A spouse to spouse transfer is the gifting of property between husband and wife, registered at the DLD as a first-degree gift. Like other qualifying gifts, it attracts the reduced gift transfer fee rather than the standard sale rate.
Where you’ll see it
You’ll see spouse-to-spouse transfers used to move property between partners — for example to consolidate ownership or as part of family planning. The transfer is registered on a gift basis with an attested marriage certificate as proof.
Why it matters
The reduced fee makes transferring between spouses far cheaper than a sale. But it remains a genuine change of ownership with legal effect, so couples should be clear about the consequences — including how the property would be treated in future events — before transferring.
What it is not
A spouse to spouse transfer is not automatic joint ownership and not a sale — it is a registered gift. It also does not by itself settle inheritance questions, which are governed separately.
Example
One spouse transfers an apartment into the other’s name as a gift; the DLD registers it at the reduced first-degree gift fee, supported by an attested marriage certificate.
Connected documents and parties
Gift deed, attested marriage certificate, title deed, IDs; spouses, DLD.
Going deeper: for arranging a transfer between spouses, see a Dubai conveyancing specialist.
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