Getting a mortgage in Dubai as an expat

Expats can get a mortgage in Dubai, and plenty do, but how much you can borrow is capped by UAE Central Bank regulatory ceilings, not left entirely to individual banks.

The regulatory ceilings

For a first, owner-occupied property under AED 5,000,000, expats can typically borrow up to 80% of the value. Above AED 5,000,000, the ceiling is 70% for a first, owner-occupied purchase. A second or subsequent property, or an investment purchase, is typically capped at 60%, and off-plan purchases at 50%. These are regulatory maximums, not guaranteed amounts: individual banks apply their own underwriting on top and can lend less depending on your income, credit history, and the property itself.

Resident and non-resident differences

These ceilings apply broadly to expatriate buyers, but the exact terms, required documents, and available products differ between UAE residents and non-residents buying from abroad, and between a home you'll live in and one you're buying as an investment. We'll point you to a mortgage advisor who can confirm what applies to your specific circumstances.

What else affects eligibility

Banks also cap your total monthly debt repayments, mortgage included, at a limit set as a share of your gross monthly income. Your existing loans, credit cards, and other financial commitments all factor into that calculation. This is separate from your down payment: the down payment is the cash you put in at purchase, while the debt-burden limit is about what you can afford to repay each month.

Getting ready

Before you start viewing seriously, it's worth getting a pre-approval from a bank so you know your real budget rather than an estimate. You'll typically need proof of income, bank statements, your Emirates ID and passport, and a copy of your visa if you're a resident; non-residents should expect a different document list, which we can point you to.

Have these ready before you apply:

• Passport, and for residents your Emirates ID and visa
• Proof of income and recent payslips
• Three to six months of bank statements
• Details of any existing loans and credit cards
• A pre-approval, before you start serious viewings

This is general information, not financial advice specific to your situation. Lending criteria vary between banks and change over time.

Reviewed 7 September 2026, against the CBUAE mortgage regulations, consolidated version. Confirm current rates and your specific eligibility with a mortgage advisor before relying on this.