Non-resident
Can non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?
Yes. A smaller set of UAE banks lend to non-resident buyers, typically at 50-60% loan-to-value, so you'll need a 40-50% deposit plus fees. Terms run up to 20-25 years, and the process can generally be completed remotely with a notarised power of attorney.
Who counts as a non-resident buyer
You're treated as a non-resident if you don't hold UAE residency or an Emirates ID and live and work abroad. Non-resident lending is a distinct product from resident mortgages: fewer banks offer it, pricing is generally a little higher, and lenders lean more heavily on documented foreign income, credit history and the property itself rather than a local salary transfer. See our glossary if any of the underwriting terms below are unfamiliar.
Eligibility at a glance
| Factor | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Loan-to-value | 50-60% |
| Maximum term | 20-25 years |
| Property type | Completed unit in an approved freehold development |
| Income evidence | Payslips, bank statements, tax returns from abroad |
| Completion | Remote, via notarised and attested power of attorney |
Deposit and loan-to-value
Most non-resident mortgages in the UAE cap out at 50-60% loan-to-value, meaning you fund the remaining 40-50% plus purchase fees from your own savings. This is materially higher than the deposit expected from UAE residents, so it's worth running the numbers early with a mortgage calculator before you commit to a property.
Worked example: AED 2,000,000 purchase
Say you find a completed apartment priced at AED 2,000,000 and a bank offers you 50% loan-to-value. Here's what you'd need in cash before you can complete, on top of the AED 1,000,000 mortgage.
| Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Deposit (50%) | 1,000,000 |
| DLD transfer fee (4%) | 80,000 |
| DLD admin fee | 580 |
| Mortgage registration (0.25% + AED 290) | 2,790 |
| Trustee office fee | 4,200 |
| Valuation fee (indicative) | 3,000 |
| Agency commission (indicative 2%) | 40,000 |
| Total cash needed (approx.) | 1,130,570 |
That's a little over 56% of the purchase price in cash, all funded from your own savings rather than the mortgage. Arrangement fees, if your chosen bank charges one, would sit on top of this. Run your own numbers with the affordability calculator before you commit to a specific unit.
Nationality and property restrictions
Some banks restrict which nationalities they'll lend to, and most require the property to be a completed unit in an approved freehold development rather than an off-plan project. Eligibility varies bank by bank, which is why comparing the panel matters rather than approaching a single lender directly. See which UAE banks lend to non-residents for more detail.
How the process works, and a remote completion timeline
- 1Week 1: submit income and identity documents for an indicative pre-approval
- 2Week 1-2: compare offers across the banks that lend to your nationality and residence
- 3Week 2-4: agree the property, sign the memorandum of understanding, and instruct the bank's valuation
- 4Week 4-6: sign the final offer letter and arrange a notarised, attested power of attorney if you can't travel
- 5Week 6-8: complete transfer and mortgage registration with the Dubai Land Department
Timelines vary with how quickly documents and attestations come together, so treat this as an indicative sequence rather than a guarantee. For more on completing without travelling, see can I get a UAE mortgage without visiting the UAE.
Common blockers to plan around
- Nationality or country of residence not covered by the bank's current lending list
- Off-plan property, which most non-resident lenders won't finance
- Income evidence that's incomplete or inconsistent across documents
- Power of attorney attestation taking longer than expected
Run the numbers on your own case
Free Lenddoo tools and guides related to this article.
Last reviewed 15 June 2026