorney so a representative signs for them.

Source: DARI: Sell property (who can buy) (checked 3 Nov 2026) · DARI: Services for non-resident customers (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Ownership types

Law No. 19 of 2005, as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019, sets four systems: ownership deeds for 99 years, Musataha for 50 years renewable, Usufruct for 99 years, and long leases of at least 25 years.

Source: UAE Government portal (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Costs to budget

Registration is 2% of the contract value plus AED 875 e-services. Mortgage registration is 0.1% of the mortgage value (0.05% for a mortgage securing a housing loan), capped at AED 1 million. On Al Reem and Al Maryah (ADGM), the transfer fee is 2% under ADGM’s fee rules.

Source: TAMM (checked 8 Nov 2026) · ADREC (checked 3 Nov 2026) · ADGM Real Property Regulations (Fees) Rules 2024 (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Mortgages

UAE Central Bank rules set the ceilings: 80% for an expatriate’s first home under AED 5 million, 70% above, 60% for a second or investment property, 50% off plan, 25 years maximum. Each bank sets its own terms for non-residents, usually stricter.

Source: CBUAE Rulebook (checked 8 Nov 2026)

Tax

The Federal Tax Authority states that a foreign individual who owns UAE property in a personal capacity is generally not subject to UAE corporate tax. Residential sales and leases are generally exempt from VAT; commercial property is taxed at 5%.

Source: Federal Tax Authority (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Golden Visa

Own property worth at least AED 2,000,000 for a 10-year visa that covers your spouse and children. With a mortgage from a national bank, your own equity must be at least AED 2 million. Off-plan counts with an approved developer once AED 2 million is paid. You and your family need valid health insurance.

Source: Abu Dhabi Residents Office (checked 8 Nov 2026) · ICP (checked 8 Nov 2026)

Rent and service charges

From 2 June 2026, ADREC capped rent increases on renewals at 0% across the emirate, excluding ADGM communities. Service charges must be cleared before any sale or transfer.

Source: ADREC H1 2026 market report (checked 3 Nov 2026) · ADREC (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Wills

Non-Muslim expatriates can register a civil will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department: AED 950 for a regular will or AED 2,500 for a special will. Wills for ADGM property can be registered with ADGM for AED 3,000.

Source: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (checked 3 Nov 2026)

Buying, with no commission from the developer

Buy off-plan or first-hand from the developer through Beyond and you pay no commission; the developer pays the agent.

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Mortgage support: an introduction

We are a real estate brokerage, not a bank. We introduce you to mortgage advisers and UAE banks, who arrange the loan.

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Golden Visa guidance

We help you choose property that meets the Golden Visa property rules and explain the official steps. The visa itself is issued by the UAE authorities.

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Property management

We look after your rented property day to day: tenants, rent, maintenance and renewals, with one point of contact. Management fees on request.

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Can I buy property in Abu Dhabi without living in the UAE?

Yes. All nationalities can buy in the designated investment zones, and DARI notes that a buyer outside the UAE can buy without an Emirates ID. Non-residents can register a power of attorney on DARI so a representative can act for them (DARI, checked 3 Nov 2026).

How much property do I need for a Golden Visa?

Property with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, outside any mortgage. With a mortgage from a national bank, your own equity must be at least AED 2 million; on an AED 5 million property, the outstanding mortgage cannot exceed AED 3 million (ADRO, checked 8 Nov 2026).

How do non-residents apply for the Golden Visa?

The Abu Dhabi Residents Office asks non-UAE residents to email e.management@adio.gov.ae to apply for a Golden Visa nomination; residents apply on TAMM (ADRO, checked 8 Nov 2026). Beyond gives guidance on the property rules; the visa is issued by the UAE authorities.

Can a non-resident get a mortgage in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, on terms set by each bank, usually stricter than for residents. The UAE Central Bank caps expatriate loans at 80% of value for a first home under AED 5 million and 60% for an investment property (CBUAE Rulebook, checked 8 Nov 2026). Beyond introduces you to mortgage advisers and UAE banks.

What are the buying costs in Abu Dhabi?

Registration of a sale costs 2% of the contract value plus an AED 875 e-services fee (TAMM, checked 8 Nov 2026). A mortgage adds a registration fee of 0.1% of the mortgage value (0.05% for a housing loan), capped at AED 1 million (ADREC, checked 3 Nov 2026). On a resale through Beyond, commission is 2% plus VAT; buying from the developer through Beyond carries no commission.

Who manages my property while I am abroad?

Beyond offers property management: tenants, rent, maintenance and renewals handled, with one point of contact and clear updates. Management fees on request.