A common assumption we hear is that you need to live in the UAE to get a mortgage here. That's not true — several major banks offer mortgages to non-residents. The terms are simply stricter than what a UAE resident would get.
The key numbers
| UAE Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical LTV (loan-to-value) | Up to 80% | 50%–65% |
| Typical down payment | From 20% | 35%–50% |
| Interest rates | Standard | Slightly higher, often 4.5%–6.5% |
In plain terms: as a non-resident, expect to bring roughly a third to half of the property's value in cash, with the bank financing the rest. This isn't unusually strict by international standards — it reflects the bank's added risk in verifying income and assets outside the UAE.
Which banks lend to non-residents
Several major UAE banks have established non-resident mortgage products, including HSBC UAE, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and ADIB, among others. Availability can depend on your country of residence and nationality — banks maintain approved country lists, so it's worth confirming eligibility early rather than assuming any bank will lend to any nationality.
What you'll typically need to provide
- Valid passport and (if applicable) visa documentation
- 3–6 months of overseas bank statements
- Proof of income — payslips, employment letter, or business financials if self-employed
- Credit report from your home country
- Source-of-funds documentation for the down payment
Important restrictions to know upfront
- Only freehold properties qualify. UAE banks generally won't offer mortgages on leasehold/usufruct properties to non-residents.
- Off-plan properties face tighter limits. Off-plan purchases are typically capped around 50% LTV regardless of residency status, since the bank can't fully secure against an unbuilt asset.
- Minimum income thresholds apply. Most banks look for a minimum monthly income in the range of AED 15,000–30,000+ for non-resident applicants, though this varies by bank and loan size.
Our honest advice
Get a mortgage pre-approval before you start seriously viewing properties, not after. It clarifies your real budget, and sellers take offers from pre-approved buyers more seriously — particularly in a competitive listing.