Published 10 June 2026 · Updated 10 June 2026

Getting a mortgage in Dubai: the step-by-step process

By Fatima Al Rashid, Lead Mortgage Analyst · 8 min read

Getting a mortgage in Dubai is a well-trodden path, whether you are a resident expat, a UAE national, or buying from overseas. The process is more structured than in many countries, with the Dubai Land Department overseeing the final transfer, but it is predictable once you know the steps. This guide walks through getting a mortgage in Dubai from first check to keys in hand, and flags the Dubai-specific costs that catch first-time buyers out. For the wider national picture, see our complete guide to getting a mortgage in the UAE.

Can you get a mortgage in Dubai?

Yes. Salaried residents and UAE nationals are the most straightforward applicants. Self-employed residents qualify with audited accounts. Non-residents can also buy in Dubai with a mortgage, though options are narrower and deposits are higher (often 50%). Expats can buy in Dubai's designated freehold areas, which include most of the popular communities such as Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills.

The steps to getting a mortgage in Dubai

1. Check your budget and eligibility. Work out your deposit, your likely monthly payment and your maximum loan under Central Bank rules. The eligibility checker applies the 50% debt burden cap and 80% loan-to-value rule automatically, and the Dubai mortgage calculator shows your payment plus the day-one cash you need.
2. Get pre-approved. Apply to two or three banks for a pre-approval letter confirming how much they will lend. This usually takes 2 to 5 working days and is valid for 60 to 90 days. See our step-by-step pre-approval guide.
3. Find your property and agree terms. With pre-approval in hand, you can make a serious offer. Once agreed, buyer and seller sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) and the buyer pays a deposit, usually 10%, held by the agent or a trustee.
4. Get the bank's final offer and valuation. The bank instructs a RERA-approved valuer to confirm the property's value, then issues a final offer letter (the FOL). You sign and pay any arrangement fee.
5. Obtain the NOC from the developer. The seller arranges a No Objection Certificate confirming there are no outstanding service charges. This is required before transfer.
6. Complete at the DLD trustee office. Buyer, seller and the banks meet at a Dubai Land Department trustee office. You hand over manager's cheques, the bank releases its funds, the seller's mortgage (if any) is settled, and the title deed transfers to you. The appointment usually takes under an hour.

What you need to qualify

• Deposit: at least 20% of the price for expats on a first home under AED 5 million, or 15% for UAE nationals.
• Income: most banks want a minimum salary of around AED 15,000, though some go lower.
• Affordability: total monthly debt, including the new mortgage, must stay under 50% of gross salary for expats.
• Documents: Emirates ID, passport and visa, salary certificate, payslips, 6 months of bank statements, and your AECB credit report.

The Dubai-specific costs to budget for

On top of the deposit, Dubai adds several one-time costs at transfer. On an AED 1,500,000 purchase they look like this:

That is roughly AED 100,000 on top of your AED 300,000 deposit. Our UAE mortgage costs guide breaks down every fee, and the Dubai mortgage calculator totals your day-one cash automatically.

Ready property vs off-plan

For a ready (resale) property, the steps above apply and you complete at the trustee office. For off-plan, you buy directly from the developer on a payment plan, your money goes into a regulated escrow account, and many banks only release mortgage funds once the project reaches a set completion stage. Off-plan can mean a smaller upfront deposit but a longer wait, so factor the payment plan into your cash flow.

How long does it take?

From pre-approval to keys, a ready-property purchase in Dubai typically takes 3 to 6 weeks once you have found the home, assuming documents are in order. Pre-approval is 2 to 5 days, valuation and final offer add about a week, and arranging the NOC and the trustee appointment takes the rest. Off-plan timelines depend entirely on the developer's payment plan and construction stage.

The bottom line

Getting a mortgage in Dubai is straightforward if you sequence it right: check eligibility, get pre-approved, then shop. Budget around 7% to 8% of the price in fees on top of your deposit, and use a pre-approval to negotiate. Compare every Dubai rate on our Dubai mortgage rates page, estimate your payment on the Dubai calculator, and confirm your borrowing power with the eligibility tool.

Frequently asked questions