Expat Mortgage - Dubai & UAE
Dubai and the UAE host the largest community of high-earning UK expats in the world.
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What happens next
- Fill in the form (2 minutes).
- We'll match you with the right specialist for your situation.
- A specialist independent broker will contact you to discuss your options.
UK mortgages from Dubai & UAE
UAE-based borrowers generally have the widest lender shortlist of any expat hub - AED is pegged to the US dollar and treated very favourably by UK lenders, tax-free salaries are well-understood, and lender familiarity with UAE employment structures is high. We introduce clients to specialists who arrange UK mortgages for UAE-based expats every week.
The options available
UAE Expat Buy to Let
The most common UK mortgage product for Dubai-based expats. Assessed primarily on UK rental coverage. AED-denominated salary accepted at favourable conversion rates. Tax-free salary structure well-understood by specialist lenders.
UAE Expat Residential Mortgage
UK residential purchase for a Dubai-based expat with a confirmed return plan. HSBC Expat (Jersey) offers residential lending to UAE-based HSBC Expat account holders. Requires a credible UK occupation case.
Free Zone vs Mainland Employment
Dubai free zone employment is distinct from mainland UAE employment. Both are well-accepted by UK lenders - but payslip format and DEWS (retirement savings) documentation differ. The brokers we work with advise on the exact income evidence required for your employment structure.
Tax-Free Salary Assessment
The absence of UAE income tax means lenders rely on employer payslips and bank statements rather than tax returns as income evidence. Some lenders apply a lower haircut to AED income than to other currencies, reflecting the USD peg and currency stability.
Remortgage from UAE
Remortgaging a UK property while based in the UAE. Rate switch, equity release, or switching from a UK-resident product on departure. Arranged remotely - no need to return to the UK.
UAE-Based Portfolio Landlords
UAE expats building UK property portfolios. SPV limited company structure for tax efficiency. Portfolio lenders who accept overseas directors. The brokers we work with advise on the most appropriate structure for a multi-property UAE-based investor.
How We Help
UAE income assessment
The specialist we introduce you to establishes your employment structure (free zone vs mainland, company type, salary vs package), currency (AED, USD, or other), and confirms the documentation required.
Lender shortlist
UAE-based borrowers have the widest lender shortlist available in the expat market. Your specialist broker compares Skipton International, HSBC Expat, Molo Finance, and others for your specific profile.
Documentation
Typically: 3-6 months of UAE bank statements, most recent 3 months of payslips, employment contract, passport and UAE ID. Source of deposit funds evidence.
Remote completion
The full mortgage process is managed remotely from the UAE. Document execution can be witnessed by a UK solicitor or notary in Dubai.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Introductions to specialist expat brokers · All expat locations
For current pricing, lender appetite and how income is assessed, see our guide to expat mortgage rates for UAE residents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a UK mortgage while working in Dubai?
Yes - UAE-based borrowers have access to one of the widest lender panels in the expat mortgage market. Skipton International, HSBC Expat, Molo Finance, NatWest International, and specialist brokers all handle UAE-based applications. AED income is well understood and the currency's USD peg means it is treated with a low haircut (5-15%) by most lenders.
Is AED income accepted for a UK mortgage?
Yes - AED is among the most widely accepted foreign currencies for UK expat mortgages. The AED's peg to the US dollar (at 3.67 AED per USD since 1997) provides the currency stability lenders look for. The haircut applied to AED income (typically 5-15%) is among the lowest for any foreign currency. USD-denominated salaries (common in Dubai) are treated similarly.
Do I need a UAE salary certificate for a UK mortgage?
A salary certificate from your UAE employer is typically the primary income evidence - alongside 3 months of payslips and 3-6 months of bank statements showing salary credits. For free zone employees, the salary certificate from the free zone authority carries additional weight. Lenders may also request your DEWS (Daman Workplace Savings) statement as evidence of employment continuity.
What is the SDLT position for a non-resident buying UK property from the UAE?
UAE residents are non-UK residents for SDLT purposes, so the 2% non-resident surcharge applies. For a BTL purchase, this stacks with the 5% additional dwelling surcharge and standard SDLT rates. The specialist broker calculates the full SDLT position for the specific property before application.
Can I remortgage my UK property from Dubai?
Yes - remote remortgage from Dubai is straightforward. Identity verification can be done through a UK solicitor or notary based in Dubai. Document execution is handled remotely. We introduce clients to specialists who arrange expat remortgages for Dubai-based clients regularly.