An expatriate is a person who leaves their native country to seek residence in another. Over the past two decades, the UAE has been a hotspot for expatriates, currently having an approximate population of about 8 million expats. Many come to the region either for work or for luxurious holidays.
2. Int.
• An expatriate is a person who leaves their native country to seek residence in
another. Over the past two decades, the UAE has been a hotspot for expatriates,
currently having an approximate population of about 8 million expats. Many come
to the region either for work or for luxurious holidays.
3. Property Ownership Options for
Expatriates in the UAE
• There are two types of property ownership options for expatriates in the UAE namely, Leasehold and
Freehold property ownership.
• Leasehold property ownership allows the buyer to own a property for a maximum of 99 years or less, as
indicated in the agreement. Under this kind of request, the property gives the buyer full ownership and
rights over the property’s structure but not the property itself.
• Freehold property ownership, on the other hand, sees to it that the expatriate gets full ownership of both
the built structure and the property/land. However, it is essential to note that expatriates in the UAE are
not allowed to have freehold property ownership in certain regions. Expatriates who purchase property in
the emirates are not under tax obligations. However, they should consider taxation laws applicable in their
country for owning property in a foreign country.
• The emirates have some of the most favorable property ownership and inheritance laws for residents and
expatriates. It is the main reason why many expatriates in the UAE own inherited property.The law closely
monitors the process of acquiring property in the UAE through purchase or inheritance. Expatriate
property Inheritance laws in the United Emirates slightly differ from the customary inheritance laws.
4. LawsAppertaining Inheritance in the UAE
• Inheritance involves the succession of a deceased person’s assets and estates. In the UAE,
this has always been a contentious and controversial topic that has caused a lot of feuds.
Being an Islamic State, the UAE is governed by Sharia Law.This means that Sharia laws
apply to all (Muslims and non-Muslims/citizens and expatriates).
• Inheritance falls under the personal status law which also deals with child custody issues,
divorce, and marriage.Although these laws are meant explicitly for Muslim citizens, their
application is usually generalized to all.
• The Sharia Law dictates that the legitimate family and relatives of the deceased can
become beneficiaries from his estates. Direct families, especially from the paternal side,
are considered possible beneficiaries. UAEs’ judicial system decides the heirs of a given
estate via witness testimony and the authenticated documents presented.
5. Inheritance Laws for Expatriates
• The UAE has also formulated specific inheritance laws for non-Muslim expatriates.
Sharia Law has been used as the main guide in the formulation of these laws and
regulations. According to the law of inheritance for expatriates in UAE, the
government takes full charge of all property belonging to a deceased expatriate
with no successors.
• The federal law in the UAE is concerned with applying Personal Status Law to all
UAE residence except for non-Muslim foreigners and non-Muslim residents.That
is because the inheritance law for expatriates in the UAE allows for non-Muslims
to request for their rules (with regards to country or religion) to be applied during
an inheritance proceeding or preparation of a will. Nevertheless, non-Muslims can
alternatively request for international inheritance laws to apply.
6. Conclusion
• According to the immigration department of the united emirates, thousands of
expatriates relocate to the emirates because of the excellent living and economic
conditions. It does not however mean that buying a property in the UAE is a
simple process.
• Need to Buy a Property as an Expatriate?
• Different Free Zones may have different rules when it pertains to property
ownership. So if you are intending to buy a property in the UAE and ifYou need
legal help our Property lawyers in Dubai can help you.We can give you all the
assistance you need to get the purchase done with minimal fuss.
• If you have any questions feel free to call to make a booking with us today for an
initial consultation.
