Owning Dubai real estate through corporate entities is possible—but not all offshore setups qualify. At Spectrum, we simplify the legal nuances so you can invest confidently.
What the Law Says
Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 recognises foreign individuals and entities (including companies) as “legal persons,” meaning offshore companies can technically own property in designated areas if properly structured.
However, since 2011, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has imposed restrictions: offshore entities must be registered locally—in JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) or RAK ICC/RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah authorities)—to qualify for property ownership. Generic offshore vehicles registered in jurisdictions like the BVI or Cayman are not eligible.
Some Free Zones—such as DMCC, DIFC, and ADGM—permit their local entities (not pure offshore) to own real estate, often with a required approval or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Free Zone authority and the DLD.
Current Policy Update—More Free Zones Can Own Property
Recently, Dubai introduced a policy broadening corporate access to real estate. Companies operating in select Free Zones may now own property in designated areas—an expansion aimed at enhancing investment appeal and flexibility.
Summary Table: Offshore Company Property Ownership in Dubai
| Ownership Structure | Can Own Property in Dubai? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore company (BVI, Cayman) | No | Disallowed unless owning a local (JAFZA/RAK) offshore company. |
| JAFZA Offshore Company | Yes | Permitted across Dubai without additional approvals. |
| RAK ICC / RAK Offshore Company | Yes | Permitted with standard documentation and DLD registration. |
| Free Zone Company (DMCC, DIFC, ADGM) | Yes (with NOC) | Needs Free Zone + DLD approval. ADGM SPVs are particularly streamlined. |
| Mainland Company | Yes | Fully allowed to own property anywhere in Dubai. |
1. Can any offshore company own property in Dubai?
No—only offshore companies registered in JAFZA, RAK ICC, or RAKEZ are permitted to own property. Offshore entities from elsewhere (e.g., BVI, Cayman) are not eligible.
2. What about Free Zone-registered entities? Do they own property?
Yes—entities registered in Free Zones like DMCC, DIFC, or ADGM can own property, but typically must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from both the Free Zone authority and the DLD. SPVs in ADGM provide an efficient option.
3. Where can offshore companies legally purchase property?
They may acquire freehold property in designated areas within Dubai—such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah, etc.—but only if the offshore entity is structurally valid per DLD guidelines.
4. Why the restriction on offshore property ownership?
The DLD restricts foreign shell structures to enhance transparency, combat money laundering, and ensure beneficial ownership clarity. Excessive complexity in corporate structure may result in application rejection.
5. Has anything changed recently regarding Free Zone entities owning property?
Yes—Dubai recently enabled companies in selected Free Zones to directly own property in designated areas, further streamlining real estate investment for international businesses.
