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Loans in Dubai for Expats – Requirements, Interest Rates and Tips

Dubai offers two types of personal loans for expats: those with salary transfer and those without. If you’re an expat living in Dubai, you may find yourself in need of a personal loan to manage your financial needs. Fortunately, there are options available specifically tailored for expats. 

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Are you an expat in Dubai looking to apply for a loan? In this Pacific Prime Dubai blog post, we will be discussing loans in Dubai for expats, along with its eligibility and requirements as well as different interest rates. 

Top 10 Banks Offering Personal Loan in UAE for Expats

Image of UAE Flag In Front Of City Buildings Under A Clear Blue Sky with text overlay of "Banks Offering Personal Loan in UAE for Expats"

When it comes to expat loan options in Dubai, there are several top banks offering competitive loan options. These banks provide expat-friendly loans with attractive interest rates, flexible repayment tenures, and convenient application processes. 

Below are the 10 notable banks offering personal loans for expats in Dubai

Bank Loan Amount Flat Interest Rate Reducing Interest Rate
FAB AED 2 million 2.64% 3.99%
Citibank AED 1 million 2.99% 5.99%
ADIB AED 3 million 4.50% 6.65%
Emirates Islamic AED 1 million 3.25% 5.35%
Dubai Islamic Bank AED 5 million 3.99% 6.79%
ADCB AED 2 million 3.79% 7.29%
HSBC AED 1 million 3.89% 6.89%
CBD AED 500,000 4.50% 6.75%
Mashreq Bank AED 3 million 4.75% 7.25%

Comparing Loan Options

When considering the best loan options for expats in Dubai, it’s important to compare various factors such as loan amount, interest rates (flat and reducing), and repayment tenures. Additionally, consider the eligibility criteria and features offered by each bank. 

By comparing these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the loan option that best suits your financial needs.

Remember, each bank may have its own specific requirements, so it’s advisable to contact your chosen bank directly for detailed information on expat personal loan options and eligibility criteria. 

Take the time to explore your options and find the best loan provider that aligns with your financial goals and preferences.

Eligibility and Requirements for Personal Loan in UAE for Expats

Expats looking to apply for a personal loan in Dubai need to meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements typically include being at least 21 years old and employed in a governmental, semi-governmental, or reputable private organization. 

The minimum salary requirement for expats usually falls between AED 5,000 and AED 8,000. Additionally, factors such as the applicant’s credit history, residency proof (valid passport with UAE visa), and minimum income play a crucial role in loan approval.

When applying for a personal loan as an expat, it is important to have the necessary documents on hand. These documents typically include copies of individual ID documents, evidence of legal residence, bank statements, a salary certificate, and an employment contract. 

If you are self-employed, you will need a trade license.  Do keep in mind, though, that each bank may have its own specific eligibility requirements, so it is advisable to check with the specific bank before proceeding with the loan application.

By meeting these eligibility criteria and having the necessary documentation in place, expats can enhance their chances of securing a personal loan in Dubai. 

However, it is always recommended to thoroughly research and compare the personal loan options offered by different banks to find the best fit for individual requirements and financial goals.

Eligibility Comparison for Personal Loans in Dubai

Bank

Minimum Age Employment Type Minimum Salary

Credit History

FAB 21 Governmental/Semi-governmental/Private AED 7,000 Good
Citibank 21 Governmental/Semi-governmental/Private AED 8,000 Excellent
ADIB 21 Governmental/Semi-governmental/Private AED 7,500 Fair
Emirates Islamic 21 Governmental/Semi-governmental/Private AED 7,000 Good
Dubai Islamic Bank 21 Governmental/Semi-governmental/Private AED 7,500 Excellent

Types of Home Loans for Expats in Dubai

Expats in Dubai have access to a range of home loan options to help them realize their dream of owning a property. Understanding the different types of home loans available can help expats make an informed decision that aligns with their financial goals and circumstances.

Below are the types of home loans available for expats in Dubai.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

A fixed-rate mortgage offers stability and predictability as it comes with a fixed interest rate throughout the loan tenure. This means that the monthly mortgage payments remain the same, allowing homeowners to plan their budgets with certainty. 

Expats who prefer the peace of mind of a consistent payment amount may find a fixed-rate mortgage to be a suitable option.

Variable-Rate Mortgage

Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, a variable-rate mortgage comes with an interest rate that can fluctuate based on market conditions. While this may lead to potential changes in monthly payments, it also provides the opportunity for lower interest rates in times of economic stability. 

Expats who are comfortable with potential fluctuations in their mortgage payments may consider a variable-rate mortgage.

Discounted Rate Mortgage

A discounted rate mortgage offers a reduced interest rate for a specified period, typically available for first-time homebuyers. This can provide initial savings on monthly payments, making it an attractive option for expats looking to purchase their first property in Dubai.

Capped Rate Mortgage

A capped rate mortgage sets a maximum limit on the interest rate that can be charged, providing borrowers with the assurance that their interest rates will not surpass a certain point, even if market conditions change. 

This can be beneficial for expats who want to protect themselves from significant increases in their mortgage payments.

Offset Mortgage

An offset mortgage allows borrowers to link a deposit account or credit card to their home loan. The balance in the linked account is offset against the outstanding loan amount, reducing the interest charged on the mortgage. 

Expats who have significant savings or regular cash flows may find an offset mortgage advantageous in terms of potential interest savings.

It is essential for expats to carefully consider their financial circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term plans before selecting a home loan type. Comparing benefits and drawbacks of each option can help expats make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and financial capabilities.

FAQ

What types of personal loans are available for expats in Dubai?

There are two types of personal loans available for expats in Dubai: personal loans with salary transfer and personal loans without salary transfer.

What types of home loans are available for expats in Dubai?

The types of home loans available for expats in Dubai include fixed-rate mortgage, variable-rate mortgage, discounted rate mortgage, capped rate mortgage, and offset mortgage.

How can expats apply for a home loan in Dubai?

Expats in Dubai can apply for a home loan online or offline by finding the best bank or financial institution based on their requirements and submitting the required documents such as ID documents, proof of legal residence, bank statements, and salary certificate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, loans in Dubai for expats are available from various banks and expats will need to meet certain criteria and prepare certain documents. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that each bank will have varying requirements regarding the criteria and documents required. 

As an international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime Dubai’s team of specialists are more than happy to help both local citizens and expats find the right health insurance plan that suit both their budget and healthcare needs.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us. Or, if you would like to compare multiple plans from different insurers, feel free to get a free quote with us here

Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime United Arab Emirates
Serena Fung is a Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 2+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
Serena