Dubai property holding vehicles for foreign investors

As Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract high net worth individuals globally, structuring foreign investment through property holding vehicles is now a priority.

Ogier Global’s Dubai office provides full-service incorporation and administration of Dubai property holding structures, ensuring compliance, asset protection and efficiency for foreign investors. 

Under current regulations, direct purchase of Dubai freehold property by corporate entities is permitted, provided the entity is incorporated within certain approved jurisdictions, such as the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) or Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Mainland companies registered in the UAE are also eligible to hold Dubai freehold property. 

From the approved jurisdictions, DIFC prescribed companies and foundations offer compelling benefits for foreign companies looking to purchase Dubai freehold property, providing: 

• 100% foreign ownership

• common law oversight

• no currency restrictions

Structuring using an additional DIFC foundation layer adds additional asset protection, privacy, succession planning and contractual certainty under English-language law. A foundation holds legal personality and can own property directly under the foundation’s bylaws, making them an attractive option for long-term, multi-generational real estate planning. 

Special purpose vehicles (SPVs), known in DIFC as prescribed companies (PCs), have seen broad adoption by real estate investors, family offices and international corporates as efficient, secure holding structures for Dubai property assets. 

These legal benefits are heightened by Dubai’s proactive expansion of designated freehold zones. The DLD has recently opened up plots along Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf for conversion to freehold ownership, signalling a renewed push to enhance foreign investor access to high-value locations. 

Tax, privacy and legal certainty 

Dubai is widely regarded as one of the few major global cities offering tax-free capital gains and no property or inheritance tax, making real estate investment significantly more attractive. Coupling that with the structural protections offered by DIFC entities creates a compelling proposition. 

Additionally, holding property through a corporate or foundation structure enhances privacy. The legal owner recorded on title is the entity rather than an individual, shielding personal identity from public registers and supporting discreet property management and tenancy agreements. 

How Ogier Global can support Dubai property investment 

Ogier Global in Dubai offers comprehensive DIFC-based property holding vehicle services for foreign investors, including: 

• incorporation of DIFC prescribed companies and foundations
• registered office, governance, director and trustee services (where permitted)
• accounting, administration and compliance oversight
• facilitation of DLD registration via an authorised public relations officer (PRO) 

Clients benefit from Ogier’s global reputation for confidentiality and expertise, especially across real estate fund structuring, corporate legal services and fiduciary administration. 

In an increasingly competitive corporate services market, Ogier Global stands out through its cross-border capabilities, international brand and discreet relationship driven services. Whether working with UAE-based law firms, real estate advisers or directly with HNWIs, Ogier can deliver bespoke structures that combine local compliance with international standards. 

Conclusion 

Dubai’s real estate boom, growing freehold opportunities and DIFC’s mature legal environment combine to make property holding vehicles a strategic tool for foreign investors. Ogier Global Dubai’s offering, spanning DIFC foundations, prescribed companies, administration, accounting and DLD registration uniquely positions it as a trusted partner for sophisticated real estate structuring. 

Interested in learning more?

Contact Lawrie Cunningham or Daniel Pacic to explore how Ogier Global can help you structure and manage your Dubai property holdings with confidentiality, efficiency and clarity. 

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice