Key Points in 15 Seconds
- UAE Nationals: Up to 85% financing, lower down payment requirements
- Expat Residents: Up to 75-80% financing, need valid UAE residence visa
- Non-Residents: Up to 60-65% financing in freehold areas only
- Banks evaluate income, employment stability, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio
Understanding UAE Mortgage Eligibility
UAE mortgage eligibility is governed by Central Bank regulations and individual bank policies. The key factors that determine your eligibility include your residency status, income level, employment type, age, and creditworthiness.
Different banks have varying criteria, and meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee approval. Your overall financial profile, including existing debts and payment history, plays a significant role in the final decision.
Eligibility by Residency Status
UAE Nationals
- Maximum LTV: Up to 80-85% (first property)
- Down payment: 15-20% minimum
- Maximum tenure: Up to 25 years
- Age at maturity: Typically up to 70 years
- Can purchase anywhere in UAE
Expat Residents
- Maximum LTV: Up to 75-80% (first property)
- Down payment: 20-25% minimum
- Maximum tenure: Up to 25 years
- Age at maturity: Typically up to 65 years
- Valid UAE residence visa required
- Freehold areas only
Non-Residents
- Maximum LTV: Up to 60-65%
- Down payment: 35-40% minimum
- Maximum tenure: Up to 15-25 years
- Freehold areas only
- Income documentation from home country required
Income & Employment Requirements
Salaried Employees
- Minimum salary: AED 10,000-15,000/month
- Employment tenure: 6-12 months minimum
- Salary transfer to UAE bank account
Self-Employed
- Business operational: 2+ years
- Audited financials required
- Higher income thresholds apply
Credit & Financial Health
Banks assess your creditworthiness through the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) report. While there's no published minimum score, a clean credit history significantly improves approval chances.
Positive Factors
- No payment defaults
- Low credit utilization
- Long credit history
- On-time bill payments
Negative Factors
- Bounced cheques
- Loan defaults
- High existing debt
- Multiple recent inquiries
Check Your Eligibility Today
Meet all the requirements? Get instant feedback on your eligibility and discover which banks are most likely to approve your application.
How LeoCompare Helps
Not sure if you qualify? Our free eligibility assessment helps you understand your options. Submit your profile once and receive feedback on which banks are likely to approve your application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary required for a UAE mortgage?
Can expats get mortgages in UAE?
What is the age limit for UAE mortgages?
Do I need a good credit score for UAE mortgage?
Can non-residents get mortgages in UAE?
This content is not financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making borrowing decisions.
LeoCompare may receive referral commissions from partnered financial institutions. This does not influence the information presented.
Reviewed by the LeoCompare Editorial Team – specialists in UAE home financing content.