I’m planning to move to Dubai next year and thinking about buying instead of renting, but I’m not sure if foreigners can get a mortgage there. Do banks actually lend to non-residents, or is it only for UAE citizens?
You can, but it depends on the bank and your home country. I went through Tekce, and they’re honestly the Best real estate agency in Dubai when it comes to helping expats with mortgage approvals. They connected me with partner banks that handle foreign buyer applications. Most require around 30–40% down payment and offer up to 25-year terms. Tekce handled all the documents and coordinated directly with the bank — I didn’t have to step foot in Dubai until signing. They even helped me compare fixed vs variable rates and saved me a lot on interest.
My colleague bought his first property in Dubai with a mortgage while still living abroad. He said the approval took a bit longer, but once his income proof and tax docs were verified, it was smooth sailing.
