Property Registration in Dubai

Under Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai, the right to acquire real estate in this emirate is granted to:

• UAE nationals,
• nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states,
• companies fully owned by the above persons, and
• public joint stock companies.

Subject to the approval of His Highness the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai (“the Ruler”), non-UAE nationals may be granted the following rights:

• freehold ownership of real property without time restrictions; and
• usufruct or leasehold over real property for a period not exceeding 99 years.

And it would only be allowed in certain areas determined by the Ruler. These freehold areas are specified in Regulation No. 3 of 2006 Determining Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals of Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai.

Dubai Land Department (DLD) permits corporate property ownership in select zones under clear regulatory procedures. The number of property transfers involving corporate entities currently reaches thousands a year and keeps growing due to simplified rules for Free Zone companies and increasing international interest.

Free Zone companies enjoy distinct advantages when acquiring property in Dubai:

Not all UAE companies are eligible to register properties in designated Dubai freehold areas. Commonly accepted structures include:

• Mainland companies: if it is in line with the licences they hold (in addition, the legal form permitted will depend on the activities the company has chosen and the type of licence);
• Dubai Free Zone companies: for example, companies from zones such as DIFC, DMCC, DAFZA, or JAFZA;
• Companies from certain other free zones located outside Dubai: for example, companies from RAKEZ;
• Offshore entities: only those registered with JAFZA and RAK ICC (subject to certain conditions).
• Ownership rights: companies may acquire freehold, leasehold, or usufruct interests, depending on the zone.

Compliance with DLD and RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency – a division within DLD) is mandatory, especially regarding licensing and documentation standards.

For a Free Zone company to register property, the following documents are typically required:

• Valid trade licence of the company
• Passport copies of all shareholders, Emirates IDs (if applicable)
• Board Resolution or Power of Attorney authorizing the purchase
• Memorandum of Understanding (MоU / Form F)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer who built the property
• Existing Title Deed (if applicable, for secondary market transfers)

These documents are submitted to the DLD, where the transfer is executed.

We assist in navigating legal requirements, submitting documentation, and securing ownership rights efficiently. Ensure smooth and compliant property registration tailored to your free zone business needs. Contact us for professional guidance and hassle-free service.

While most property registrations follow a standard path, there are numerous special cases that require additional legal and regulatory scrutiny. These situations often arise when the purchase isn’t straightforward, such as when properties are inherited, mortgaged, or involve restructuring.

Key examples include:

• Mortgage-backed acquisitions: approval from the lender is mandatory;
• Corporate restructuring: in mergers or name changes, documents must be revalidated with DLD;
• Gifting or inheritance transfers: require notarized declarations and potential court attestations;
• Nominee or multi-owner setups: must align with DLD shareholding requirements and UBO disclosure norms.

Each of these scenarios may impact the timeline, required documentation, or fee structure — and often involve close coordination with legal teams and DLD representatives.

The property registration process in Dubai free zones is designed to be efficient, but it still requires accurate documentation and regulatory coordination. Below is an overview of the process typically followed by Free Zone companies:

Proper preparation at each stage ensures a smooth transaction and avoids unnecessary delays or rejections.

Once the property is officially transferred and the title deed is issued, there are still important post-transfer tasks that companies must complete to activate utility services, finalize compliance, and make the asset functional or revenue-generating.

These include:

• Utility account transfer: connect DEWA, gas, cooling, and telecom services;
• Ejari update: mandatory for rental or leasing purposes;
• DED or Free Zone portal update: to reflect new corporate assets;
• VAT registration: if applicable, companies can get registered for VAT in the UAE;
• Property management: setting up service agreements for maintenance, leasing, or representation;
• Compliance follow-ups: ensuring licences and registrations are maintained annually.

Neglecting these steps can result in fines, service disruption, or future legal complications — so planning post-registration workflows is just as crucial as the transfer itself.

At ITA, we understand the complexities of property registration for Free Zone companies and offer tailored solutions:

We handle every step — from document preparation to final title issuance — ensuring complete compliance and peace of mind.