What happens if a minor buys and sells property in Dubai?

Dubai real estate is one of the fastest property markets in the world, attracting investors, residents, and buyers from across the globe. The city’s exceptional infrastructure, luxury living, and strong economic performance make it a highly sought-after destination for property ownership. However, when it comes to minors, for those under the legal age, buying or selling property, the process is not as straightforward as for adults. There are significant legal restrictions in place to protect minors and ensure that transactions are carried out in their best interests. 

Read on to understand what happens if a minor buys or sells property in Dubai, covering the legalities, requirements, and safeguards that are involved in such transactions. 

Can a minor buy property in Dubai? 

In the UAE, the legal age for property ownership and transactions is 21. As such, minors (individuals under the age of 21) are not legally permitted to independently buy property in Dubai. However, this does not mean that a minor cannot be the owner of property. In fact, it is possible for a minor to own property, but the process differs significantly from that of an adult buyer. 

Since minors are not legally capable of entering into contracts or making binding decisions on their own, the transaction must be carried out in the name of a legal guardian or parent, who will act on their behalf. The guardian will have full control of the property until the minor reaches the age of 21. While the guardian is in charge, the property is held in trust for the minor. 

What are the requirements for buying property for a minor? 

To purchase property on behalf of a minor, the legal guardian must submit various documents to demonstrate their financial stability and ability to manage the purchase. These may include: 

• Bank statements: To show the guardian’s financial standing. 
• Salary slips: To prove the guardian’s income and ability to pay for the property. 
• Proof of identity: Both the minor’s and the guardian’s identification document, including passports and residence visas. 
• Proof of relationship: Documents establishing the legal guardian's relationship to the minor. 

Once these documents are verified, the property purchase can proceed. In some cases, the guardian may also need to provide additional evidence that the purchase aligns with the minor’s long-term interests. If the property purchase is substantial or complex, the court may need to approve the transaction. This ensures that the property will benefit the minor and is in line with their best interests. 

While the property is technically owned by the minor, the guardian or parent maintains full control over it until the minor reaches the legal age of 21. This includes handling maintenance, paying taxes, and dealing with any other legal responsibilities tied to the property. 

Can a minor sell property in Dubai? 

When it comes to selling property in Dubai that is owned by a minor, the process is similarly complex. Just as minors cannot buy property independently, they also cannot sell property without the involvement of a guardian or parent. A minor is not legally capable of entering into a sale agreement without legal representation. 

For a minor to sell property in Dubai, the guardian or parent must approve the sale and, in most cases, obtain a court order from the Dubai Court of First Instance. This is a critical step to ensure that the sale is in the minor’s best interests and that the proceeds will be used responsibly. Without this approval, any sale of the minor’s property would be considered void. 

The guardian will need to demonstrate that the sale is in line with the minor’s future needs, such as funding their education or securing their financial future. The court will assess whether the sale is fair and just for the minor and whether the funds generated will be managed appropriately. 

Once the court order is obtained, the sale process can proceed. The property must be registered with the Dubai Land Department within 30 days of the transaction. After the sale is completed, the funds from the sale will typically be held in a court-appointed bank account until the minor turns 21. These funds are meant to be used for the minor’s well-being, such as education, healthcare, or other necessary expenses. 

What happens to the funds from a minor’s property sale? 

The proceeds from the sale of property owned by a minor are placed in a designated court account until the minor reaches the age of majority, which is 21 in the UAE. These funds are intended for the minor’s use, but they cannot be accessed by the guardian for personal purposes. The funds must be spent on things that directly benefit the minor, such as: 

• Educational expenses: School fees, tuition, and other educational costs. 
• Healthcare: Medical bills or treatment costs. 
• General welfare: Other financial needs related to the minor’s care and upbringing. 

Once the minor reaches the age of 21, they gain full access to the funds and are able to make decisions regarding the use of the money, including any remaining balance from the sale of the property. 

What is the legal age for property transactions in the UAE? 

As previously mentioned, the legal age for buying property in Dubai or selling property in Dubai is 21. At this age, an individual is considered legally competent to engage in property transactions without the need for a guardian or court approval. This ensures that the person can fully understand the legal, financial, and personal obligations that come with owning or selling property. 

Until a person reaches 21, any property transactions involving a minor must involve a guardian and may require court approval, depending on the circumstances. 

Get expert guidance 

The UAE’s legal system takes the protection of minors seriously, especially when it comes to valuable assets like real estate. While a minor can technically buy property in Dubai or sell property in Dubai, the transaction cannot occur independently. It requires the involvement of a legal guardian and, in some cases, court intervention to ensure the minor’s best interests are safeguarded. 

If you are considering buying property in Dubai or exploring investment opportunities, it is essential to understand these legal complexities. Whether you are a parent seeking to invest on behalf of a minor or a legal professional advising clients, working with a qualified real estate agent and legal expert can help navigate the process smoothly. 

By understanding these regulations, you can ensure that property transactions involving minors in Dubai real estate are conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law. 

Need assistance with property transactions in Dubai? Contact us today to ensure a smooth and legally compliant process for minors and their guardians. 

This blog was originally published on 10/6/2023 and updated on 05/01/2026.