Non-residents have excellent opportunities to finance property purchases in Dubai with accessible mortgage options. Many UAE banks now offer tailored mortgage solutions for foreign investors, allowing them to secure loans with up to 50-60% loan-to-value (LTV).
The process is straightforward, requiring a valid passport, proof of income, and bank statements, making it easier for international buyers to invest in Dubai's booming property market. With various flexible mortgage products and options available, non-residents can take advantage of Dubai’s vibrant real estate sector while benefiting from the potential for strong returns on investment.
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Residents in Dubai can apply for mortgages through local banks, typically with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios of up to 80% for first-time buyers and 70% for subsequent purchases.
The maximum loan term is usually 25 years, and residents need to provide documents like their Emirates ID, proof of income (salary certificates or bank statements), and a valid residency visa. Interest rates can be fixed or variable, and the property must be valued by an approved surveyor.
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Digital Escrow Account for
Non-Residents
Whether buying or selling property, transfering your funds securely into or out of the UAE with a trusted & regulated digital escrow foreign exchange platform.
Ideal for investors without UAE bank accounts.
WHAT IS A DIGITAL ESCROW ACCOUNT?
A digital escrow account is a secure, third-party financial service that holds funds during a transaction—ensuring that money is only released once all agreed-upon conditions are met. For non-resident investors, this means peace of mind when transferring funds into or out of the UAE for real estate transactions.
Helping you
Find the
Right Mortgage
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR FOR NON-RESIDENTS
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Can non-residents avail financing in the UAE?Yes subject to individual client profiling as always. Maximum loan-to-value available for non-residents would be 60% funding with rates at this level starting from 3.89% for a 3-year fixed rate.
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What are the rates I should expect in the UAE?Rates differ greatly between bank to bank and will all depend on the customer's individual profiling and whether they're salaried or self-employed.
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How much is my borrowing limit?As a general rule of thumb, the limit is calculated at 7x the annual salary of the applicant but it also depends on the bank. If the customer already has loans, credit cards and existing liabilities, then this ultimately affects the maximum amount they can borrow.
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What kind of documentation is required?For salaried applicants: ID documents, salary certificate, 6 months' payslips, 6 months' bank statements and details of existing liabilities. For self-employed: ID documents, company documents (trade licence, incorporation documents, memorandum of association, shareholders certificate, company profile, etc), audited accounts and/or 12 months business bank statements, 6 months' personal bank statements and details of existing liabilities.
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What is the minimum deposit?For expat residents (first-time buyer): 20% For UAE nationals (first-time buyer): 15% For expat residents (second-time buyer): 40% For UAE nationals (second-time buyer): 35% There are exceptions to the rules though, some of the banks allow 2nd-time buyers, 20% and 15% deposits for expats and locals, respectively, if their existing mortgage is under 60% LTV.
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How long will it take to get a pre-approval?This varies from bank to bank but normally banks will reply with initial observations and requests within 2 working days. Once additional documents have been provided, or additional questions have been addressed, the turnaround time to receive a pre-approval is usually between 5-7 working days.
Interest-Free Payment Plans from Developers
In Dubai, many developers offer interest-free payment plans to attract buyers. These plans allow investors to pay for the property in installments over a period of time, often stretching from construction to post-handover.
The initial down payment can range from 5-20%, with the remaining balance paid over several years, typically up to 5-7 years after the property is completed and also handed over. This is a popular option for buyers looking for flexibility without the added cost of interest.
PAYMENT OPTIONS IN DUBAI
Other Payment Options:
Post-Handover Payment Plans: Some developers allow buyers to move into the property after completion while continuing to pay installments over several years, easing the financial burden.
Rent-to-Own Schemes: Rent-to-own options enable tenants to use their rental payments toward property ownership, allowing them to convert rent into equity over time.
Deferred Payment Plans: Buyers can defer a portion of the payment until after a specific period, allowing for better financial management.
Key Benefits for
Non-Residents
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Security & Trust
Funds are held by a regulated escrow provider, typically licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) or Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This adds a layer of compliance and security that traditional bank transfers often lack.
UAE Bank Account NOT Needed
Non-residents can complete high-value transactions without opening a local bank account, avoiding delays, taxes/high fees and bureaucratic hurdles!
FX COST SAVINGS
These platforms often offer better foreign exchange rates than traditional banks, saving you thousands on currency conversions.
Full Transparency
Track the movement of your funds in real-time with detailed digital records, minimizing the risk of miscommunication or delays between buyer, seller, and broker.
Speed & Efficiency
Funds can typically be processed faster than traditional international wire transfers, helping speed up property deals and ownership transfers.