Yes, non-residents can get a mortgage in Dubai. A handful of UAE banks lend to overseas buyers, but the terms are tighter than for residents: a bigger down payment, more paperwork and a shorter list of eligible properties. This guide explains what to expect, so you can plan your numbers before you reserve a property.
Bank policies, rates and fees change often. The figures below are typical ranges from public market guides as of October 2026, not offers. Always confirm current terms with the lender.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Several UAE banks offer mortgages to buyers who do not live in the UAE, and some will also consider foreign investors buying for rental income. Banks decide case by case. They look at your nationality, income, credit history and the property itself. Not every bank accepts every nationality, and not every project is eligible, especially off-plan.
How much down payment do you need?
This is where non-residents differ most from residents. Market guides commonly quote a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of roughly 50% to 60% for non-residents, depending on the bank, which means a down payment of about 40% to 50%. Do not plan around more than 60%. Residents buying a first home under AED 5 million are often offered much higher LTV, so the gap can be large.
Your LTV also depends on the price band, whether the property is ready or off-plan, and whether it is your first purchase. Off-plan properties usually get lower LTV than ready ones. If you are still choosing between the two, read our guide to off-plan vs ready properties in Dubai.
Typical requirements and documents
Requirements vary by bank, but most lenders ask for a similar set of things:
- Income: banks commonly ask for a minimum monthly income of about AED 15,000 or the equivalent in your currency, and a minimum loan of about AED 350,000.
- Employment history: usually at least 6 months in your current job. Self-employed buyers are often asked for around 2 years of financial statements.
- Debt burden ratio: your total monthly debt payments, including the new mortgage, are generally capped at 50% of your income.
- Age: the loan usually has to be repaid by about age 65 for salaried borrowers or 70 for the self-employed. Check each bank’s rule.
- Documents: passport, proof of income, recent bank statements, a credit report from your home country and details of the property.
Because non-resident files are checked more closely, start gathering documents early. Missing or outdated papers are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Interest rates and loan terms
Public guides often quote non-resident mortgage rates somewhere between about 4% and 7%, depending on the bank, whether the rate is fixed or variable, and your profile. Fixed periods are commonly one to five years, after which the rate may reset. The maximum loan term is usually 25 years.
Ask every lender for the full cost of the loan, not just the headline rate. A small difference in rate changes your total interest by a lot over 25 years.
Costs on top of the down payment
Buyers often forget that fees add up. As a rough rule, many guides suggest budgeting around 7% to 10% of the purchase price for fees on a typical resale purchase. These are the main items:
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee | 4% of the price |
| Title deed and admin charges | about AED 580 to 1,000 |
| Trustee office fee | about AED 4,200 incl. VAT for properties from AED 500,000 |
| Agent commission | about 2% of the price plus 5% VAT |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan plus about AED 290 |
| Bank arrangement fee | up to about 1% of the loan plus 5% VAT |
| Property valuation | about AED 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Mortgage life and property insurance | ongoing yearly cost, varies by lender |
After you buy, remember the ongoing costs too, such as service charges, utilities and maintenance if you rent the property out.
A worked example
Say you want a AED 1,500,000 apartment with a 50% down payment, a 25-year loan and an example rate of 4.5%. These numbers are only for illustration, not a quote.
- Down payment: AED 750,000
- Loan: AED 750,000
- Monthly mortgage payment: about AED 4,169
- One-off purchase costs: about AED 109,000, or roughly 7% of the price
- Total cash needed upfront: about AED 859,000
You can change every number in this example with our free Dubai property loan and cost calculator. It also shows rental yield, cash flow after the mortgage and a monthly budget.
Step-by-step: how to get a mortgage as a non-resident
- Set your budget. Work out the price you can afford including the down payment and fees.
- Check eligibility. Confirm which banks lend to your nationality and which properties they accept.
- Get pre-approval. A pre-approval tells you how much a bank may lend and helps you negotiate with sellers.
- Choose the property. The bank will value it and may reject units in ineligible projects.
- Receive the final offer. Read the fees, rate type and early-settlement terms carefully.
- Sign and transfer. Pay the down payment and fees, register the mortgage and complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Reserving before financing is clear. Check that your bank accepts the project and the unit type first.
- Ignoring fees. Plan for 7% to 10% on top of the price.
- Counting on rent to cover everything. Use realistic rent and include vacancy and service charges.
- Comparing only the rate. Compare total cost, fees and what happens when a fixed period ends.
- Not budgeting for currency changes. If your income is in another currency, a move in exchange rates can change your real payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum down payment for a non-resident in Dubai?
Many guides point to roughly 35% to 50%, depending on the bank, the property and whether it is off-plan. Confirm with your lender.
Can I get a Dubai mortgage without living in the UAE?
Yes, with selected banks. You will usually need to show stable income, supporting documents and a clean credit history.
How long can a non-resident mortgage last?
Up to 25 years is common, as long as the loan is repaid before the bank’s age limit.
Is a mortgage broker worth using?
A broker can compare several lenders for you and help with the paperwork. Check how they are paid and ask for the full terms in writing before you decide.
Plan your numbers before you buy
Download our free Excel calculator to test different prices, down payments and rates. You can also use our mortgage calculator, or contact us if you would like help with your plan.
This article is for general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Fees, rates and lending rules change, so check current terms with your bank and the Dubai Land Department.