Questions?

Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase freehold property in designated areas of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. These are commonly referred to as “freehold zones.”

Yes. Many banks in the UAE offer mortgages to non-residents, although the options are more limited than for residents. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, interest rates, and documentation requirements can differ.

UAE Residents: Up to 80% for first-time buyers (property value ≤ AED 5 million).
Non-Residents: Typically 50–60%, depending on the lender and profile.

Fixed Rate: Fixed for a set period (1–5 years), then reverts to variable.
Variable Rate: Tied to the bank’s base rate or EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate).

For Residents:
Passport & visa copy
Emirates ID
Salary certificate or trade license
Bank statements (3–6 months)
Property documents

For Non-Residents:
Passport copy
Proof of income (salary slips or company financials)
Tax returns (if available)
International bank statements
Credit report (some banks may require this)

Rates vary depending on residency status, loan type, and bank. As of 2025:

Residents: ~3.99% – 5.25%
Non-Residents: ~5.25% – 6.75%

Bank arrangement fee: ~1% of loan amount
Valuation fee: AED 2,500–3,500
Processing/registration fees: ~0.25% of property value (Dubai Land Department)
Broker fee: If using a mortgage broker (often 0.5–1%)

Pre-approval: 3–7 working days
Final approval and disbursement: 1–3 weeks (after property valuation)

Some banks allow financing for approved off-plan projects. Usually, the loan disburses once the property is handed over. Until then, buyers often pay instalments directly to the developer.

Yes, but early settlement fees apply. Usually capped at 1% of the outstanding loan (may vary by bank).

Yes, but documentation is more complex. You’ll need:

Trade license or company documents
Audited financials or management accounts
Personal and business bank statements

Yes. Remortgaging is possible to switch to better rates, raise equity, or consolidate debts.

Most UAE mortgages are in AED. However, some lenders offer multi-currency options or allow international property financing in GBP/USD/EUR under separate programs.