Non-resident

How much deposit do non-residents need in the UAE?

Non-residents typically need a 40-50% deposit, since UAE banks generally cap non-resident lending at 50-60% loan-to-value. On top of the deposit, budget for transfer, registration, valuation and agency fees, which are paid from your own funds and not financed.

Typical loan-to-value for non-residents

Resident borrowers can often access up to 80% loan-to-value on their first property, but non-residents are usually capped at 50-60%. The exact figure depends on the bank, your income profile, and sometimes the property's value band, so it's worth comparing rather than assuming one figure applies everywhere.

Worked example

Loan-to-valueMortgage amountDeposit required
60%AED 1,200,000AED 800,000
50%AED 1,000,000AED 1,000,000
Indicative deposit for a AED 2,000,000 property — indicative, subject to bank approval.

On top of the deposit you'll also need funds for the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee (AED 80,000 on this example, plus an AED 580 admin fee), a 0.25% mortgage registration fee plus AED 290, a trustee office fee of roughly AED 4,200, a valuation fee of roughly AED 2,500-3,500, and agency commission of around 2% (AED 40,000 here). Use the affordability calculator to see how these add up against your budget.

All-in cash needed at 50% LTV

ItemAmount (AED)
Deposit1,000,000
DLD transfer fee + admin80,580
Mortgage registration5,290
Trustee office fee4,200
Valuation fee (indicative)3,000
Agency commission (indicative)40,000
Approximate total1,133,070
Approximate total cash on a AED 2,000,000 purchase at 50% LTV — indicative, subject to bank approval.

What can improve your loan-to-value

  • A strong, well-documented income history from your home country
  • Existing banking relationship with a UAE bank operating in your region
  • A completed property in a bank-approved development rather than off-plan
  • A larger overall deposit to strengthen your application

Documents that support a stronger deposit case

  • Recent payslips or audited accounts showing stable income
  • 6-12 months of personal and, if self-employed, business bank statements
  • A credit report or reference from your home country
  • Proof of funds for the deposit, sourced and seasoned where possible

See the full list in which documents do non-residents need, and compare how deposit levels affect indicative pricing in do non-residents pay higher rates.

Run the numbers on your own case

Free Lenddoo tools and guides related to this article.

Last reviewed 18 June 2026

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