Ownership guide for Abu Dhabi: how foreigners buy

What you need to know

1. Can a foreigner buy property in Abu Dhabi?

   Article 3 of the amended ownership law permits non-UAE natural persons to acquire and dispose of principal and accessory real rights over property within investment areas.

   Where this comes from

   • ADREC, Law No. 19 of 2005 as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019, Articles 3 and 6, read 24 September 2026

2. How can I see everything recorded against an Abu Dhabi property?

   In Abu Dhabi an owner may obtain an inquiry certificate listing all entries on the property's register; other interested parties need the owner's written consent or a court decision (Executive Regulations of Law No. 3 of 2005, Art. 11).

   Where this comes from

   • Executive Regulations of Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2005 (Chairman's Decision No. 52/1 of 2008), on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

3. How long does an inquiry certificate hold a sale?

   An Abu Dhabi inquiry certificate is valid for a sale for 15 working days, during which no other disposition may be registered on the property except one ordered by a court (Executive Regulations of Law No. 3 of 2005, Art. 11).

   Where this comes from

   • Executive Regulations of Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2005 (Chairman's Decision No. 52/1 of 2008), on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

4. What power of attorney is needed to sell or mortgage?

   In Abu Dhabi, a general power of attorney covers only management; a sale or mortgage needs a special power of attorney (Executive Regulations of Law No. 3 of 2005).

   Where this comes from

   • Executive Regulations of Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2005 (Chairman's Decision No. 52/1 of 2008), on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

5. Must a long lease be registered in Abu Dhabi?

   In Abu Dhabi, leases of more than four years must be registered in the property register (Law No. 3 of 2005, Art. 6).

   Where this comes from

   • Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2005 on real property registration, on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

6. Does a tenancy continue after I buy the property?

   In Abu Dhabi, a tenancy contract stays effective against a new owner when the property is transferred (Law No. 20 of 2006, Art. 18).

   Where this comes from

   • Abu Dhabi Law No. 20 of 2006 on leasing, DARI law directory, read 4 November 2026

7. When can a developer use my off-plan payments?

   Under Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015 as amended by Law No. 2 of 2025, nothing may be paid out of a project escrow account before 20% of construction is complete, unless the developer gives bank guarantees of at least 20% of the construction value (Art. 19).

   Where this comes from

   • Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015 as amended by Law No. 2 of 2025, on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

8. What notice must a developer give a late off-plan buyer?

   Under Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015 as amended in 2025, a developer must notify a defaulting off-plan buyer, and any mortgagee creditor, by notary public or registered mail and give 60 days to pay, and the Department invites the parties to an amicable settlement within that period (Art. 17).

   Where this comes from

   • Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015 as amended by Law No. 2 of 2025, on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

9. How much may a developer keep if an off-plan buyer defaults?

   Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision 165 of 2025 sets the compensation a developer may deduct when a defaulting buyer's off-plan unit is cancelled and resold: 10% of the contract value below 10% completion, 15% from 10% to 30%, 25% from 30% to 60%, and 40% above 60%.

   Where this comes from

   • Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision No. 165 of 2025, on ADREC's regulations page, read 4 November 2026

10. What does registering a mortgage cost in Abu Dhabi?

    DLA Piper reported in 2025 that registering a mortgage in Abu Dhabi costs 0.1% of the amount secured by the mortgage.

    Where this comes from

    • DLA Piper Middle East LLP — Chambers Global Practice Guides, Real Estate 2025, UAE Law and Practice, read 9 October 2026