Short answer: under UAE Central Bank rules, an expatriate can borrow up to 80% of the price for a first home under AED 5 million, 70% above AED 5 million, 60% for a second or investment property and 50% for off-plan. Monthly debt repayments can take at most 50% of income, over a maximum of 25 years. Banks set their own, usually stricter, limits for buyers who live abroad.
Rules checked against the Central Bank of the UAE rulebook (Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans, Article 3) on 18 Oct 2026. Reviewed by the Vidabricks advisory team. Not financial advice: each bank decides on its own criteria.
Central Bank limits
| Purchase | Expatriates: maximum loan | UAE nationals: maximum loan |
|---|---|---|
| First home, below AED 5M | 80% | 85% |
| First home, above AED 5M | 70% | 75% |
| Second home or investment property | 60% | 65% |
| Off-plan property | 50% | 50% |
Debt burden ratio: at most 50% of gross salary plus regular income. Maximum term: 25 years. Source: CBUAE Rulebook, Article 3.
Worked example: AED 1.5M investment apartment, buyer living abroad
- Maximum loan under Central Bank rules: 60% = AED 900,000. Many banks offer less to non-residents.
- Deposit: at least AED 600,000, plus the 4% DLD fee (AED 60,000), mortgage registration (0.25% of the loan, AED 2,250) and the bank's valuation fee.
- Income test: all monthly debt repayments, including this mortgage, must stay within 50% of your income.
Off-plan and mortgages
Banks lend on off-plan property only up to 50%, and many lend only at or near handover. A handover-weighted plan such as 30/70 lets you pay 30% during construction and fund much of the 70% handover payment with a mortgage once the property is complete. See the payment plans index.
Documents banks usually ask for
- Passport and, for residents, Emirates ID and visa.
- Six to twelve months of bank statements and proof of income (salary slips or audited accounts if self-employed).
- Credit report from your home country, if available.
- The sale and purchase agreement or reservation form for the property.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Several UAE banks lend to buyers who live abroad. The Central Bank's limits are the ceiling, and banks usually apply stricter terms to non-residents, so expect a larger deposit and more documents.
How much deposit do I need for a Dubai mortgage?
Under Central Bank rules, an expatriate buying a first home under AED 5 million can borrow up to 80%, so the minimum deposit is 20%. For a second or investment property the maximum loan is 60%, and for off-plan purchases it is 50%.
How much can I borrow on my income?
Total monthly debt repayments, including the new mortgage, can be at most 50% of your income. Banks may lend less depending on your circumstances.
What is the longest mortgage term in the UAE?
25 years, under the Central Bank's mortgage regulations.
