Property gifting in Dubai, also referred to as a property gift transfer, allows an owner to transfer full or partial ownership of a property without consideration to an eligible recipient. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) currently provides a specific Property Gift Registration service for these transactions.
Under the current DLD requirements, a property can be gifted to first-degree relatives, including a mother, father, spouse or children. The service also allows full or partial property transfers by way of gift, provided the property is not restricted or granted land.
Property Gifting Fees and Valuation
The current property gifting fee is 0.125% of the property valuation, subject to a minimum fee of AED 2,000. Additional charges may apply, including AED 250 for title deed certificate issuance, AED 225 for a unified map under Dubai Municipality, and AED 250 for villas and apartments, together with applicable knowledge and innovation fees.
Where a Real Estate Trustee Centre is used, additional service partner fees may also apply. The DLD currently lists a fee of AED 2,000 plus VAT where the transaction value is below AED 2 million and AED 4,000 plus VAT where the transaction value is AED 2 million or more.
The property valuation is an important part of the property gifting process. For gifted land, the DLD requires a property evaluation request to be submitted at a Real Estate Trustee Centre before the gift registration application. Smart valuation is also available for apartments and villas.
Documents Required for a Property Gift
Property gifting in the UAE also requires appropriate documentation to establish the relationship between the parties. For example, a marriage certificate may be required when gifting property between spouses, while a birth certificate and additional proof of paternity or kinship may be required when gifting property to a child. Documents issued outside the UAE must be translated and attested in accordance with the DLD’s requirements.
For non-resident foreign individuals, the DLD currently accepts a valid passport copy for identity verification, while UAE citizens may provide a marriage contract or Family Book where applicable. A legal Power of Attorney is required where someone is acting on behalf of the parties.
Property Gift Registration Process
The property gifting process is currently completed through a Real Estate Registration Trustee Centre. Once the required documents have been submitted and reviewed, the applicable fees are paid and the relevant electronic title deed and other documents are issued. The DLD currently states an estimated service time of approximately 25 minutes, subject to the application and documentation being complete.
Legal Advice on Gifting Property in the UAE
For anyone considering gifting property in Dubai, it is important to confirm the property’s eligibility, obtain the appropriate valuation and ensure that all relationship and identification documents meet the current requirements before starting the transfer.
Property gifting can be a useful way of transferring property within a family, but the legal and financial implications should be considered before the transaction is completed. Professional advice can help property owners understand the applicable requirements and ensure that the transfer is structured and documented correctly.
James Berry & Associates Legal Consultants advises individuals and families on property gifting in Dubai and other UAE real estate law matters. Our team can assist with understanding the applicable DLD requirements, reviewing the relevant documentation, and advising on the legal aspects of transferring property by way of gift.
If you are considering gifting a property to a spouse, parent, child or other eligible family member, please contact James Berry & Associates Legal Consultants for advice on the property gifting process and your specific circumstances.