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Key Takeaways:
The minimum salary for a home loan in the UAE starts from AED 10,000–15,000, depending on the bank and applicant profile
Meeting salary, credit score, and down payment criteria improves mortgage eligibility and approval chances
Work with an Engel & Völkers mortgage advisor for expert guidance on financing and pre-approval options
Buying a home in the UAE is a significant milestone for many people. Not only does it fulfil the dreams of home ownership, but it also helps investors and homebuyers to cement their place in one of the world’s fastest-growing countries.
However, buying a property in Dubai involves a substantial financial investment, leading many to explore home loans as a feasible solution. Like any other country, the UAE has specific regulations for this, such as the minimum salary for home loans.
This blog will provide a brief overview of the minimum salary for home loans in the UAE with important information such as documentation, requirements and tips on getting your first home loan.
Table of Content
Understanding Home Loan Eligibility in the UAE
What is the Minimum Salary Required for a Home Loan in UAE?
Minimum Salary Requirements For Banks in the UAE
How to Improve Your Mortgage Eligibility in the UAE
Documents to Apply for a Mortgage Loan in the UAE
Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in the UAE
Key Takeaways
Before discussing the minimum salary for home loans in the UAE, let's first understand the eligibility system and criteria.
In the UAE, there can be varying criteria depending on whether you are a UAE National, resident, or non-resident. However, the most common requirements to be eligible are:
Aged between 21 and 65
Can provide proof of employment using salary certificates or proof of healthy turnover if self-employed
Meet the minimum salary requirement (discussed later).
Can provide bank statements, ID and proof of address
In general, UAE Nationals have the most options for home loans in Dubai, with the lowest criteria, whilst the options are most limited, and strictest, for non-resident mortgages.
In the UAE, the minimum salary required to qualify for a home loan typically starts at AED 10,000 per month.
However, many banks set their minimum salary requirement at a higher level, particularly for expats, often AED 15,000 per month.
Generally, banks across the UAE, whether in Dubai or other emirates, follow similar eligibility criteria and minimum salary requirements for home loans.
Many large banks apply uniform minimum salary thresholds across the country.
Currently, one of the largest banks may offer home loans with a minimum salary requirement of AED 8,000 in specific circumstances.
However, a more realistic benchmark for most banks is a minimum monthly income of AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, depending on your employment type and financial profile.
Let us delve briefly into the minimum salary for home loans according to four major banks in the UAE.
Emirates NBD require UAE Nationals to have an income of at last AED 10,000 per month. UAE Residents (expats) must be earning at least AED 15,000 per month and have been employed in the UAE for at least 3 years, with at least 1 year in their current job.
CBD has the following minimum salary requirements for mortgages in Dubai:
Minimum monthly income of AED 12,000 if salaried - for both UAE Nationals and Expats - with a minimum length of service of 6 months.
Minimum monthly income of AED 20,000 if self-employed, with a minimum of 3 years in business.
Salaried or self-employed, residents or expats, all must earn a minimum of AED 15,000 per month.
Salaried UAE nationals must earn AED 7,000 monthly while expats must earn AED 15,000 monthly.
RAKBank has a minimum salary requirement of AED 15,000 for mortgages in Dubai.

Schedule your free consultation with an independent Engel & Völkers Mortgage Advisor now.
Having understood the minimum salary for home loans in the UAE, let’s explore key tips to improve your chances of securing the right home loan in Dubai.
| Improving Mortgage Eligibility | Explained |
|---|---|
Debts | Ensure you have no outstanding debts, particularly high-interest debts. Or, if you do, prioritize clearing them as soon as possible to improve your debt-to-income ratio. |
Job Stability | This is a crucial factor when qualifying for a home loan in the UAE. A stable job with a reputable, stable company demonstrates a consistent income, making you a more reliable borrower in the eyes of banks. |
Loan Tenure | If your salary is on the lower side, opting for a longer loan tenure can reduce financial strain by lowering monthly payments. Many banks also consider borrowers with longer loan terms to be lower risk. |
Credit Score | Your credit score is a key indicator of your financial reliability. Pay your bills on time, limit credit card spending, and use your card responsibly to maintain a high credit score and improve your loan eligibility. |
Down Payment | Banks in the UAE typically require at least 20% deposit for mortgages for expats and 15% for UAE nationals. Saving for a higher down payment can improve your loan approval chances and reduce your monthly instalments. |
Financial Documentation | Ensure all your financial documents, such as ID, salary slips, and bank statements are well-organized and up-to-date. Lenders assess these when reviewing your application. |

While the exact documentation requirements will differ depending on the kind of loan you’ve chosen and the bank you’ve selected, here is a list of common documents required for mortgage loans in the UAE:
Passport and visa copies
Emirates ID copy
Salary certificate as proof of employment
Payslips and bank statements (last 6 months)
Credit card statements
Proof of current address (such as a DEWA bill or tenancy agreement)
Sales and Purchase Agreement or Title Deed (if applicable)
For self-employed applicants: Trade license, company bank statements, and audited financials (if required by the bank)
Having understood the various aspects of minimum salary for home loans in the UAE, here are some tips for first-time home buyers in the country:
Research: Do your due diligence and research the property market to understand key growth areas, current trends and more. Home loan applicants can research the mortgage landscape in the UAE to make informed decisions before buying a home.
Location: Many Emirates in the UAE are just beginning to achieve their potential and will soon be highly sought after for commercial, residential and recreational enterprises. Finding the right location may bolster your investment if you lease it for rent or sell it off at a strategic time.
Property Check: Never buy a property without seeing it in person. This way, if there are any renovations to be done by the previous owner, you can inform them before signing the contract.
Real Estate Agent: While the real estate landscape in the UAE is relatively simple in terms of regulation, it may be confusing to navigate for first-time home buyers. Engaging the services of RERA-accredited real estate agents will make the process a simple and quick one for you.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Get your mortgage pre-approval done before setting out to buy a house in the UAE. This will ensure that you do not have to spend time applying for the pre-approval and risking the chances of someone else securing the house you selected.
Securing a home loan in the UAE is a major step toward homeownership or property investment. While the minimum salary for home loans in the UAE varies by bank and applicant type, most lenders require at least AED 10,000–15,000 per month to qualify.
If you're considering a home loan in Dubai, it’s important to meet the bank's salary and eligibility criteria, maintain a strong credit score, and have a stable income. Understanding factors such as loan tenure, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment requirements can further improve your chances of approval.
To navigate the mortgage process smoothly, ensure you have all the necessary documentation, conduct thorough research, and work with an independent mortgage broker. Additionally, obtaining mortgage pre-approval can strengthen your position when negotiating a property purchase.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an investor, understanding the minimum salary for home loans in Dubai and across the UAE will help you make informed financial decisions and secure the best mortgage terms for your needs.

Schedule your free consultation with an independent Engel & Völkers Mortgage Advisor now.

Rosie Patterson
Rosie Patterson is a UK-qualified mortgage broker with over 17 years of industry experience, including more than six years advising clients in the UAE. As Senior Mortgage Advisor at Engel & Völkers Dubai, she offers expert guidance on all aspects of property financing – including eligibility criteria such as minimum salary requirements. Rosie previously founded the mortgage division at one of the region’s largest real estate firms, reflecting her leadership, deep market knowledge, and trusted reputation. Known for her client-first approach and personalised advice, she is a go-to expert for navigating Dubai’s mortgage landscape with confidence.
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