A complete guide to Selling property in the UAE and the fines and sanctions associated

Selling property in the UAE can be highly profitable but one needs to be very much careful. This is because it requires strict adherence to the country’s laws, rules, and regulations. UAE has a proper and uniform set of laws and rules for selling property which needs to be followed. In the case of ignoring or breaching the laws, the repercussions are quite serious.

Unfortunately, several individuals try to exploit this by selling property with fake or forged documents and paperwork. Using forged or fake documents for property transactions is a grave offense. This is a criminal offense and can cost you a lot in the UAE. 

This full article delves around the sanctions and fines associated with selling property in the UAE. We will deeply look into the matter in the UAE contest and how it can impact an individual.

Forgery of documents or faking papers involves creating or altering a document intended to deceive or defraud. This is a criminal act under Article 251 of Federal Decree Law. Under the law, it constitutes the UAE Penal Code.

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This could be counted in the realm of property sales. Nevertheless, it also encompasses falsified sale agreements, title deeds, or others. Everyone knows that for the transfer of property essential legal papers are required to shift the ownership.

The UAE’s penal code specifically outlines various acts that amount to forgery as per the law. Here we have discussed such actions in great detail:

  • Any document can be modified. Therefore, they might choose to modify an existing document by changing its content. The content that is subject to change may include the writing, numbers, marks, or images.
  • Adding some of the misleading or forged things into the documents also takes place. It is done by adding a forged signature or seal or modifying a genuine one.
  • However, papers can be forged by obtaining someone’s signature, seal, or fingerprint through wrongful ways. They might use ways such as deception, without understanding the document’s contents.
  • Fabricating a false document is also categorized as a forged document. Fabrication may be attributed to a third party producing fake papers to transfer ownership.
  • In some cases, filling a blank paper with a signature, seal, or fingerprint also happens. In this situation, no proper authorization is obtained.
  • Forged documents are also produced by engaging in false impersonation. it may mean that one’s identity is altered in a document designed for such purposes.
  • Forged documents also refer to the distorting of the truth in documents and papers. The papers intended for immediate verification may have distorted facts and figures.
  • Additionally, the Federal decree-law also addresses rumors and cybercrimes taking place in the UAE. This stipulates penalties for forging electronic documents and producing fake papers within the territory. When it comes to penalties, the UAE outlines a set of laws to combat such criminal activities. 

The UAE takes a harder stance over forged documents. This is because of serious consequences resulting from document forgery. Some of the penalties are discussed below in this article. Let us get started:

  • Under the UAE Penal Code, if someone is convicted of forging an official document, they may face fines and punishment. They face temporary imprisonment for up to 10 years. Besides, for an unofficial document forgery, the penalty is allowed. This includes imprisonment as per the law.
  • In case, if an individual forges a copy of an official document and then utilized it. The individual might knowingly possess the forged copy and face the consequences. This could lead to sentenced to temporary imprisonment for up to 5 years in jail.
  • Additionally, for a forged copy of an unofficial document, the penalty is imprisonment. The UAE has strict laws to battle this matter.
  • Public officials or individuals with public service responsibilities who misappropriate funds or materials under their possession due to their role may face punishment. This could lead to temporary imprisonment. 
  • In case, this crime is linked to forgery or using forged documents, the penalty is more severe. As per the law, it could result in a minimum of 5 years of temporary imprisonment.
  • In addition to the above penalties, the law also states that the offender might be required to return the property or its proceeds. Alongside, they also need to pay a hefty fine equal to the property’s value. This is applied if the property worth exceeds AED 50,000.
  • Forging an electronic document associated with federal or local government, public authorities, or institutions may lead to charges and penalties. As per the Federal Decree-law, it includes provisional imprisonment. Moreover, a fine ranging from AED 150,000 to AED 750,000 is also imposed upon the individual.
  • Forging electronic documents not connected to governmental bodies could result in some penalties and punishments. As per the Federal Decree Law, an individual might be detained and also face a fine of AED 100,000 to AED 300,000.
  • Using a forged electronic document with awareness of its falsity carries the penalties and fines as forgery.
  • Here it is important to mention that in recent times, the UAE has taken pre-emptive measures in forgery documents while selling the property. The UAE has taken stringent steps to prevent property fraud and forgery of documents.
  • There is a great degree of seriousness to this activity. Thus these steps are taken to avoid property fraud in the UAE. Alongside, the culprits and accusers face significant legal and financial ramifications. 
  • It is a criminal offense resulting in severe penalties. Therefore, selling property with forged documents can prompt civil lawsuits and litigations. Besides, it is also attached to financial liabilities. 
  • Moreover, the buyers who fall victim to such fraudulent transactions can also seek compensation. They can easily file for compensation for redemption of the loss they faced. This could potentially lead the court to order the seller to make restitution.
  • This matter attracts substantial legal and financial penalties in the region. To avert any adverse consequences, it’s crucial to ensure that all property dealings are abiding by the law of the land. Additionally, all the transactions must adhere to the law and also involve proper documentation. 
  • The UAE government has established rigorous rules and regulations to address the complexity of the matter. Therefore, they have made legislation to counter property fraud.
  • It also brings individuals violating these regulations to accountability.  This brings justice, fairness, and transparency to the transaction and the legal system of the UAE.

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