APIL Blog

Property Taxes in Abu Dhabi for Foreigners are almost non-existent: as of 2026, foreign individuals pay no annual property tax, no personal income tax on rental income, and no capital gains tax on residential properties.

This makes Abu Dhabi one of the most tax-efficient places for foreign investors to invest in real estate. The core expenses are limited to a single initial payment of about 2% for property registration charges and yearly municipal or service charges.

Foreign investors can now be confident in making long-term plans to purchase property in the emirate, with the updated 2026 rules pinpointing the corporate and portfolio requirements.

 In this professional guide to Foreigners in Abu Dhabi, we will decode all the facts about Property Taxes in Abu Dhabi!

Foreigners can transfer property ownership in Abu Dhabi by submitting a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), title deed and No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), and pay a 2% Abu Dhabi property transfer fee. 

This process is a legal document that registers new ownership under Abu Dhabi property law for foreigners and applies to both ready and off-plan property in specified investment zones.

Property ownership in Abu Dhabi is among the most investor-friendly in the Gulf, and the ownership of foreign property has been clearly maintained, with low rates and consistent returns in 2026. The established property transfer procedure in Abu Dhabi, the emirate, enables foreign buyers to transfer the ownership with security in accordance with UAE law. 

Let us check out everything about in this guide by APIL Experts - aligned with 2025-26 updates!

To buy property in Abu Dhabi in 2025–26, select a freehold area, select an off-plan or ready-to-move property, obtain funding, sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement, and receive registration at the DMT. This process can be done safely by residents and foreigners to make investments or to invest their lifestyles.

The property market in Abu Dhabi is very enticing to investors and homeowners and there is a high demand in the major areas. Off-plan projects are becoming increasingly popular, accounting for nearly half of all transactions in 2025, and offer rather flexible payment schemes. On the contrary - ready-to-move units are attractive to those buyers who want to occupy their position immediately.

Find the best areas, costs, and step-by-step guidance on how to buy property in Abu Dhabi safely and profitably in 2025-26 with this professional guide by APIL Properties.

Abu Dhabi property registration fees in 2025 are compulsory costs that buyers have to pay to legally transfer property ownership. The normal registration fee is 2 percent of the purchase price, with additional fees for registering mortgages and NOCs. These charges are a guarantee that your purchase is safe, legal and in accordance with the Abu Dhabi property legislation.

When planning any property investment, buyers in approved freehold zones will have to consider these fees, including possible service fees, in both cases —residential and non-residential— for residents and foreigners. Good budgeting and knowledge of property fees in Abu Dhabi can help avoid surprises during the transfer of ownership.

 Read APIL Properties’ expert guide to understand how to compute the Abu Dhabi property registration fees, understand the registration procedure, and make good investment choices in 2025-26.

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Abu Dhabi, subject to laws that permit full freehold, leasehold, usufruct, and musataha ownership. International ownership has steadily increased by more than 25 per cent since 2022, driven by liberal property regulations and investor confidence in the UAE. It is currently providing full freehold ownership in key investment areas.

As the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) reported last year – 32% of all property transactions in Abu Dhabi were carried out by foreign investors, indicating the city's popularity worldwide. Buying property in Abu Dhabi as a foreign national is no longer just affordable—it can also be an investment with good returns.

If you’re wondering “Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi?” — the answer is an absolute yes. Let’s explore all the information you should know about ownership laws, cost, visa, investment zones, and the process of purchasing property in Abu Dhabi.

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