How Mortgages Work in Dubai

Standard requirements include your passport, UAE visa (if resident), salary certificate or trade license, and the last 3–6 months of bank statements. Non-residents provide proof of income from their home country. Requirements vary slightly by bank — we confirm the exact list for your chosen lender.

Yes. Several UAE banks offer non-resident mortgage programmes with financing of up to 75% of the property value. You do not need to live in the UAE — income documentation from your home country is accepted, and much of the process can be handled remotely.

Pre-approval typically takes 5–10 business days. From accepted offer to receiving your keys, expect 30–45 days in total. The biggest factor is documentation — complete paperwork keeps everything on schedule.

Beyond your down payment, budget for the Dubai Land Department transfer fee (4% of property value), a mortgage registration fee (0.25% of the loan), bank arrangement fees (usually up to 1%), property valuation (AED 2,500–3,500), and property insurance. We provide a full written breakdown before you commit.

Yes — many off-plan projects come with developer payment plans, and select banks offer handover financing to cover the final payment. We advise on which structure fits your cash flow best, and negotiate developer incentives on your behalf.

In many communities, monthly mortgage payments are comparable to rent — with the difference that you are building equity in an appreciating market with no property tax. Our advisors can run a personalised rent-vs-buy comparison for the areas you're considering.