Finance & Mortgage · 11 min · 2026-03-21

Dubai Mortgage Guide for Non-Residents: Rules, Lenders & Process

What non-residents need to know about obtaining a mortgage in Dubai — the official rules, how lenders decide, documents and the process.

Can Non-Residents Get a Mortgage in Dubai?

Yes, with lenders that accept non-resident borrowers. Each lender decides whether it finances buyers who live abroad and on what terms. For a complete overview of all costs and fees involved in buying property, see our dedicated guide. UK investors and French investors can also consult our country-specific guides.

Non-Resident vs Resident Mortgage Terms

The Central Bank of the UAE Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans set these maximums:

• UAE nationals, first home (owner occupier): up to 85% of the property value when the value is AED 5 million or less, up to 75% above AED 5 million
• UAE nationals, second home or investment property: up to 65%, whatever the value
• Expatriates, first home (owner occupier): up to 80% when the value is less than AED 5 million, up to 70% above AED 5 million
• Expatriates, second home or investment property: up to 60%, whatever the value
• Property bought off plan: up to 50%, whatever the purpose, value or category of buyer
• Debt burden ratio (DBR): total monthly debt repayments capped at 50% of gross salary and regular income from a defined source
• Maximum term: 25 years

These are regulatory maximums. Each lender applies its own credit policy and may set lower limits.

The regulation distinguishes UAE nationals from expatriates. It does not set separate limits for buyers who live outside the UAE: whether a lender finances non-residents, and on what terms, is part of that lender's own credit policy.

Choosing a Lender

We do not rank lenders. Interest rates, fees and eligibility criteria are set by each lender and change frequently. We do not quote bank rates in this guide: ask each lender for its current written offer, then enter that rate in the mortgage simulator to compare.

When you compare lenders, ask each one:

• Whether it lends to residents of your country
• The maximum LTV it applies to your case (never above the regulatory cap)
• The rate, the fixed period and the rate after it
• All fees, and the early settlement terms
• Whether it finances off-plan properties, and when it disburses

Documents Lenders Usually Ask For

1. Passport copy
2. Proof of income (salary slips or tax returns)
3. Recent bank statements
4. Credit report from your home country, where available
5. Sales Purchase Agreement
6. Proof of address

The exact list, and any certification required, is set by the lender.

The Application Process

1. Pre-approval
2. Property valuation
3. Final approval
4. Disbursement

Timelines depend on the lender and on your file.

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Calculators for this guide: Mortgage calculator Dubai & UAE · Dubai mortgage for non-residents · Off-plan calculator Dubai

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