30-Second Read

In one line. Non-residents can typically borrow 50% to 65% of a Dubai property's value (about 60% up to AED 5m, 50% above, and 50% on off-plan), at fixed rates from roughly 3.99% to 4.5%, on freehold homes only (listing aggregators, 2026).

Best for. Overseas buyers who want to finance a Dubai purchase rather than pay all cash.

What you will learn.

  • How much non-residents can borrow
  • The rates and costs
  • Eligibility and property rules
  • The process

Bottom line. Financing a Dubai purchase from abroad is common and workable, but expect a larger deposit than a resident, freehold-only rules, and stricter checks. Plan for 35% to 50% down.

How Much You Can Borrow

Non-resident LTV runs 50% to 65%: about 60% up to AED 5m, 50% above, and 50% on off-plan (listing aggregators, 2026).

The LTV caps. Non-residents generally get 50% to 65% loan-to-value, with roughly 60% on homes up to AED 5m and 50% above that. Off-plan is capped at 50% for every buyer category (CBUAE).

The deposit. That means a 35% to 50% down payment on freehold property, larger than a resident buyer would need. Budget the difference in cash.

Non-resident mortgage snapshot
ItemReading
LTV up to AED 5m~60%
LTV above AED 5m~50%
Off-plan LTV50% cap
Fixed rates from~3.99-4.5%

Rates and Costs

Fixed rates start around 3.99% to 4.5% for non-residents, plus the standard purchase costs.

Rates. Fixed rates for non-residents start from roughly 3.99% to 4.5%, with variable products tracking EIBOR plus a bank margin. Rates are typically a touch higher than for residents (listing aggregators, 2026).

Costs. On top of the deposit, budget the 4% DLD fee, mortgage registration at 0.25% of the loan, valuation and any arrangement fee, all payable in cash upfront.

Eligibility and Property Rules

Only freehold homes qualify, and banks apply stricter checks to non-residents.
  • Freehold only. Financing applies to designated freehold areas; leasehold is excluded.
  • Bank criteria vary. Major lenders like HSBC, Emirates NBD, Mashreq and ADIB each set their own rules, often stricter than for residents.
  • Income and documents. Expect proof of income, bank statements and stricter verification from abroad.
  • Off-plan limits. Lenders can restrict specific projects or set a lower off-plan LTV.

The Process

The steps mirror a resident purchase, with more paperwork and a bigger deposit.

How it runs. Get a pre-approval, choose a freehold property, complete the bank valuation, then proceed to transfer with the mortgage registered at the DLD. A mortgage adviser can shortlist lenders that accept your nationality and income profile.

The honest caveat. Rates, LTV and bank policies change and vary by nationality. Confirm current terms with the specific bank and a licensed mortgage adviser before you commit.

"You can finance a Dubai home from abroad, but the bank shares less of the risk. Plan for a 35% to 50% deposit, freehold only, and stricter checks than a resident faces."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?

Yes, on freehold homes, typically borrowing 50% to 65% of the value with a 35% to 50% deposit (listing aggregators, 2026).

What LTV do non-residents get?

About 60% up to AED 5m and 50% above, with off-plan capped at 50% for all buyers.

What rates apply?

Fixed rates start around 3.99% to 4.5% for non-residents, a touch above resident rates, with variable products tracking EIBOR plus a margin.

Can I finance any property?

Only freehold homes in designated areas. Leasehold is excluded, and some banks restrict specific off-plan projects.

What are the extra costs?

Beyond the deposit, budget the 4% DLD fee, mortgage registration at 0.25% of the loan, valuation and any arrangement fee, all paid in cash.

Sources cited in this article

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Editorial analysis for information only, not financial advice. Figures as reported by cited sources; verify current rules and unit-level details via DLD before any decision.