Understanding real estate transactions for minors in Dubai requires a clear understanding of the legal framework designed to safeguard their rights. While individuals under the age of 21 are permitted to own property in the UAE, special regulations ensure that any purchase or sale is conducted under strict legal supervision to protect the minor’s best interests.

This guide outlines how property ownership works for minors, the responsibilities of legal guardians, and the necessary steps to complete a transaction under UAE law.

Who Qualifies as a Minor Under UAE Law?

In the UAE, a minor is legally defined as anyone under the age of 21. However, this designation can also apply to adults over 21 who are deemed incapable of managing their affairs due to mental or legal incapacity. In both cases, a legal guardian must be appointed to manage property-related matters, ensuring decisions are made in the minor’s favor and with court approval.

Selling Property Registered to a Minor

1. Fully Owned Property

If a minor holds full ownership of a property, any sale must be approved by the Dubai Courts. A legal guardian is required to submit the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for judicial review. Upon approval, the Court issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), authorizing the transaction.

Importantly, the sale proceeds are not released directly to the guardian. Instead, they are deposited into an account managed by the Dubai Courts and remain inaccessible until the minor turns 21. Exceptions may be made if the guardian demonstrates urgent needs, such as educational expenses or reinvestment into another property—subject to court discretion.

To complete the sale, a manager’s cheque is issued in the name of the Dubai Courts, and the new title deed is transferred to the buyer through an authorized Trustee Office.

2. Shared or Partially Owned Property

For properties jointly owned by a minor and another party, the same legal process applies. The guardian must seek court approval to sell the minor’s share. If granted, the minor’s portion of the proceeds is held by the Dubai Courts until adulthood, unless early access is justified and approved.

Purchasing Property for a Minor

Minors can acquire real estate in Dubai through their legal guardian. In such cases, the guardian must sign the SPA on the minor’s behalf and submit supporting documents, including:

• An Arabic-translated and attested birth certificate
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Documentation confirming the transaction is in the minor’s best interest

The Dubai Land Department requires these materials to complete the registration process through a Trustee Office. Ownership is transferred in the minor’s name, but full control remains with the guardian until the minor reaches 21 years of age.

Role and Responsibilities of Legal Guardians

Guardians are entrusted with managing the minor’s real estate holdings, including maintenance, tax obligations, and financial oversight. They must demonstrate financial responsibility—typically through income statements or bank records—and justify how the transaction benefits the minor.

The Court reviews each case to ensure the guardian’s actions serve the minor’s welfare, not personal interests. Failure to meet these standards can result in denial of the transaction.

Court Oversight & Financial Safeguards

Dubai’s legal system provides a strong framework to prevent misuse of a minor’s assets. All transactions involving minor-owned properties must be approved by Dubai Courts. The proceeds of any sale are placed in protected accounts managed by the judiciary.

Guardians cannot access these funds unless the Court authorizes their use for specific needs such as education or healthcare. This safeguard ensures that minors’ financial assets are preserved until they are legally able to manage them.

What Happens to the Sale Proceeds?

When a property owned by a minor is sold, the sale proceeds are deposited into a secure account controlled by Dubai Courts. These funds are allocated for the minor’s welfare but are typically inaccessible until the age of 21, unless early withdrawal is approved based on necessity. Once the minor reaches legal adulthood, full control over the funds and property rights is transferred to them.

Partnering with Experts for a Smooth Process

The legal process for buying or selling property on behalf of a minor in Dubai is comprehensive and strictly regulated. Partnering with an experienced and reputable real estate firm ensures compliance with all procedural requirements.

At Realty Homist, we specialize in assisting clients with transactions involving minors. Our multilingual team is fully equipped to handle every aspect of the process—from document preparation and legal coordination to trustee registration and court approvals.