Vol. 1 Real estate intelligence
JP World · Real estate intelligenceDubaiAbu DhabiEvery figure with its sourceJP World · Real estate intelligenceDubaiAbu DhabiEvery figure with its source

The UAE dream · Offshore companies, trusts and wealth managers

Structure, protect and pass it on.

Hold UAE property through recognised structures, use common-law courts and foundations in DIFC and ADGM, and plan succession with confidence.

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Hold UAE property through recognised structures, use common-law courts and foundations in DIFC and ADGM, and plan succession with confidence.

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Why the UAE

Six reasons the world is moving here.

SafetyAbu Dhabi has been ranked the world's safest city by Numbeo for ten years running, and UAE cities fill most of the global top ten. Families, staff and assets are protected by some of the most advanced policing in the world.
TaxNo personal income tax. Rent and sale profits that an individual earns from UAE property are outside corporate tax. No annual property tax. The UAE has signed more than 140 agreements to avoid double taxation.
ResidencyA property worth AED 2 million ($545K) or more can qualify you and your family for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa, including off-plan and mortgaged homes in Dubai. There are also routes for exceptional talent in sport, culture and business.
BusinessForeigners can own 100% of most onshore companies. Corporate tax is 9% on profits above AED 375,000, with 0% available on qualifying free-zone income. Setting up takes days, not months.
LifestyleBeaches, marinas, golf, world-class schools and hospitals, Michelin dining and year-round sunshine, in a city where more than 200 nationalities live side by side.
ConnectivityDubai and Abu Dhabi put most of the world's population within an eight-hour flight, with direct routes to every major financial centre.

What it means for you

Made for offshore companies, trusts and wealth managers.

  • DIFC and ADGM foundations and trusts are widely used to hold family assets, including real estate, under common-law rules.
  • Approved offshore companies can hold property in Dubai's freehold areas, with ownership registered by the Dubai Land Department.
  • Register a will with the DIFC Wills Service or ADGM so your wishes apply to UAE assets.
  • Wealth managers and private banks in DIFC and ADGM serve families from every region, with strong regulation.

Where to start

Homes we would look at.

The Coral Collection Villas, Palm Jebel AliTrophy villas from AED 50MSee the project →Saadiyat LagoonsAbu Dhabi cultural islandSee the project →SolayaBeachfront at La MerSee the project →

Picks from our JP Score and Top 10 research. My view, not financial advice.

Questions

What people ask us.

Can a trust or foundation own Dubai property?

Yes, through recognised structures such as DIFC and ADGM foundations, subject to the land department's rules for each area. Ask a regulated adviser before you buy.

Does holding through a company change the tax?

Yes. Property held by a company is business property for corporate tax, unlike property held personally. Model both before you decide.

Can beneficiaries live in the property?

Yes, as the structure's documents allow. Residency visas follow the people, so plan who holds what.

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Sources: Numbeo Safety Index 2026; UAE Ministry of Finance (Cabinet Decision 49 of 2023, double tax agreements); Dubai Land Department and ICP (Golden Visa); DLD open data. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice: tax depends on where you are resident, so speak to your adviser.