Non-Resident Mortgage FAQs

Beyond the down payment, non-resident buyers should budget for the DLD transfer fee (typically 4% of the property value), mortgage registration fee, property valuation fee, and bank processing fees. Buyers using remote or power-of-attorney arrangements should also factor in legal and document attestation costs.

Not always. Some banks offer remote mortgage processing for non-residents through international or offshore banking divisions, using a power of attorney to handle document signing and property registration. However, remote applications generally take longer often 8–12 weeks versus 4–6 weeks for in-person applications and in-person presence is still preferred for the final transfer.

Non-residents typically pay slightly higher interest rates than UAE residents, often in the range of 5–6.5% annually, compared to 4–5% for resident expats. Rates depend on the loan-to-value ratio, the chosen bank, and whether a fixed or variable structure is selected.

Non-resident mortgage tenures are generally shorter than resident terms, often capped below the standard 25-year maximum. The exact tenure depends on the lender and the applicant's age, since most banks require the loan to be fully repaid by a set maximum age at maturity.

Non-resident mortgages are only available for properties in designated freehold areas, where foreign ownership is legally permitted. Leasehold or non-freehold properties are not eligible for financing under standard non-resident mortgage products.

Non-residents generally need a valid passport, proof of income (salary certificate or business financials), 3–6 months of bank statements, and a credit report from their home country. Some banks also require notarization and UAE Embassy attestation of documents, along with power of attorney arrangements if the buyer cannot be physically present.

Non-resident mortgages typically carry an LTV cap of 50–65%, depending on the bank, the property value, and whether the property is ready or off-plan. This is notably lower than the 75–80% LTV available to UAE resident expats, reflecting the higher risk banks associate with overseas borrowers.

Non-resident buyers typically need a down payment of 35–40% of the property value, compared to 20–25% for UAE residents. For properties above AED 5 million, or for off-plan purchases, the required down payment can rise further, sometimes reaching 50%.

Yes. Non-residents foreign buyers who do not hold a UAE residence visa can obtain a mortgage to purchase property in the UAE, provided the property is located in a designated freehold area. Terms are stricter than for UAE residents, including a higher down payment and lower loan-to-value ratio, but the option remains widely available across major banks.