How to Protect Your UAE Real Estate Through Property Gifting

✅ Quick Summary – Property Gifting in the UAE

• Property Gifting allows you to transfer your real estate to your chosen first degree family members during your lifetime, avoiding lengthy inheritance court procedures.
• Unlike the usual inheritance process under UAE Sharia Law (if there is no Will registered), gifting ensures your property goes directly to your intended beneficiary.
• For Property Gifting in Dubai, the transfer fee is only 0.125% of the property value, compared to the standard 4% charged on a Property Sale.
• Property Gifting helps prevent delays and disputes by saving your legal heirs from the hassle of frequent travel to the UAE, extensive document submissions, attestations, and prolonged court procedures while also minimizing the risk of family conflicts.
• With proper documentation (Title Deed, proof of relationship, IDs, etc.), gifting is one of the most secure and affordable ways to protect UAE real estate.

Ever wondered what happens to your UAE Property in case something unfortunate occurs?

In the UAE, when a property owner passes away, it does not automatically transfer to their family members. Instead, the inheritance goes through a legal process known as estate devolution. This is a long and tedious procedure in the court and can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the property and the number of legal heirs involved.

UAE Inheritance Law

Unless the property owner registered a Will, UAE courts, by default, apply Sharia law to the estate of the deceased. This means that the property will be divided among the legal heirs in fixed shares, which may not align with the deceased’s personal wishes.

Why Property Inheritance Gets Complicated

The estate devolution process could become more difficult if your heirs are not UAE residents. In such cases, heirs may need to travel to the UAE, submit multiple legal documents (some of which must be legalized and legally translated to Arabic), and wait for court decisions. This whole process can delay access to the property or its proceeds.

Property Gifting in the UAE – The Ideal Solution

If you own a property in the UAE and want to ensure it goes to the person(s) of your choosing without delays or legal hurdles, consider Property Gifting during your lifetime.

Property Gifting is a legal process in the UAE that allows property owners to transfer real estate to their first-degree relatives. This not only ensures that your wishes are honoured but also saves your loved ones from future legal hassles.

Who Qualifies for UAE Property Gifting Transfers

UAE authorities, such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD), allow reduced transfer fees (0.125%) when the property is gifted to the following first-degree relatives:

• Spouse (husband or wife)
• Parents
• Children
• Between the company and its owner or the owner’s first-degree relative

In the UAE, siblings (brother & sister) are not considered as first-degree relatives.

Moreover, proper documentation is required – such as a fully attested & legally Arabic translated Marriage Certificate & Birth Certificate (if issued outside the UAE) for proof of relationship, and the process must be done through the relevant land department with necessary approvals.

 Benefits of Gifting Your Property

• Avoids probate and estate delays
• Reduces transfer and legal fees
• Prevents inheritance disputes
•  Ensures your property passes to your intended beneficiary
•  Provides peace of mind

Final Thoughts

Gifting your property during your lifetime is one of the most secure and cost-effective ways to ensure your UAE property is passed on smoothly, in accordance with your wishes. It’s a practical alternative – especially for Muslims- to relying solely on inheritance, especially if your beneficiaries live abroad.

Want to Know More?

Contact us today to understand the process and how property gifting works. Let us know how we can assist you step-by-step.

📩 contact@poa.ae | ☎️ 800-POAAE (76223)

FAQs about Property Gifting in the UAE

1. What is Property Gifting in the UAE?

Property Gifting is a legal process in the UAE that allows property owners to transfer real estate to their first-degree relatives (e.g, spouse, children, parents, or own company).

2. How much is the transfer fee for Property Gifting?

The Transfer Fee is usually 0.125% of the value of the property, or its share, as determined by the Value Estimation Certificate

3. Can I avoid the inheritance process by gifting my property?

Yes. Gifting your property to a first-degree relative during your lifetime can help bypass the long process of inheritance. This ensures the property goes directly to your intended beneficiary and avoids legal delays.

4. What documents are needed to gift a property in the UAE?

For the Property Gifting process, you generally need:

• Land Department Issued Title Deed / Oqood Certificate
• Valid Passport copy of both the donor(s) and beneficiary(s)
• Valid Emirates ID copy of both the donor(s) and beneficiary(s)
• Proof of relationship (Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate – fully attested & Arabic translated)
• NOC from the developer (if off-plan), NOC from the bank (if mortgaged)
• A Power of Attorney (POA) – if one or both parties are not present, it legally appoints a person to represent them on their behalf

These requirements may vary by emirate, so it’s best to consult a professional (such as POA.ae) to guide you through the process.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice nor should it be used as a basis for any specific action or decision. Nothing on this page is to be considered as creating a lawyer-client relationship or as rendering of legal advice or legal services for any specific matter. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice from their lawyer or a legal counsel regarding any specific legal issues.