Can foreigners buy property in the Gulf?
Where freehold ownership is allowed, what it costs and whether it gives you a visa.
In short
Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated zones across the Gulf. The UAE is the most open market, with property-linked Golden Visas from AED 2 million. Expect 4 to 8% in transaction costs.
- UAE
- Freehold zones, DLD fee 4%
- Saudi Arabia
- Opened in Riyadh and Jeddah zones from 2026
- Qatar
- Designated areas, residence from USD 200k
- Oman & Bahrain
- ITCs and freehold areas
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Expats usually need 20–25% down payment.
1–2 weeks
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Use a registered broker
- Check service charges per square foot
- Ask for the developer’s escrow account for off-plan
Don’t
- Don’t buy off-plan without checking the developer’s track record
- Don’t pay deposits to personal accounts
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Service charges can be high in luxury towers. Request the last 3 years’ statements.
Common questions
Does buying give me residence?
In the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain property above a threshold can qualify for long-term residence.
Official links
Background and more detail
UAE
Foreigners can buy freehold in designated areas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. In Dubai, the Land Department charges a 4% transfer fee. Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify for a 10-year golden visa.
Saudi Arabia
Foreign residents can buy a home to live in with approval. A new law allowing wider foreign ownership in designated zones takes effect in January 2026.
Qatar
Non-Qataris can own freehold in designated areas such as The Pearl and Lusail. Property worth USD 200,000 or more gives residency; USD 1 million gives permanent residency benefits.
Bahrain and Oman
Bahrain allows freehold in designated areas such as Amwaj and Reef Island. Oman allows foreigners to buy in Integrated Tourism Complexes like Al Mouj, which can come with residency.
Kuwait
Non-Kuwaitis generally cannot own land or residential property.
Before buying
Use a licensed broker, check the developer's escrow account for off-plan projects and get independent legal advice.
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Related guides
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Freehold areas, fees, mortgages and the transfer process.
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Ownership, where you can trade, visas and costs compared.