Real estate guide
Mortgages for Expats in Dubai
How expat mortgages work in Dubai: deposits, loan-to-value limits, eligibility, documents, fixed vs variable rates and the steps to approval.
Most UAE banks lend to expatriate residents, and several also lend to non-residents. This guide covers how much you can borrow, the deposit you need and how to move from pre-approval to transfer.
How much can you borrow?
UAE Central Bank rules cap the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. For an expatriate buying a first home under AED 5 million, the maximum is usually 80%, meaning a 20% deposit. Above AED 5 million, and for second or investment properties, the maximum LTV is lower. Off-plan purchases are subject to stricter limits.
Banks also apply a debt burden ratio, which means your total monthly debt repayments, including the new mortgage, should not exceed around half of your monthly income.
Eligibility
- Minimum monthly income set by each bank, often from around AED 15,000 for salaried applicants
- Employment history, typically at least six months with the current employer
- Age limits at the end of the term, usually 65 for salaried and 70 for self-employed borrowers
- Maximum loan term of 25 years
- A good credit record with the Al Etihad Credit Bureau
Documents you will need
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID
- Salary certificate and recent payslips, or audited accounts and trade licence if self-employed
- Six months of bank statements
- Details of existing loans and credit cards
- The MOU (Form F) and title deed copy once you have found a property
Fixed or variable rate?
Fixed-rate mortgages lock the interest rate for an initial period, commonly one to five years, before reverting to a variable rate linked to EIBOR. Variable-rate mortgages move with EIBOR from the start. Compare the follow-on rate, early settlement fees and any minimum-balance requirements as well as the headline rate.
The mortgage process step by step
- Get a pre-approval so you know your budget before you search
- Agree a price and sign the MOU with the seller
- The bank values the property and issues a final offer letter
- Sign the loan documents and arrange life and property insurance
- Complete transfer at the trustee office, where the mortgage is registered with the DLD
Remember to budget for buying costs on top of your deposit. Our cost of buying guide explains them in detail.
Get mortgage advice
Our mortgage service compares options from multiple lenders and supports you through approval and transfer.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Fees, thresholds and regulations change, so please confirm current requirements with our team or the relevant authority before you commit.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes, some banks lend to non-residents, usually with a larger deposit and stricter income requirements than for residents.
What is the minimum deposit for an expat mortgage in Dubai?
For a first home under AED 5 million, expatriate buyers usually need at least 20% of the price as a deposit.
How long does mortgage approval take?
Pre-approval often takes a few working days. Final approval follows the property valuation, usually within one to two weeks.
Can I get a mortgage for an off-plan property?
Some banks finance off-plan property from approved developers, often towards the end of construction and with a larger deposit.
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