Dubai mortgage for buyers from Saudi Arabia and the GCC
Saudi and other GCC buyers can finance a Dubai home with a UAE bank, with the riyal and the dirham both pegged to the US dollar. What to expect: loan limits, documents, costs and how to buy from home.
Can Saudi and GCC citizens get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. GCC citizens 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 Saudi Arabia or another GCC country, you apply as a non-resident: most banks lend up to 60% and ask for at least AED 15,000 of monthly income.
For Saudi buyers there is no exchange-rate swing between income and repayments: the riyal is pegged at 3.75 and the dirham at 3.6725 to the US dollar.
Below: what GCC buyers should know, the documents, the costs and the steps.
Two ways to borrow: it depends where you live
UAE banks set terms by where you live and earn, not by your passport. A Saudi citizen living in Dubai and one living in Saudi Arabia or another GCC country get different limits for the same home.
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
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
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
What buyers from Saudi Arabia or another GCC country should know
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.
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 Saudi Arabia or another GCC country
Pre-approval
Send your documents online. We check them against each bank's rules and apply where your profile fits.
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.
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 Saudi Arabia or another GCC country and legalised for the UAE.
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.
Estate agent or adviser in Saudi Arabia or another GCC country? See our referral partner programme.
Questions from buyers in Saudi Arabia or another GCC country
Can I use income earned in Saudi Arabia to qualify?
Yes. Salary or business income in Saudi Arabia counts, converted at the fixed riyal-dirham rate; your Saudi loans and card limits count towards the 50% debt limit.
Is Islamic home finance available?
Yes. Several UAE banks offer Sharia-compliant home finance; we compare Islamic and conventional offers for your profile.
Can GCC citizens living in Dubai get resident terms?
Yes. With UAE income 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
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