What do people ask most?

Yes. Since 2019, foreigners can own property outright (freehold) in Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones. Outside those zones, you can usually only hold a long lease.

Only in areas the government has designated as investment zones. The first official list in 2019 named 17, and more have been added since.

No. You don't need a UAE residence visa to buy freehold property in an investment zone. Getting a mortgage is harder if you live abroad, though. Our mortgage guide explains why.

Yes, in one way. Since 1 January 2025, property on Al Reem Island is registered with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), not the main Abu Dhabi registry. It doesn't stop you buying there, but the paperwork and registration go through a different office, so make sure your agent and lawyer know the ADGM process.

If you're UK resident, usually yes. UK residents normally pay UK tax on foreign income, and that includes rent from a property abroad. The UAE charges no tax on it, so there's no foreign tax to set against the UK bill.

Yes. UAE Central Bank rules let expats borrow up to 80% on a first home worth Dh5 million or less, so you need at least a 20% deposit, plus fees. If you live outside the UAE, expect banks to ask for more. Use our cost calculator to see your deposit and fees together.

Often, yes, but it's harder. The Central Bank doesn't set a separate limit for people living abroad, but many banks lend them less than residents and ask for more paperwork, such as overseas bank statements and proof of income. Ask two or three banks, or a mortgage broker, before you commit to a property.

Yes. The Abu Dhabi Residents Office offers a 10-year Golden Visa to property investors who have at least Dh2 million of their own money in Abu Dhabi real estate. It also covers your spouse and children.

Yes, with national banks, but only the part you've paid yourself counts.

Yes, if you buy from one of the government's approved developers and you've already paid at least Dh2 million to the developer. The full purchase price doesn't count until you've paid it.

On Yas, Saadiyat and Al Reem, advertised gross yields run from about 3.5% to 6.3%, and higher in Masdar City and Al Reef, at around 7.6% and 8.9%. After service charges and empty months, expect noticeably less. Every lease must be registered on Tawtheeq, and holiday lets need a licence.

Every lease must be registered on Tawtheeq, Abu Dhabi's tenancy system. Without it the lease isn't officially recognised, and the tenant can't connect water and electricity.

Yes, with a licence from the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT).

Agree a price, sign an agreement, get the developer's clearance, pay off any mortgage, then transfer at registration. Expect to pay around 3% of the price in selling costs, plus mortgage settlement if you have one. There's no capital gains tax in Abu Dhabi.

Once you've found a buyer, a straightforward sale takes a few weeks. Finding the buyer is the slow part, and it depends on the area and the price. Our AD vs Dubai guide explains why resale is slower in Abu Dhabi.

Comfortable, family friendly and calmer than Dubai, with beaches, world-class museums and theme parks close by. The big costs are rent and school fees: a one-bedroom on Al Reem averages about Dh74,000 a year, and the top-rated schools charge from about Dh26,000 to over Dh100,000. Summers are very hot.

It depends how long you'll stay. Buying costs 4 to 8% on top of the price, so it suits people staying several years. See what it costs to buy.

Most expat children go to private schools, which are inspected and rated by ADEK, the education regulator. In the 2025 ratings, 13 schools were rated Outstanding.