Mortgage in the UAE: Guide for Residents and Non-Residents

22 June 2026

Getting a mortgage in the UAE depends on the buyer profile, residency status, income, existing obligations, property type, bank policy and Central Bank mortgage regulations. A strong process starts with pre-checking documents and affordability before the property transaction becomes urgent.

How banks look at a mortgage file

Banks review the buyer’s identity, income, liabilities, credit history, employment or business profile, property details and repayment capacity. The property is also assessed through bank valuation and the bank’s internal risk review.

Residents and non-residents

UAE residents and non-residents can face different documentation, income evidence and lending conditions. Residency, Emirates ID, salary transfer, business ownership, country of income and property type can all affect how the bank evaluates the file.

LTV and affordability

The Central Bank mortgage regulations set guardrails for mortgage lending, including loan-to-value limits and important ratios. In practice, approval is not based only on the property price; affordability, valuation, existing debt and bank policy can reduce the amount a buyer can borrow.

Documents to prepare

A file may include passport, Emirates ID or visa where applicable, salary certificate, bank statements, payslips, trade license or audited financials for business owners, property documents and purchase agreement details. The exact list depends on the bank and buyer profile.

How Atlant Capital helps

We help prepare the mortgage file, coordinate document flow, compare practical bank routes, communicate with bank or broker contacts and support the transaction stage. We do not guarantee bank approval or a specific rate; we organize the process and reduce avoidable delays.

Preparation checklist

Clarify whether the buyer is resident or non-resident.
Check income documents and existing obligations before application.
Prepare bank statements and source-of-funds explanations.
Confirm property status, valuation route and transaction timeline.
Understand likely down payment and associated transaction costs.
Coordinate bank, broker, seller and conveyancing steps early.

Need mortgage support for a UAE property purchase?

Atlant Capital can help organize the mortgage file, compare practical routes and coordinate communication through the transaction.

Book a consultation

Official and regulatory references

FAQ

What down payment do I need for a mortgage in the UAE?

Under Central Bank of the UAE mortgage regulations, expatriate buyers of a first home priced up to AED 5 million need a minimum 20% down payment (LTV up to 80%). Above AED 5 million the minimum is 30%, and for a second or investment property 40%. UAE nationals have a 5% lower threshold in each bracket.

What documents are required for a UAE mortgage?

Typically: passport, Emirates ID and visa for residents, salary certificate, about 6 months of bank statements and payslips for employees, or trade licence with audited financials and company bank statements for business owners, plus the property documents and purchase agreement.

Can non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?

Yes. A number of UAE banks offer non-resident mortgages, but the product range is narrower: expect larger down payments, fewer eligible property types and income evidence from your home country. Pre-approval before choosing the property is even more important than for residents.

What extra costs come with a mortgaged purchase in Dubai?

Budget the DLD transfer fee of 4% of the property price, mortgage registration of 0.25% of the loan amount, a bank valuation fee, typically AED 2,500-3,500, and a bank arrangement fee, commonly around 1% of the loan. Agent commission of about 2% applies on secondary market deals.