Property Gift Transfer in Dubai: Full Step-by-Step Guide

In Dubai, real estate can be more than just an investment—it can be a legacy. Whether you’re passing property to your children, your spouse, or your parents, the property gift transfer in Dubai is a powerful legal tool that allows you to do so with minimal fees and maximum peace of mind.

This guide explains how to legally gift property in Dubai, including who qualifies, what documents are required, what fees apply, and how to complete the process with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

What Is a Property Gift Transfer in Dubai?

A property gift transfer in Dubai allows property owners to transfer full legal ownership of real estate to a first-degree family member—without it being classified as a sale.

Unlike a commercial transaction, gifting is considered a non-monetary transfer and benefits from reduced DLD fees and simplified procedures. It is often used for estate planning, succession, or personal restructuring within families.

Who Can Receive a Property Gift in Dubai?

Gift transfers are limited to first-degree relatives, specifically:

• Parents and children (in either direction)

• Spouses

Gifts to siblings, cousins, in-laws, or friends are not permitted under this structure and would be treated as standard sales subject to the full 4% DLD fee.

Key Advantages of Gifting Property

• Pay only 0.125% DLD fee instead of 4%

• No capital gains or income tax

• Ideal for succession planning

• Keeps wealth within the family

• Streamlined DLD procedure

• Can enable spouse or child to qualify for UAE Golden Visa

Step-by-Step: How to Complete a Property Gift Transfer in Dubai

Step 1: Confirm the Relationship

You must prove a first-degree relationship with the recipient. Accepted proof includes:

• Marriage Certificate (for spouses)

• Birth Certificate (for parent-child relationships)

If the documents are issued outside the UAE, they must be:

• Legally translated into Arabic

• Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Step 2: Obtain the Developer’s NOC

Before the Dubai Land Department will process any transfer, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property developer.

This confirms:

• The property is clear of all service charges

• The developer consents to the transfer

• There are no ongoing disputes

NOC Fee: Usually ranges from AED 500 to AED 5,000 depending on the developer.

Step 3: Prepare All Required Documents

From the Giver (Current Owner):

• Original Title Deed or Oqood (if off-plan)

• Emirates ID and passport copy

• Attested relationship documents

• Developer NOC

• Signed gift declaration form

From the Recipient:

• Emirates ID and passport copy

• Proof of relationship

• Signed gift acceptance form

Tip: If the property is jointly owned, all parties must consent and submit documentation together.

Step 4: Valuation of the Property

Even though there is no financial consideration, the DLD still determines the property’s market value. This figure will be used to calculate the gift transfer fee.

Example: If DLD valuation = AED 2 millionGift fee = AED 2,500 (0.125% of AED 2M)

You cannot declare a symbolic value (e.g. AED 1)—the fee will always be based on DLD’s internal valuation.

Step 5: Visit a Trustee Office to Finalize the Process

The final application must be submitted through a DLD-approved trustee office. At this stage, both parties will:

• Submit all documents

• Verify identity and relationship

• Pay applicable fees

• Sign the gift and acceptance forms

Processing usually takes 1–3 working days after approval.

Step 6: Receive the New Title Deed

Once approved, a new title deed is issued in the recipient’s name, officially completing the property gift transfer in Dubai.

Cost Breakdown: Property Gift Transfer in Dubai

Item	Estimated Cost
DLD Transfer Fee (Gift)	0.125% of DLD valuation
Trustee Office Fee	AED 4,000 – AED 5,000
Developer NOC	AED 500 – AED 5,000
Translation & Attestation	AED 500 – AED 1,500
Admin/Typing Fees	AED 500 – AED 1,000

Note: If the property is mortgaged, the mortgage must be cleared or the bank must issue a no-objection letter prior to transfer.

Can You Gift a Property That’s Still Under Construction?

Yes, but only if:

• The developer has issued the Oqood (pre-registration title)

• The developer approves the transfer as a gift

• All payments are up to date

Note: Some developers treat off-plan gifting like a resale, so be sure to check their internal policies.

FAQs

Can I gift property to my sibling or friend?

No. Only spouses, parents, and children are eligible under DLD rules.

Can I gift a mortgaged property?

Only with the bank’s written consent, or after settling the mortgage in full.

Do I still pay transfer fees?

Yes, but only 0.125% instead of 4%. You will also pay admin, NOC, and trustee fees.

Can I reverse a gift later?

Only through a legal dispute or court order. Once a title deed is transferred, the new owner has

full legal rights.

Does this trigger tax in the UAE?

No. Dubai does not levy capital gains or gift taxes, making it ideal for real estate wealth transfers.

Strategic Use Cases for Property Gifting

• Succession Planning: Avoid court inheritance issues

• Golden Visa Eligibility: Spouse or child with AED 2M+ title deed can apply

• Sharia-Compliant Transfers: Settle family ownership during your lifetime

• Marriage & Divorce Protection: Secure assets proactively

Conclusion

The property gift transfer in Dubai is a cost-effective and legally recognized way to transfer ownership to close family members. With DLD’s clear procedures and reduced fees, it’s an excellent option for succession planning, asset restructuring, or simply helping a loved one build their financial future.

Just ensure:

• Your relationship is eligible

• Your documents are in order

• You comply with DLD valuation and trustee procedures

Need Help with a Property Gift Transfer in Dubai?

I’m Stephen James Mitchell, Managing Director of Global Investments and a licensed real estate broker with The Luxury Real Estate Brokers LLC.

With over 25 years of global finance experience and 18 years in the UAE, I specialize in high-level real estate structuring—from gifts and trusts to succession and cross-border tax efficiency.

📞 Let’s have a conversation. No pressure, just clarity.

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