UAE Mortgages for Expats
Buyer Guide
Everything you need to know about getting a mortgage as an expatriate in the UAE — eligibility, rates, and the application process.
Expatriates make up over 88% of the UAE's population, and the mortgage market is well-developed to serve expat buyers. UAE banks offer mortgages to expats with UAE residence visas, though specific rules apply. For an eligible first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE caps expatriate LTV at 80% for property valued at or below AED 5M and 70% above AED 5M. For a second or subsequent home or an investment property, the cap is 60% regardless of value. UAE-national caps are 85% and 75% for a first owner-occupied home, and 65% for a second or investment property. These are regulatory ceilings, not offers; lenders may apply lower limits. The maximum age at final repayment is set by each lender's risk-management and lending policies.
Overview
| CBUAE maximum LTV (expat first owner-occupier) | 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above AED 5M; 60% for second or investment property |
| Minimum buyer contribution (expat; before costs) | At least 20% at or below AED 5M / 30% above AED 5M for a first home; at least 40% for second or investment property |
| Maximum age at final repayment | Set by lender policy |
| Minimum salary (most banks) | AED 15,000/month |
| UAE residency required | Yes (valid residence visa) |
| Non-resident option | Available at FAB (limited banks) |
Key Points
- All participating lenders offer mortgages to expats — the market is well-developed for foreign nationals.
- A valid UAE residence visa is required. Non-resident mortgages are available only at FAB and a few others.
- For a first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE maximum LTV for expatriates is 80% at or below AED 5M and 70% above AED 5M; second or investment property is capped at 60%. Lenders may set lower limits.
- The CBUAE leaves maximum age at final repayment to each lender's risk-management and lending policies.
- Salary transfer to the lending bank typically earns better rates and simpler approval.
- Mortigo specialises in expat mortgage applications and handles all documentation on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats get a mortgage in UAE?
UAE-resident expatriates may apply, subject to lender eligibility and affordability checks. For a first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE maximum LTV is 80% at or below AED 5M and 70% above AED 5M; for a second or investment property it is 60%. These are ceilings, and a lender may offer less. Non-resident lending is a separate lender-specific case.
What documents do expats need for a UAE mortgage?
Typically: passport + UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, salary certificate from employer, 3-6 months bank statements, 3 months payslips, and property details. Mortigo confirms exact requirements per bank.
Can expats on short-term visas (2-year) get a mortgage?
Yes. The visa duration doesn't directly affect mortgage eligibility — what matters is your employment stability and salary. Many expats with 2-year renewable visas hold UAE mortgages.
What is the maximum loan amount for expats?
Maximum loan size depends on your salary and Debt Burden Ratio (DBR). UAE Central Bank rules cap total monthly loan repayments at 50% of gross salary. On AED 30,000 salary, maximum monthly repayment is AED 15,000.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident expat?
Non-resident (overseas) mortgage options are limited but available. FAB has the strongest non-resident mortgage program. Most other banks require UAE residency. Mortigo can advise on non-resident options.
Featured Bank Guides
Related Guides
- UAE Mortgages for First-Time Buyers
- UAE Mortgages for UAE Nationals
- UAE Mortgages for Self-Employed Applicants
- Non-Resident Mortgages in the UAE
Further Reading
Read the full guide: Can Expats Get a Mortgage in UAE? — LTV rules, eligibility, required documents, and best banks by nationality.
Check your eligibility | All mortgage guides | Compare participating lenders
Overview
Expatriates make up over 88% of the UAE's population, and the mortgage market is well-developed to serve expat buyers. UAE banks offer mortgages to expats with UAE residence visas, though specific rules apply. For an eligible first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE caps expatriate LTV at 80% for property valued at or below AED 5M and 70% above AED 5M. For a second or subsequent home or an investment property, the cap is 60% regardless of value. UAE-national caps are 85% and 75% for a first owner-occupied home, and 65% for a second or investment property. These are regulatory ceilings, not offers; lenders may apply lower limits. The maximum age at final repayment is set by each lender's risk-management and lending policies.
Key Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats get a mortgage in UAE?
UAE-resident expatriates may apply, subject to lender eligibility and affordability checks. For a first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE maximum LTV is 80% at or below AED 5M and 70% above AED 5M; for a second or investment property it is 60%. These are ceilings, and a lender may offer less. Non-resident lending is a separate lender-specific case.
What documents do expats need for a UAE mortgage?
Typically: passport + UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, salary certificate from employer, 3-6 months bank statements, 3 months payslips, and property details. Mortigo confirms exact requirements per bank.
Can expats on short-term visas (2-year) get a mortgage?
Yes. The visa duration doesn't directly affect mortgage eligibility — what matters is your employment stability and salary. Many expats with 2-year renewable visas hold UAE mortgages.
What is the maximum loan amount for expats?
Maximum loan size depends on your salary and Debt Burden Ratio (DBR). UAE Central Bank rules cap total monthly loan repayments at 50% of gross salary. On AED 30,000 salary, maximum monthly repayment is AED 15,000.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident expat?
Non-resident (overseas) mortgage options are limited but available. FAB has the strongest non-resident mortgage program. Most other banks require UAE residency. Mortigo can advise on non-resident options.
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