Dubai Mortgage for Australian Buyers

Can Australians get a mortgage in Dubai?

Yes. Australians living and working in the UAE borrow on resident terms: up to 80% of a first home up to AED 5,000,000. If you live in Australia, you apply as a non-resident: most banks lend up to 60% and ask for at least AED 15,000 of monthly income.

The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, so for an Australian buyer the deposit and repayments move with AUD/USD.

Below: what Australian buyers should know, the documents, the costs and the steps.

60%max loan if you live abroad

80%max loan if you live in the UAE

10banks in our data lend to non-residents

25 yearsmaximum term

Two ways to borrow: it depends where you live

UAE banks set terms by where you live and earn, not by your passport. A Australian citizen living in Dubai and one living in Australia get different limits for the same home.

You live in the UAE

Resident terms

Up to 80% loan on a first home up to AED 5,000,000 (70% above)
Up to 60% on a second property
Salary paid in the UAE, Emirates ID and UAE bank statements

You live in Australia

Non-resident terms

Up to 60% loan on a first home, 50% on a second
Most banks ask for at least AED 15,000 a month (about USD 4,100)
10 of the 17 banks in our policy data lend to non-residents

Off-plan

Buying before handover

Loan-to-value is capped at 50% for every buyer
Before handover you usually pay the developer's plan from your own funds
A handover mortgage can cover the final payment

What the bank checks

Debt burden under 50%
All monthly debt payments, including loans and credit cards in Australia, must stay below 50% of your income. This is the UAE Central Bank limit.
Age and term
The loan must be repaid by age 65 if you are salaried or 70 if you are self-employed, over at most 25 years.
Your deposit
With the largest loan you pay at least 40% of the price yourself as a non-resident (20% as a resident), plus the purchase costs below.
Interest rate
Resident pricing starts from 3.75% a year with salary transfer; non-resident pricing is usually higher. We compare live offers before you choose.

What buyers from Australia should know

Australian dollar income
Banks convert your income to dirhams at the current rate, so its value moves with the Australian dollar against the US dollar peg.
Australian credit report
Provide a full credit report from an Australian bureau such as Equifax, Experian or illion.
Tax at home
The UAE has no personal income tax, but Australian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, including rent from Dubai. Ask your tax adviser how it is treated before you buy.
Six to seven hours apart
Dubai is six hours behind Sydney, seven during Australian daylight saving, so calls with the bank and our team fit your afternoon and evening.
Signing from Australia
A power of attorney can be notarised in Australia and legalised for use in the UAE, so a representative can sign and complete the transfer in Dubai.

Documents for a non-resident application

The standard list for a salaried applicant living outside the UAE. Self-employed applicants also provide company documents: trade licence, articles of association, two to three years of audited accounts and company bank statements. Banks may ask for certified translations of documents that are not in English or Arabic.

Passport
Copy of the photo page.
Australian photo ID
A driver licence is usually enough alongside your passport.
Proof of address
A recent utility bill or tenancy contract in your name.
12 months of bank statements
Showing your salary credits, up to the week you apply.
12 months of payslips and a salary certificate
The certificate on company letterhead, signed and stamped, stating your role, start date and pay.
Credit cards and loans
Statements showing every card limit and loan payment, including those in Australia.
Australian credit report
A full report from Equifax, Experian or illion.

Purchase costs in Dubai

The usual one-off costs on a ready property bought with a mortgage. They are paid from your own funds, on top of the deposit.

Cost	Amount
Dubai Land Department transfer fee	4% of the price + AED 580
Mortgage registration	0.25% of the loan + AED 290
Trustee office fee	AED 4,200 (price from AED 500,000; otherwise AED 2,100)
Agency commission	2% of the price + 5% VAT, when you buy through an agent
Bank valuation	About AED 3,150, plus bank processing fees that vary by product
MOVA advisory fee	May apply for non-resident applicants; we confirm it in writing before you start

Example: on a AED 2,000,000 apartment the transfer fee alone is AED 80,580.

How it works from Australia

1

Pre-approval

Send your documents online. We check them against each bank's rules and apply where your profile fits.

2

Property and valuation

Agree the price with the seller or developer. The bank sends its own valuer; the loan is based on the lower of price and valuation.

3

Final offer and signing

The bank issues the final offer. You sign in Dubai, or in most cases a representative signs for you with a power of attorney notarised in Australia and legalised for the UAE.

4

Transfer

Ownership is transferred and the mortgage registered at the Dubai Land Department; the bank pays the seller and the title deed is issued in your name.

Most banks also need a UAE bank account in your name. Depending on the bank, opening it can require a visit to Dubai.

How MOVA helps

MOVA is a mortgage broker in Business Bay, Dubai. We compare UAE banks for you, tell you upfront which ones accept your residency and income, and run the application, valuation and transfer with the bank and the Land Department.

Mortgage calculator Eligibility calculator Golden Visa through property TruValue valuation Handover payment mortgage

Estate agent or adviser in Australia? See our referral partner programme.

Questions from buyers in Australia

Can I use income earned in Australia to qualify?

Yes. Salary or business income in Australia is converted to dirhams; your Australian loans and card limits count towards the 50% debt limit.

Does my Australian mortgage count against me?

Yes. Repayments on Australian property loans count as debt. Documented rental income is usually counted at 50%.

Can Australians living in Dubai borrow more?

Yes. With a UAE residence visa and UAE salary you borrow on resident terms: up to 80% of a first home up to AED 5,000,000.

Do I need to be in Dubai to get a mortgage?

Not for most of it. Documents, pre-approval and the valuation are handled remotely. For signing and the transfer you either come to Dubai or appoint a representative with a power of attorney; some banks also need you in person to open the account.

Can a mortgaged property get me a UAE Golden Visa?

Yes. A property valued at AED 2,000,000 or more can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa even with a mortgage; the bank's no-objection certificate is needed. The rules are set by the authorities and can change. See our Golden Visa guide.

How much can I borrow?

It depends on your income, debts and age: total debt payments must stay under 50% of income. Try the eligibility calculator and set where you live.

Guides for buyers from other countries

Buyers from the UK Buyers from India Buyers from Russia Buyers from Turkey Buyers from Germany Buyers from Saudi Arabia & the GCC Buyer guides

General information, not a mortgage offer or financial, tax or legal advice. Bank criteria change and are confirmed case by case. Limits come from UAE Central Bank rules and MOVA's bank policy data. Last reviewed: 2026-10-29

Dubai mortgage for buyers from Australia