Tourist / Non-resident
A non-resident is someone who does not live in the UAE — for example a buyer visiting or living abroad. DLD calls them “non-resident foreigners”.
Definition
DLD’s Property Sale Registration page accepts “a valid passport for non-resident foreigners” in place of the Emirates ID. Law No. (7) of 2006 allows non-UAE nationals, with the Ruler’s approval and in areas the Ruler determines, “Freehold ownership of Real Property without time restrictions”.
What it shows — and what it does not
Living outside the UAE does not stop a foreigner owning freehold property in a designated area; it changes the identity document used at registration.
Example
Illustrative example: a buyer living abroad buys an apartment in a freehold area and is identified at registration by a valid passport.
Next step
Read Transferring property from overseas.
Source: Property Sale Registration — Dubai Land Department · supports: passport for non-resident foreigners · checked 11 October 2026
Source: Law No. (7) of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai — Dubai Legislation Portal · supports: freehold ownership for non-UAE nationals in designated areas · checked 11 October 2026
Governance
- October 11, 2026
Maintenance: Updated for material UAE authority/trustee process changes and recurring user confusion. Method: Editorial Policy