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● UAE & GCC Nationals

Home finance for UAE and GCC nationals.

UAE nationals can borrow up to 85% of a first home's value (up to AED 5 million) and up to 8 times their annual income under Central Bank rules, which is more than expatriates can. We compare conventional and Islamic options and explain how government housing programmes may fit in.

Many lenders also offer dedicated products for nationals. We'll set out the options side by side, including fixed and variable structures and Shariah-compliant finance.

85%Max LTV, first home*
8×Times annual income
25 yrsMaximum term

Central Bank maximum loan-to-value. *First home valued below AED 5 million (up to AED 5 million for nationals). Each bank can apply stricter limits.

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● Who it's for

Is this right for you?

  • UAE nationals buying a first or family home
  • GCC nationals buying property in the UAE
  • Nationals building on gifted land, where lenders accept the documents
● How it works

From first call to keys

  1. Free consultationWe look at your income, commitments, property and timeline, and tell you honestly what's realistic.
  2. Compare lendersWe compare options across our UAE lender panel and explain the trade-offs in plain English.
  3. Pre-approvalWe prepare your application, submit it and follow it up with the bank.
  4. Valuation and final offerThe bank values the property and issues the final offer. We check the terms with you before you sign.
  5. Transfer and keysWe coordinate with the bank, seller and trustee office until the transfer completes.
● Key points

What UAE and GCC nationals should know.

  • Higher loan-to-value. Up to 85% for a first home up to AED 5 million, and 75% above that. Second homes and investment property: up to 65%.
  • Higher income multiple. The maximum loan for nationals is 8 times annual income, compared with 7 times for expatriates.
  • Housing programmes. Where a loan under a local housing programme is government-guaranteed, the Central Bank allows a debt burden ratio of up to 60%.
  • Gifted land. For land gifted to UAE nationals, lenders need confirmation of the gift and from the land department.
  • Islamic options. Shariah-compliant home finance is widely available and follows the same Central Bank limits.
  • Fixed or variable. Fixed rates stay constant for the agreed period; variable rates move with the market.
● Documents

What you'll usually need

Salaried applicants

  • Passport, residence visa and Emirates ID
  • Salary certificate from your employer
  • Recent payslips and bank statements showing salary credits (usually 6 months)
  • Details of existing loans and credit cards

Self-employed and business owners

  • Passport, residence visa and Emirates ID
  • Trade licence and company documents (such as the memorandum of association)
  • Personal and company bank statements (often 6 to 12 months)
  • Audited financial statements or proof of business income, where the lender asks for them

Property documents

  • Memorandum of understanding (Form F) or sale agreement
  • Title deed or Oqood (for off-plan) of the property
  • Valuation report (arranged by the lender)

Lenders may ask for more depending on your profile. We'll give you an exact checklist for your case.

● Key facts

Numbers to know

Maximum LTV, UAE nationals, first home, value AED 5 million or less
85%
Maximum LTV, UAE nationals, first home, value above AED 5 million
75%
Maximum LTV, UAE nationals, second or investment property
65%
Maximum loan amount, UAE nationals
8× annual income
Maximum debt burden ratio (share of gross income)
50%
Maximum DBR for UAE nationals under a guaranteed local housing programme
60%
Maximum mortgage term
25 years

Regulatory limits: Central Bank of the UAE, Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans, checked 7 November 2026. Lenders can apply stricter limits.

● Common questions

Your questions, answered.

How much can a UAE national borrow for a home?
Up to 85% of the value of a first home worth AED 5 million or less (75% above that), subject to a maximum of 8 times annual income and a 50% debt burden ratio.
Do the same rules apply to GCC nationals?
Lenders treat GCC nationals in different ways depending on their policy. Tell us your nationality and residency and we'll confirm which limits apply.
Can I combine a housing programme with a bank mortgage?
In some cases. The rules depend on the programme and the lender. We'll check what's possible for your situation.
Is Islamic finance available for nationals?
Yes. Most major UAE banks offer Shariah-compliant home finance. See Islamic home finance.
● Free calculator Eligibility & DBR See how much you could borrow based on your income and existing loans. Open calculator →
● Read next
● Related mortgages

Looking at something else?

Explore other mortgage options for different properties and buyer profiles.

Home LoansVillas, apartments & townhouses
Islamic Home FinanceShariah-compliant
High-Value LoansProperties above AED 5m
● Need some help?

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Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Gulf Standard Time). Closed Sundays and UAE public holidays.

+971 4 320 4500

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