What You Will Learn
✔️ Whether expats and non-residents can qualify for a mortgage in Dubai—and how the rules differ.
✔️ How lenders assess foreign buyers, including LTV ratios, documentation, income requirements, and currencies accepted.
✔️ Why Dubai is one of the world’s most attractive and mortgage-friendly markets for global investors.
✔️ When buyers use bridging loans instead of traditional mortgages in fast-moving Dubai markets.
✔️ The key requirements expats and non-residents must prepare before applying.
✔️ How GMG’s cross-border expertise helps investors finance Dubai property quickly and confidently.
The Mortgage in Dubai Framework for Global Investors
Dubai has become one of the world’s most sought-after property markets for expats, entrepreneurs, and global investors. With no capital gains tax, strong rental yields, and a pro-investment regulatory environment, the UAE continues attracting residents and non-residents looking to buy real estate.
Naturally, one of the first questions foreign buyers ask is:
“Can expats or non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?”
The short answer is yes, both expats living in the UAE and international investors abroad can obtain financing to purchase property. However, the process is very different from traditional Western lending, and understanding how Dubai mortgages work is key to avoiding delays, missed opportunities, and financing surprises.
This guide breaks down exactly how global investors secure access to international mortgages in Dubai, what lenders look for, and how GMG helps non-resident borrowers finance property smoothly across the Middle East.
Who Can Get a Mortgage in Dubai?
Dubai offers mortgages to three buyer groups:
- UAE Residents (Expats)
Expats living in Dubai with valid residency visas generally have access to the most flexible mortgage options, with higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. - Non-Resident Foreign Buyers
Global investors who do not live in the UAE can also secure financing, although documentation and LTV requirements differ. - Offshore Company Buyers
Mortgages are available for certain offshore structures (subject to lender approval).
GMG’s own Middle East lending overview provides a detailed breakdown of available products.
How Mortgages for Expats and Foreign Buyers Work in Dubai
Dubai’s mortgage system is structured, transparent, and designed to accommodate a global investor base. Here’s how lenders typically evaluate foreign buyers:
1. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios
- Expats (residents): up to ~75% LTV for first properties
- Non-residents: typically 60–70% LTV
- Off-plan properties: lower LTVs and more staged payments
These levels are competitive compared to many Western markets, especially given Dubai’s strong rental yields.
2. Income Documentation & Eligibility
Unlike some countries that require local tax filings or in-country credit scores, Dubai lenders instead review:
- Global income
- Employment history
- Bank statements (international accepted)
- Overall debt ratios
- Clean credit conduct from the home country (case dependent)
This is similar to how GMG structures other non-resident lending solutions across 21 countries.
3. Currency Considerations
Most Dubai mortgages are denominated in AED, but lenders often accept income in USD, EUR, SGD, GBP, and other major currencies.
This makes Dubai uniquely accessible for global investors.
Why Foreign Investors Choose Dubai Mortgages
Dubai remains one of the world’s most compelling non-resident property markets due to:
- No annual property tax
- No capital gains tax
- Strong rental yields (often 6–9%+)
- Extremely business-friendly environment
- Investment-linked residency pathways
- Consistent demand from global tenants
These factors make the UAE one of the top 10 mortgage-friendly destinations for non-resident buyers.
GMG also notes in its macro research that global investors are shifting toward stable, high-growth markets like the UAE as part of broader wealth trends.
When Dubai Buyers Use Bridging Loans Instead of Mortgages
International buyers purchasing in competitive areas such as Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, or Dubai Marina sometimes need faster access to liquidity than a traditional mortgage timeline allows.
This is where bridging loans become a useful tool.
GMG structures short-term financing across multiple global markets, including Dubai, through:
- Global Bridging Loans in 8 Countries
- How Global Bridging Loans Connect Investors to Property Opportunities
Bridging loans help buyers:
- Secure units immediately
- Take advantage of price dips
- Bridge between property sale and purchase
- Use overseas equity to buy in Dubai
Dubai’s high-velocity market means speed is often essential, and bridging + mortgage pairing is increasingly common.
Key Requirements for Expats and Foreign Buyers
While exact lender requirements vary, here’s what non-resident buyers should generally expect:
- Valid passport
- Global income proof (salary or company revenue)
- 3–6 months of international bank statements
- Credit report from the country of residence (if available)
- Minimum down payment of 30–40% for non-residents
- Stable financial profile with manageable global liabilities
GMG helps structure this early so buyers don’t lose opportunities due to documentation delays.
Expert Insights From GMG’s Global Lending Network
GMG’s global mortgage platform gives non-resident buyers a strategic advantage thanks to:
- Cross-border underwriting expertise
- High approval rates for foreign nationals
- Strong lender relationships across the Middle East
- Access to both short-term and long-term financing solutions
- Insights from global wealth trends
For example, GMG’s thought leadership on international investor behaviour includes:
World’s Wealthiest Investors Leveraging Bridging Loans
Copy the Best Real Estate Investor in the World
These patterns mirror Dubai’s rising non-resident demand.
The GMG Advantage: Financing Dubai With Confidence
Dubai is one of the world’s most accessible and strategic markets for non-resident investors, but securing the right financing requires planning, documentation, and an understanding of regional lending nuances.
GMG’s cross-border expertise helps global buyers finance Dubai property with confidence, clarity, and speed, whether through an international mortgage or a bridging solution.
To explore your mortgage options in Dubai or across 21 global markets, reach out to our team at [email protected] or contact us now to learn more about GMG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
A: Yes, foreign nationals can obtain mortgages even without living in the UAE. Documentation and LTVs differ from expat residents, but approvals are common through the right lenders.
Q2. What is the minimum down payment for foreigners?
A: Non-residents should expect 30–40% down, depending on the bank and the property type.
Q3. Can foreign buyers use bridging loans to purchase in Dubai?
A: Absolutely. Bridging is widely used by global investors needing fast access to capital before switching into a long-term mortgage.
Q4. Are mortgage rates higher for non-residents?
A: Usually slightly higher than resident rates, but still competitive globally due to Dubai’s strong market liquidity.
Q5. Can I use overseas income to qualify?
A: Yes, Dubai lenders frequently accept income from abroad, similar to GMG’s cross-border approach.
