Dubai mortgage for non-residents: which banks lend, deposits and the process
- Non-residents typically need a deposit of 40% to 50% of the property value, versus 20% for resident expats.
- HSBC and Standard Chartered lead non-resident lending, with Emirates NBD and ADCB on a case-by-case basis.
- Non-resident rates usually sit 0.50% to 1.00% above resident rates.
Yes, non-residents can get a Dubai mortgage. A shorter list of banks lends to overseas buyers, led by HSBC and Standard Chartered, on stricter terms: a deposit of roughly 40% to 50% (versus 20% for resident expats) and a rate around 0.50% to 1.00% higher. Non-residents can buy in Dubai's freehold areas, can often apply remotely with attested documents, and complete the transfer in person or through a power of attorney at the Dubai Land Department.
You do not need to live in the UAE to buy property in Dubai, and you do not need to pay all cash either. A number of banks lend to non-residents, letting overseas buyers finance a Dubai home from abroad. The terms are tighter than for residents, mainly a larger deposit and a slightly higher rate, but the process is well established. This guide covers who lends, how much deposit you need, where you can buy, and how the process works from outside the country. For the wider UAE picture including Abu Dhabi, see our international mortgage guide for non-residents.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Non-resident buyers can get a Dubai mortgage, but from a shorter list of banks and on stricter terms. Lenders treat non-resident lending as higher risk because your income and credit history sit in another country, so they ask for a bigger deposit and price the rate a little higher. You can still finance a meaningful share of the purchase rather than paying outright.
Which banks lend to non-residents
The most reliable lenders for non-resident applications are the international banks with a UAE presence, led by HSBC and Standard Chartered, alongside selected local banks such as Emirates NBD and ADCB on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility often depends on your country of residence, your employer or business, and whether the bank has an existing relationship with you elsewhere. Because policies change and vary by nationality, comparing offers matters even more than it does for residents. Our best bank for a mortgage guide is a useful starting shortlist.
How much deposit do non-residents need?
Expect a deposit of roughly 40% to 50% of the property value as a non-resident, compared with 20% for resident expats. So on an AED 2,000,000 Dubai property, a non-resident typically needs AED 800,000 to AED 1,000,000 down, plus the usual fees. The exact figure depends on the bank and your profile. Use the Dubai mortgage calculator to model the numbers at a higher deposit level.
Where can non-residents buy in Dubai?
Non-residents, like resident expats, can buy in Dubai's designated freehold areas. These cover most of the sought-after communities, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Jumeirah Village Circle and Arabian Ranches. Freehold ownership gives you full title to the property and the land, registered at the Dubai Land Department in your name.
What documents you need from abroad
- Passport copy and a valid visa for your country of residence
- Proof of income: employment contract and payslips, or audited accounts if self-employed
- 6 months of personal bank statements
- A credit report or reference from your home country
- Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy)
Some banks accept a remote application with documents attested and couriered, while others ask you to visit a branch or use a power of attorney for the transfer. Confirm the bank's process before you start.
The process from overseas
- Get pre-approved remotely with one or two banks that accept your nationality and residence.
- Reserve the property and sign the sale agreement, often handled by your agent or lawyer.
- Appoint a power of attorney if you cannot attend the transfer in person, so a representative can sign on your behalf.
- Complete at the Dubai Land Department trustee office, where the title transfers and the bank releases funds.
Plan for the deposit and fees together: with a 40% to 50% deposit plus around 7% to 8% in fees, a non-resident needs significant upfront cash. Confirm your total before you commit.
Rates and costs for non-residents
Non-resident rates usually sit a little above resident rates, often by 0.50% to 1.00%, reflecting the higher risk. The one-time costs are the same as for any Dubai buyer: the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, mortgage registration of 0.25% of the loan, the agency fee, and trustee and valuation fees. Our UAE mortgage costs guide itemises them, and you can compare live pricing on the Dubai mortgage rates page.
The bottom line
A Dubai mortgage as a non-resident is very achievable, provided you can fund a 40% to 50% deposit and apply to a bank that accepts your nationality. Start with HSBC or Standard Chartered, compare at least two offers, and budget the deposit and fees together. For the full non-resident picture across the UAE, read our international mortgage guide, and check your numbers on the Dubai calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Several banks lend to non-residents for Dubai property, led by international banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered. The main differences from resident lending are a larger deposit (typically 40% to 50%) and a slightly higher rate. Eligibility can depend on your nationality and country of residence.
How much deposit does a non-resident need to buy in Dubai?
Non-residents typically need a deposit of 40% to 50% of the property value, compared with 20% for resident expats. On an AED 2,000,000 property that is roughly AED 800,000 to AED 1,000,000, plus about 7% to 8% of the price in fees including the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee.
Which banks give mortgages to non-residents in the UAE?
HSBC and Standard Chartered are the most established lenders for non-resident applications, with Emirates NBD and ADCB lending on a case-by-case basis. Because policies vary by nationality and change over time, it is worth comparing at least two offers before you choose.
Where can non-residents buy property in Dubai?
Non-residents can buy in Dubai's designated freehold areas, which include most popular communities such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches. Freehold ownership is registered in your name at the Dubai Land Department.
Can I apply for a Dubai mortgage from abroad?
Yes. Many banks accept remote pre-approval with attested documents, and you can appoint a power of attorney so a representative completes the transfer at the Dubai Land Department trustee office if you cannot attend in person. Confirm each bank's exact process before you apply.
Buying in Dubai from overseas?
Model your numbers at a non-resident deposit and compare Dubai rates before you commit. Free, no bank contact required.