What documents are required to buy property in Dubai under a company name?

Typical documents include a valid trade license, memorandum and articles of association, passport copies of shareholders, board resolution approving the purchase, and where applicable, certificate of good standing and freezone NOC.

Is there additional cost when buying property through a company?

Dubai does not impose additional property tax for company purchases. However, documentation, attestation, translation, and compliance costs may apply depending on the company structure.

Should I set up a company before selecting property in Dubai?

Yes. Proper company structuring should be completed before entering into a property transaction to avoid delays and compliance issues.

Buy Property in Dubai Under Company Name Guide

Can you buy property in Dubai under a company name?

Yes, you can.

But the real question is not whether you can. The real question is whether your company structure is correctly aligned before you sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement.

For many investors, holding property under a company is not just about ownership. It is about liability protection, succession planning, asset structuring, tax positioning in their home country, and long-term investment strategy.

However, buying property through a company in Dubai requires proper compliance with Dubai Land Department regulations, developer requirements, and jurisdiction-specific rules.

At Pin Homes Real Estate LLC, we regularly guide investors through this process. And as Rahul Dubey, Co-Founder of Pin Homes Real Estate LLC and Pin Homes Corporate Solutions, often advises:

Structure first. Buy second.

Can a Company Buy Property in Dubai?

Buying Property in Dubai Under a Company Name: How to Get It Right

Yes. Companies can purchase property in designated freehold areas in Dubai, subject to approval from the Dubai Land Department and, where applicable, the relevant free zone authority.

However, requirements differ depending on the legal structure of the purchasing entity.

The Three Common Ownership Structures

Mainland LLC
Freezone Company
Foundation, Trust, or Overseas Entity

Each comes with different documentation, compliance, and approval requirements.

Mainland LLC Buying Property in Dubai

A mainland LLC registered in the UAE can purchase property in freehold areas.

Typical Documentation Required

Valid Trade License
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Passport, visa, and Emirates ID of shareholders
Board Resolution approving the purchase
Company stamp

In some cases, additional verification may be requested if the shareholding structure involves corporate shareholders.

Mainland entities often face fewer authority approvals compared to freezone companies, but documentation must be properly structured.

Freezone Company Buying Property in Dubai

Freezone companies such as DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, RAKEZ, and others can also purchase property. However, approval from the relevant freezone authority is usually required.

Additional Requirements May Include

No Objection Certificate from the Freezone
Certificate of Incumbency or Good Standing
Confirmation of permitted business activity
Legal translation of documents into Arabic where required

Each freezone has its own internal compliance procedures. Timelines and documentation validity periods may vary.

This is where many transactions get delayed when structuring is not reviewed in advance.

Foundations or Overseas Companies

Foreign companies and foundations can also purchase property in Dubai, subject to additional due diligence.

Developers and Dubai Land Department may require:

Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles
Certificate of Good Standing
Shareholder register
Ultimate Beneficial Owner disclosure
Board or Founder Resolution
Notarized and legalized documents
Arabic legal translation

Depending on jurisdiction, documents may require attestation or legalization.

This is why early planning is essential.

Company Purchase Documentation Overview

Here is a simplified comparison:

Structure Type	Authority Approval Needed	Common Risk Area
Mainland LLC	DLD approval	Incomplete shareholder documentation
Freezone Company	Freezone + DLD	NOC delays or expired certificates
Overseas Entity	DLD + Legalization	Document attestation and UBO clarity

Each case is unique. Structure and shareholding complexity directly affect processing time.

Why Investors Buy Property Under a Company

Holding property under a company may offer strategic advantages, depending on the investor’s goals.

Common Reasons Include

Asset protection
Separation of personal and business liability
Easier transfer of ownership via share transfer
Succession planning
Portfolio structuring
International tax alignment in home jurisdiction

It is important to note that UAE does not impose personal income tax on property rental income. However, tax implications may arise in the investor’s country of residence.

Professional advice should always be sought in both jurisdictions.

Common Mistakes Investors Make

Buying under a company name without reviewing structure first is one of the most common errors.

Frequent Issues Include

Expired trade license
Outdated certificate of good standing
Missing board resolution wording
Shareholding mismatch
No freezone NOC
Incomplete UBO disclosure

These issues often surface at the time of property transfer, which can cause delays or developer penalties.

Dubai Land Department and Regulatory Considerations

All property transactions in Dubai must be registered with the Dubai Land Department.

Key regulatory factors include:

4 percent DLD transfer fee
Escrow compliance for off-plan properties
RERA-regulated brokerage framework
UBO transparency requirements

Corporate buyers are subject to the same transfer fees and registration procedures as individual buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a freezone company buy residential property in Dubai?

Yes, provided the property is located in a designated freehold area and the relevant freezone authority issues a No Objection Certificate where required.

Is there any additional cost when buying through a company?

There is no separate property tax. However, additional documentation, attestation, and legal translation costs may apply depending on structure.

Does Dubai allow 100 percent foreign ownership through companies?

Yes. Foreign investors can own property in freehold areas, either personally or through qualifying company structures.

How long does a company property purchase take?

If documentation is prepared in advance, timelines are similar to individual purchases. Delays usually occur when compliance documents are incomplete.

Should I set up a company before selecting property?

Yes. Structuring should come first. The company must be compliant before entering into a sales agreement to avoid last-minute complications.

Final Thoughts: Structure First, Buy Second

Buying property in Dubai under a company name can be a powerful strategic move for investors and business owners.

However, the success of the transaction depends on:

Correct company structure
Clear shareholder documentation
Authority approvals
Proper legal compliance

At Pin Homes Real Estate LLC, we guide clients through property selection based on investment goals. Through Pin Homes Corporate Solutions, we ensure the company structure and documentation are aligned before the transaction proceeds.

This integrated approach reduces risk and prevents unnecessary delays.

Speak with Rahul Dubey and the Pin Homes Team

If you are considering buying property in Dubai under a company name, speak with trusted Dubai real estate experts before proceeding.

Rahul Dubey, Co-Founder of Pin Homes Real Estate LLC and Pin Homes Corporate Solutions, advises investors on both property acquisition and corporate structuring to ensure smooth execution.