Freehold and leasehold property in Abu Dhabi
What non-UAE nationals can own in Abu Dhabi, where they can own it, and how the different title types compare.
Foreign nationals can own property freehold in Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones, which include Hudayriyat Island, Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island. Outside those zones, non-GCC buyers are limited to long-term rights such as musataha (development rights, typically 50 years, renewable) or usufruct (use rights, typically up to 99 years). Every Modon Abu Dhabi project in this catalogue sits inside an investment zone and is sold freehold.
- Freehold
- Full ownership, land and unit, in investment zones
- Musataha
- Right to develop, commonly 50 years, renewable
- Usufruct
- Right to use, commonly up to 99 years
- Registration
- Through the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC)
Where foreigners can buy freehold
Abu Dhabi's investment zones were created specifically to allow foreign ownership. Hudayriyat Island and Reem Island, the two islands where most Modon residential inventory sits, are both investment zones, so buyers of any nationality can hold freehold title including the land.
What each title type means
Freehold is outright ownership with the right to sell, lease, mortgage or pass the property on. Musataha grants the right to build on and use land for a fixed term. Usufruct grants use without the right to alter the structure. For a home buyer, only freehold gives full control and the cleanest resale.
Costs on a purchase
Budget beyond the headline price. Abu Dhabi charges a transfer fee on registration, developers charge administrative and registration fees on off-plan sales, and service charges apply annually once you take handover.
- Transfer and registration fees payable at ADREC.
- Developer administration fee on off-plan bookings.
- Annual service charge per square foot, set by the community.
- Agency commission where a broker is involved on resale.
Ownership and residency
There is no residency requirement to buy. Ownership itself does not grant a visa, but a purchase at AED 2 million or above can support a 10 year Golden Visa application.
Common questions
- Can foreigners own land in Abu Dhabi?
- Inside the designated investment zones, yes, including the land under a villa. Outside those zones non-GCC nationals are restricted to musataha or usufruct rights.
- Is Hudayriyat Island freehold?
- Yes. Hudayriyat Island is an investment zone, so homes there are sold freehold to all nationalities.
- Do I need to be in the UAE to buy?
- No. Purchases can be completed remotely with a power of attorney and verified documents, with funds wired to the developer escrow account.