Mortgage in Dubai for expats: deposits, rules and costs

Yes, expats can get a mortgage in Dubai. UAE banks lend to residents and non residents alike, though the terms differ. As a resident expat you can usually borrow up to 80 percent of the price on a property up to AED 5,000,000, which means a 20 percent deposit. Non residents are typically asked for a larger deposit. The rest comes down to your income, your credit, and the property itself.

This guide sets out what a Dubai mortgage looks like for an expat buyer: the deposit, the rules, the costs, and the steps. It pairs with our full breakdown of the cost of buying property in Dubai.

How much deposit do expats need in Dubai?

For a resident expat buying a first property up to AED 5,000,000, banks usually require a 20 percent deposit, with the mortgage covering the other 80 percent. Above AED 5,000,000, or for a second property, expect to put down more. Non resident buyers are generally asked for a larger deposit again, often more than a resident, because the bank carries more risk.

Remember the deposit is not your only upfront cash. You also pay the buying costs of roughly 7 to 8 percent on top of the price, plus the mortgage costs below.

What does a mortgage in Dubai cost?

Financing adds a few charges on top of a cash purchase:

• Mortgage registration fee: 0.25 percent of the loan amount, plus a small fixed admin fee, paid to the Dubai Land Department to register the bank's interest.
• Bank arrangement fee: around 1 percent of the loan amount, though this varies by bank and is sometimes negotiable.
• Property valuation: roughly AED 2,500 to AED 3,500, paid to the bank so it can confirm the property's value before lending.

On an 80 percent loan against an AED 2,000,000 home, those costs come to a few thousand dirhams in registration, around AED 16,000 in arrangement fee, and about AED 3,000 for the valuation. Always compare offers from more than one bank, because the rate and the arrangement fee make a real difference over the life of the loan.

What do banks look at?

A UAE bank assessing an expat for a mortgage will usually look at:

• Income and employment. Salary, length of service, and whether you are salaried or self employed.
• Existing debts. Your monthly repayments cannot exceed a set share of your income.
• Credit history. Checked through the Al Etihad Credit Bureau.
• The property. Its value, type and whether it is ready or off plan.

Get these in order before you shop, and the process is far smoother.

Can expats get a mortgage on off plan property?

Often yes, though the terms differ and depend on the bank, the developer and the project stage. Many off plan buyers fund the purchase through the developer payment plan first, then arrange a mortgage closer to handover. We cover the wider off plan picture in our guide to off plan or ready to move.

The steps, in order

1. Check your budget, deposit and the full buying costs. 2. Get a mortgage pre approval from a bank, so you know your limit before you offer. 3. Find the property and agree the price. 4. The bank values the property and issues a final offer letter. 5. Sign, pay the deposit, and complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department with the mortgage registered.

Frequently asked questions

Can an expat get a mortgage in Dubai?

Yes. UAE banks lend to both resident and non resident expats, though the terms differ. A resident expat can usually borrow up to 80 percent of the price on a property up to AED 5,000,000, meaning a 20 percent deposit. Non residents are typically asked for a larger deposit. Approval depends on your income, credit history and the property.

How much deposit do I need for a mortgage in Dubai as an expat?

For a resident expat buying a first property up to AED 5,000,000, banks usually require a 20 percent deposit, with the loan covering 80 percent. Above that price, or for a second property, you will need to put down more. Non resident buyers are generally asked for a larger deposit. The deposit is separate from the 7 to 8 percent in buying costs.

What are the extra costs of a mortgage in Dubai?

A mortgage adds a registration fee of 0.25 percent of the loan plus a small admin fee, a bank arrangement fee of about 1 percent, and a valuation of roughly AED 2,500 to AED 3,500. On an 80 percent loan against an AED 2,000,000 home, that is a few thousand dirhams in registration, around AED 16,000 in arrangement, and about AED 3,000 for valuation.

Can a non resident get a mortgage in Dubai?

Yes, several UAE banks offer mortgages to non residents, but the terms are tighter. Expect a larger deposit than a resident would need, a more limited choice of lenders, and stricter income checks, because the bank carries more risk on an overseas borrower. It is worth getting a pre approval early so you know your limit before you start viewing.

If you want help lining up the right mortgage and bank for your situation, talk to us early. We will point you to lenders that fit and run the real numbers with you. Message us on WhatsApp or through our contact page.