Buyer Guides · 3 min read
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Dubai? Non-resident financing explained
The EQT Private Office · RERA-registered brokerage · Published August 3, 2026 · Updated September 24, 2026
Yes, foreigners and non-residents can get a mortgage in Dubai. UAE banks lend to non-residents at up to 50-60% loan-to-value, against up to 80% for residents, so as a non-resident you need a deposit of around 40-50% plus fees. Approval depends on your income, the bank's eligible-country list and the property itself.
Key takeaways
- •Non-residents and foreigners can get mortgages from UAE banks.
- •Non-residents borrow up to about 50-60% loan-to-value; residents up to 80%.
- •That means a non-resident deposit of roughly 40-50%, plus 6-8% in buying fees.
- •Terms run up to 25 years, with fixed and variable (EIBOR-linked) rates.
- •Approval depends on income, the bank's approved-country and developer lists, and a valuation.
Who qualifies and how much you can borrow
The UAE Central Bank sets the lending limits, and each bank adds its own policy on top. Residents with UAE income can borrow the most. Non-residents can borrow too, at a lower loan-to-value and from fewer lenders.
- •Residents: up to 80% loan-to-value on a first home under AED 5 million (less above that or on a second property).
- •Non-residents: up to 50-60% loan-to-value.
- •Terms up to 25 years, subject to a maximum age at maturity.
- •Each lender keeps an approved-country list, so your nationality or country of residence can affect eligibility.
- •Only certain banks finance off-plan and some developments.
Fixed vs variable mortgage rates
Dubai mortgages come as fixed-rate, with a set rate for an introductory period of one to five years, or variable-rate, tracking the Emirates Interbank Offered Rate (EIBOR) plus a margin. When the fixed period ends, the loan reverts to a variable rate.
A fixed rate gives you predictable payments in the early years. A variable rate can cost less but moves with the market. Your choice depends on where you think rates are heading and how long you plan to hold.
The documents you'll need
Banks assess your income and existing commitments, so having your paperwork ready speeds up approval. Residents and non-residents submit much the same documents, though banks sometimes ask non-residents for more.
- •Passport (plus UAE visa and Emirates ID if resident).
- •Proof of income: recent payslips and a salary certificate, or audited accounts if self-employed.
- •Six to twelve months of personal and, if relevant, business bank statements.
- •Details of existing loans and cards for the affordability check.
The mortgage process, step by step
The mortgage runs alongside your purchase and adds a couple of weeks. A mortgage broker or your agent can line up the lenders so the timeline stays tight.
- •1. Get a pre-approval confirming how much the bank will lend.
- •2. Find the property and agree terms; the bank orders a valuation.
- •3. Receive the final offer letter and sign the loan agreement.
- •4. Register the mortgage at the DLD (0.25% of the loan plus a small fee).
- •5. The bank releases the loan at transfer, and the title is issued in your name.
Frequently asked
Can a non-resident get a mortgage in Dubai?+
Yes. UAE banks lend to non-residents at up to 50-60% loan-to-value, subject to income checks and the bank's eligible-country and approved-developer lists. Residents can borrow more, up to around 80%.
How much deposit do I need to buy property in Dubai?+
Residents need a deposit from around 20% of the price on a first home. Non-residents need around 40-50%. Add the 4% Dubai Land Department fee and other transaction costs on top.
What are mortgage rates in Dubai?+
Banks offer fixed rates for an introductory period and variable rates linked to EIBOR plus a margin. Rates move over time, so compare current offers from several banks instead of relying on one figure.
Can I get a mortgage on off-plan property in Dubai?+
Some banks finance off-plan purchases from approved developers, often at a lower loan-to-value and sometimes only at or near handover. It depends on the project and the lender, so check before you commit.
