Can an expat get a mortgage in Dubai?

Yes. UAE resident expats can get mortgages from UAE banks — Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq, Dubai Islamic Bank, and others all offer expat mortgages. Requirements: UAE residency visa, minimum 6 months with current employer (some banks require 1–2 years), minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000–25,000 depending on bank, clean credit history (UAE Al Etihad Credit Bureau check), and valid work contract.

What is EIBOR and how does it affect my UAE mortgage?

EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate) is the benchmark interest rate used for variable-rate mortgages in UAE, similar to LIBOR in the UK. Variable-rate mortgages are priced as 'EIBOR + a spread' (e.g., EIBOR + 1.5%). When EIBOR rises, your monthly payment rises. As of April 2026, the UAE Central Bank base rate is 3.65% (unchanged, mirroring the US Federal Reserve). Most UAE expat buyers choose fixed-rate periods (1–5 years) for payment certainty before reviewing. Fixed rates in 2026: 3.89–4.75%.

What is the minimum down payment for a mortgage in Dubai?

For expats buying their first property: minimum 25% down payment (75% LTV). For UAE nationals: 20% down payment (80% LTV). For properties over AED 5 million: 35% down payment for expats (65% LTV). Off-plan properties: some banks require 50% LTV (50% down payment) for off-plan, though policies vary. Remember: transaction costs (DLD fee, agent commission) must also be paid in cash — they cannot be included in the mortgage.

Which UAE bank offers the best mortgage for expats in 2026?

Best mortgage rates from UAE banks as of early-mid 2026: Sharjah Islamic Bank: from 3.75% fixed (1 year). United Arab Bank: from 3.89% fixed. Emirates NBD: from 3.99–4.99% fixed (depending on fixed period). First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB): from 3.99–4.49% fixed. ADCB: competitive rates, strong expat mortgage division. Using a mortgage broker (like Mortgease, Ricadi Mortgages, or Mortgage Finder UAE) is recommended — brokers compare multiple banks and can negotiate on your behalf, usually at no cost to you.

How to Get a Mortgage in Dubai as an Expat in 2026

Quick Answer: Expats with UAE residency can get mortgages in Dubai. Requirements: min. AED 15,000/month salary, 25% down payment, 6+ months with current employer. Rates in 2026: fixed from 3.89–4.75% p.a. Maximum mortgage: 75% LTV (you pay 25% + all transaction costs in cash). Tenure: up to 25 years.

Expat mortgage eligibility requirements

Residency: Valid UAE residency visa required (some banks serve non-residents at lower LTV)
Employment: Employed for minimum 6 months with current employer (some banks: 1–2 years). Salaried and self-employed both eligible with different documentation requirements.
Minimum salary: AED 15,000/month at most banks. Some premium banks require AED 25,000–30,000/month. Self-employed: business must show 2–3 years of audited accounts.
Credit history: Checked via Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB). Clean credit history required — defaults, missed payments, or high existing debt-to-income ratio will affect approval.
Age: Loan must be fully repaid by age 65 (for salaried) or age 70 (for some banks for business owners). Maximum tenure: 25 years.

2026 mortgage rates in UAE

Bank	Fixed Rate (from)	Fixed Period
Sharjah Islamic Bank	3.75%	1 year
United Arab Bank	3.89%	1 year
Emirates NBD	3.99%	1–3 years
First Abu Dhabi Bank	3.99–4.49%	1–5 years
ADCB	4.25%+	1–3 years
Variable (EIBOR+spread)	5.5–8%	Floating

Note: Rates are indicative as of early 2026 and change based on Central Bank policy. Always verify current rates with your bank or a mortgage broker.

LTV limits for expats

First property, value ≤ AED 5M: 75% LTV (25% down payment required)
First property, value > AED 5M: 65% LTV (35% down payment)
Second property: 65% LTV
Off-plan property: typically 50–65% LTV (banks more conservative due to construction risk)

The mortgage application process

Mortgage pre-approval (In-Principle Approval): Apply to bank(s) before property search. Provides certainty on your budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Takes 3–7 working days.
Find a property within your approved budget
Sign MOU — notify your bank of the chosen property
Bank valuation: Bank appoints an approved surveyor to value the property (AED 2,500–3,500 cost). Bank lends against the lower of purchase price or valuation.
Final mortgage offer: Bank issues formal offer letter
NOC from developer → DLD registration — bank representative attends
Mortgage registered: Bank takes first charge on the Title Deed until fully repaid

Key costs specific to mortgage buyers

Mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of loan amount + AED 290
Bank arrangement fee: 1% of loan amount (AED 10,000 on AED 1M loan)
Property valuation: AED 2,500–3,500
Life insurance: banks typically require life/disability insurance tied to the mortgage (AED 1,000–3,000/year)
Home insurance: AED 1,000–2,500/year

📌 Key Takeaways

Expats with UAE residency and AED 15,000+/month salary can get mortgages
Fixed rates from 3.89–4.75% p.a. in 2026 (first fixed period, then reverts to variable)
25% minimum down payment for expats + all transaction costs in cash
Use a mortgage broker — they compare multiple banks and negotiate at no cost to you
Get pre-approval before property search — it speeds up the process and strengthens your offer

How to Get a Mortgage in Dubai as an Expat in 2026

Key Takeaways

Expat mortgage eligibility requirements

2026 mortgage rates in UAE

LTV limits for expats

The mortgage application process

Key costs specific to mortgage buyers

Frequently Asked Questions

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