Can Foreigners Buy Property in Al Marjan Island? The Ultimate 2025 Profit-Boosting Investment Guide
Introduction
Can foreigners buy property in Al Marjan Island? The answer is YES! Al Marjan Island is a 100% freehold zone, allowing foreign buyers to own, rent, and sell property with full legal rights.
With rising property values, no property taxes, and visa benefits, Al Marjan Island is one of the UAE’s most profitable investment destinations for foreigners.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Can foreigners buy property in Al Marjan Island legally?
✔ Visa benefits for foreign investors.
✔ How to register a property & obtain a title deed.
✔ Are there mortgage options for non-residents?
✔ Taxes, closing costs, and key considerations.
💡 By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to invest in Al Marjan Island as a foreigner!
1. Can Foreigners Buy Property in Al Marjan Island?
Yes! Foreigners can buy property in Al Marjan Island with full freehold ownership rights, meaning 100% ownership with no time restrictions.
Unlike leasehold properties in some UAE locations, where properties are leased for 99 years, Al Marjan Island allows foreigners to own property indefinitely.
🔹 No UAE sponsor required – Full ownership in your name.
🔹 Properties can be rented, resold, or inherited with no restrictions.
🔹 Legal protection through escrow accounts and title deed registration.
2. Who is Investing in Al Marjan Island?
🌍 Foreign buyers from across the world are investing in Al Marjan Island, including:
🇬🇧 UK & Europe – Investors seeking waterfront luxury.
🇷🇺 Russia & CIS – Strong demand for second homes & high-yield rentals.
🇨🇳 China – Interest rising due to UAE-China trade agreements.
🇮🇳 India – HNWIs investing in tax-free real estate.
🇺🇸 North America – Attracted by high ROI & short-term rental potential.
📊 Foreign investors account for 40-50% of all property sales on Al Marjan Island!
3. How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Al Marjan Island
Step 1: Choose a Property
Foreign buyers can invest in:
🏡 Off-plan apartments & villas – Lower prices, developer payment plans.
🏡 Ready properties – Immediate move-in, mortgage financing available.
Step 2: Sign a Sales Agreement
Foreigners must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the seller or developer.
Step 3: Make Payments via Escrow Accounts
When purchasing off-plan property, payments go into a government-approved escrow account for buyer protection.
🔹 Funds are only released when construction milestones are met.
🔹 10% of payments remain in escrow for 12 months post-handover as a guarantee.
Step 4: Register the Property & Receive a Title Deed
📜 Off-plan properties receive a pre-title (Oqood).
📜 Completed properties receive a full title deed from Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.
4. Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Al Marjan Island?
Yes! Foreign investors can get a UAE mortgage, but there are eligibility requirements.
🏦 Mortgage Options for Foreign Buyers:
✔ UAE banks offer up to 50% financing for non-residents.
✔ Interest rates range from 4.5% to 6% per year.
✔ Mortgage terms last up to 25 years.
✔ Minimum 25% down payment for properties under AED 5M.
💡 Alternative Financing: Many developers offer flexible post-handover payment plans for foreign buyers.
5. Visa Benefits for Foreign Property Investors
Can foreigners buy property in Al Marjan Island and get a visa? Yes! Property ownership qualifies foreign buyers for a UAE residence visa, based on investment value:
🏡 AED 750K+ → 2-year residence visa
🏡 AED 1M+ → 5-year residence visa
🏡 AED 2M+ → 10-year Golden Visa
Visa Benefits for Investors:
✅ Sponsor your spouse & dependents.
✅ Open UAE bank accounts & access financial services.
✅ Obtain a UAE driving license.
💡 The 10-year Golden Visa is ideal for high-net-worth investors, offering long-term residency and business flexibility.
6. Key Considerations for Foreign Buyers
While Al Marjan Island is a secure investment destination, foreign buyers should consider:
✔ Currency Exchange & Payment Transfers – International buyers should factor in currency fluctuations and bank transfer fees.
✔ Resale Market Maturity – Since Al Marjan Island is still developing, the resale market is not as liquid as Dubai, so investors should have a 3-5 year hold strategy.
✔ Short-Term Rental Regulations – Some properties require permits for Airbnb-style rentals.
7. How Al Marjan Island Compares to Dubai for Foreign Investors
| Feature | Al Marjan Island | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% freehold for foreigners | 100% freehold in select zones |
| Price per sq. ft. | AED 1,400 – 2,500 | AED 2,000 – 5,000+ |
| Property Tax | None | None |
| Rental Yield | 6-9% (higher with new developments) | 5-7% |
| Investment Growth | High-growth market, strong ROI | Mature market, steady ROI |
💡 Al Marjan Island offers lower prices, higher rental yields, and massive growth potential compared to Dubai.
Final Thoughts: Why Foreigners Should Invest in Al Marjan Island
✅ Full freehold ownership for all nationalities.
✅ No property tax or capital gains tax.
✅ Government-backed escrow accounts & legal protections.
✅ Visa eligibility (2, 5, or 10 years).
✅ Lower prices than Dubai but rising demand.
📩 Want to explore available properties? Contact us today!
