Dubai Mortgages for Non-Residents
Non-resident buyers can obtain a Dubai mortgage at 50–60% loan-to-value, typically over 15–25 years, at rates in the mid-to-high single digits. Approval is income-and-documents driven rather than residency driven, and the whole process can be completed from overseas.
Key takeaways
- Non-resident LTV cap: usually 50–60% (residents reach 80%).
- Expect 1% arrangement fee, 0.25% DLD mortgage registration, plus valuation.
- Pre-approval takes 5–10 working days with complete documents.
- Not all off-plan projects are mortgageable before handover.
Typical non-resident terms
| Item | Non-resident | UAE resident |
|---|---|---|
| Max LTV | 50–60% | Up to 80% |
| Term | 15–25 years | Up to 25 years |
| Min property value | AED 1M–1.5M | No practical floor |
| Arrangement fee | ~1% of loan | ~1% |
| DLD mortgage registration | 0.25% of loan + AED 290 | Same |
| Life insurance | Mandatory | Mandatory |
Document checklist
- Passport copy (and UAE entry stamp if applicable)
- Six months of personal bank statements
- Proof of income: payslips or two years of tax returns for self-employed
- Credit report from your home country
- Property reservation form or SPA
Step-by-step process
- Obtain pre-approval (valid 60–90 days) before you commit to a unit.
- Bank instructs an independent valuation of the property.
- Final offer letter issued; you sign and pay the arrangement fee.
- DLD transfer appointment: bank issues the manager's cheque, mortgage is registered.
- Title deed issues with the bank's charge recorded against it.
Should an Australian buyer borrow in Dubai or at home?
Borrowing against Australian equity is often cheaper on headline rate and avoids AED exposure on the debt. Borrowing in Dubai matches the currency of the rental income and ring-fences the asset. Many of our Australian clients split the difference: cash or home equity for the deposit, Dubai finance for the balance once the unit is income-producing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Non-residents can borrow from most major UAE banks at 50–60% loan-to-value with proof of income, bank statements and a home-country credit report.
What is the mortgage rate in Dubai in 2026?
Non-resident rates generally sit in the mid-to-high single digits, fixed for one to five years and then reverting to a EIBOR-linked variable rate.
Can I get a mortgage on off-plan property in Dubai?
Some banks finance off-plan from selected developers, usually releasing funds at handover rather than during construction. Payment plans are the more common route pre-handover.