District Intelligence content is indicative only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult a licensed District Real Estate advisor before making any property decision.
Yes. Non-UAE residents can obtain a mortgage from UAE banks to purchase property in Dubai. The maximum loan-to-value (LTV) for non-residents is 75% on properties up to AED 5 million. You do not need to live in the UAE, hold a UAE visa, or have a UAE bank account before applying — though a UAE account is typically required to complete the mortgage.
LTV Limits for Non-Residents
UAE Central Bank regulations set the following LTV maximums:
| Buyer Type | Property Value | Max LTV | Min Down Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | Up to AED 5M | 75% | 25% |
| Non-resident | Above AED 5M | 65% | 35% |
| UAE resident expat | Up to AED 5M | 80% | 20% |
| UAE national | Up to AED 5M | 85% | 15% |
On a AED 2,000,000 property, a non-resident needs a minimum down payment of AED 500,000, plus transaction costs of approximately AED 140,000–160,000. Total cash requirement: approximately AED 660,000.
Which Banks Lend to Non-Residents
Not all UAE banks offer non-resident mortgages. Those that do:
- Emirates NBD (ENBD) — one of the most active non-resident lenders
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- Mashreq Bank
- HSBC UAE
- Standard Chartered UAE
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
International banks with UAE operations (HSBC, Standard Chartered) often have processes that accept income documentation from the buyer's home country, making them a practical first port of call for overseas buyers.
Income Documentation
Typical requirements: 6 months bank statements, 3 months payslips or 2 years audited accounts (self-employed), proof of address, passport copy. Some banks require the income to be in a currency they are comfortable with — GBP, USD, EUR, and INR are most commonly accepted.
Interest Rates in 2026
UAE mortgages are typically EIBOR-linked (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate) plus a bank margin. With the Fed cutting rates in late 2025, EIBOR has moderated. Fixed-rate options (typically 1–3 year fixed then variable) are available from most lenders at competitive rates.
DRE Advisory Note
Always get a mortgage pre-approval before committing to a purchase. Pre-approval typically takes 3–5 working days and confirms your borrowing capacity before you sign any contract. District works with independent mortgage brokers who compare rates across UAE lenders at no cost to buyers.
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