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Mortgage

Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or looking to refinance, our Mortgage FAQ section helps you understand the entire process. Explore answers to common questions about eligibility, interest rates, documentation, financing options, and how we can assist you in securing the best mortgage solutions in the UAE.

Yes, you can. There are no restrictions on owning a property in the freehold areas.

The best time to buy is when you can afford it. It is recommended not to time the mortgage rates and property values, as they are difficult
to predict.

The pre-approval is generally valid for 30-90 days.

The maximum loan-to-value ratio for properties under AED
5 million is:
85% for UAE Nationals
80% for UAE Residents
For properties above AED 5 million, it is:
75% for UAE Nationals
70% for UAE Residents

Yes, you can. You would, however, need to inform the bank if you plan to move away from the UAE permanently. This will help both parties decide how to proceed with the mortgage

Most mortgages allow prepayment or additional payments. Some loans may have prepayment penalties, so it's crucial to review your loan agreement. Making extra payments can help reduce the loan balance and interest paid over time.

Affluent ensures the entire process of securing a mortgage goes as smoothly as possible by dedicating a Mortgage Advisor to help simplify the process. We also ensure you get the best and personalized offers from 20+ leading banks.

Yes, you can. There is no limitation until the mortgage eligibility permits.

Yes! Self-employed applications are analysed based on the company structure and performance.

Mortgage rates are dynamic and they keep changing, you can always reach out to us to get the current rates

Off-plan property mortgages are available. However, the maximum loan-to-value for off-plan properties is 50%.

No, you can get pre-approved even before finalizing a property. It can actually help you negotiate better deals by showing your seriousness.

You can access 70% of your property value with the help of equity release. You can use these funds to purchase a new property, upgrade your existing loan, and business cash flow.

Residual financing refers to a mortgage product that allows buyers to finance additional costs associated with purchasing a property, beyond just the purchase price. When buying a property, buyers typically incur extra expenses such as 4% land department fees and 2% brokerage fees.

Some banks in the UAE offer to cover up to 80% of these additional fees within the mortgage term. This financing option is specifically available for new property purchases, making it easier for buyers to manage upfront costs.

In the UAE, a salary transfer offer can impact your mortgage repayments in the following ways:

  • End-of-service gratuity: If you opt for a salary transfer, your employer will provide an undertaking to the bank that any end-of-service benefits you receive upon leaving your job will be transferred to the bank. This serves as a guarantee for the mortgage payments.
  • Preferential rates: Some banks may offer slightly lower interest rates if you choose to transfer your salary to them. However, whether these discounted rates are advantageous depends on your specific situation. It's best to consult with mortgage experts to determine if the savings justify the salary transfer.
  • Job changes: If you switch jobs while having a salary transfer mortgage, the bank may freeze your end-of-service benefits until you provide proof of continued employment and ability to make mortgage payments.

Many prefer a non-salary transfer mortgage as it avoids potential complications if you change jobs or move out of the UAE. The slightly higher interest rate (typically 0.18%) is often considered worth it for the added flexibility and lack of restrictions on your end-of-service benefits.

In the UAE, there are primarily two types of interest rates for mortgages: fixed rates and variable rates. Fixed rates remain constant throughout the loan term, providing stability in monthly payments, which is beneficial for budgeting.

In contrast, variable rates are calculated on the outstanding loan amount, meaning the interest decreases as you repay the principal, often resulting in lower overall interest costs over time

Interest rates for mortgages in the UAE usually start around 1.49% for fixed rates and can go up to 7.63% for variable rates, depending on the lender and the borrower's profile. Understanding these options is crucial for prospective buyers in the UAE's competitive mortgage market.

To conduct a credit score check in the UAE, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official website of the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) or download the AECB app available for both Android and Apple devices.
  2. Register for an account by providing necessary details, including your Emirates ID and passport number.
  3. Once registered, you can request your credit score by paying a fee of AED 84 for online requests or AED 105 for walk-in services.
  4. After processing your request, you will receive your credit score report within a few minutes.

Understanding your credit score is essential, as it plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for loans and mortgages in the UAE.

Golden Visa

Our UAE Golden Visa FAQ section answers your most important questions about eligibility, benefits, required documents, application steps, and more. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, skilled professional, or property owner, find clear guidance on how to secure long-term residency in the UAE.

    The following are the visas we can help you with:
  • a) Golden Visa (10 years validity)
    • For Property Investors
    • For Entrepreneurs
    • For Executive Directors and Managers
    • For Specialised Talents
  • b) Retirement Visa (5 years validity)
  • c) Investor Visa (2 years validity)

To be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE, you need to own one or more properties in the UAE with a combined value of AED 2 million and have paid the 4% DLD fee and the down payment.

Yes, individuals holding a 10-year Golden Visa can sponsor their parents, spouse, children (below the age of 30), and up to three domestic workers.

Yes, holders of the Golden Visa are authorised to reside and work in any company across the UAE.
 

As per the latest ICA update, there are no restrictions on the duration of stay outside the UAE for Golden Visa holders.

The initial steps like document collection and fee payment can be started while the applicant is outside UAE. However, the applicant needs to be in the UAE , starting from the day of the medicals to the completion of the residency procedure. The applicant is not permitted to travel during the residency procedure. The procedure generally takes a maximum of 15 working days.

A minimum investment of AED 750,000 is required to qualify for a 2-year Investor Visa in the UAE.

According to the latest ICA update, it is required to enter the UAE once every 6 months to maintain the validity of a 2-year Investor Visa.

The eligibility criteria for a 5-year Retirement Visa include a minimum investment of AED 1,000,000 and an age of 55 years or above.

Shared ownership accepted only between spouses. No other relationships are eligible for shared ownership under the golden visa scheme.

Entrepreneurs can obtain a Golden Visa if they meet one of the following conditions: being a commercial fund investor, a deposit fund investor, or a tax return investor.

A Tax Return Investor can qualify for a Golden Visa by paying taxes valued at AED 250,000 or more annually, as imposed by the federal government.

Representatives in the fields of Sports, Arts, Writers, Celebrities, Economics, Engineering, and Science qualify under the Specialised Talents and Researchers category. Additional documents may be required to process your visa under this category.

The required documents for a celebrity applying for a Golden Visa include a recommendation letter from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, a copy of the sponsored passport, a current visa, and a soft copy of a passport photo.

Business Concierge

Our Business Concierge FAQ section provides clear answers to common questions about starting and managing your business in the UAE. From company formation, licensing, and legal requirements to ongoing support services like banking, visas, and office solutions—discover how our experts guide you through every step with ease and efficiency.

A mainland company is registered with any Economic Department in the respective emirate, It permits you to perform your business all over UAE and abroad. Free zone companies are Jurisdiction specific and are not allowed to do business outside free zone typically but do have certain TAX benefits.

Any company’s trade license issued in the UAE has a validity of one year and is subject to renewal.

The license renewal process will take 2-7 working days to renewed.

Some authorities might require the Share capital to be kept in bank account but mostly it is not required.

With the eased requirements, you can have various options such as a flexi office, shared/co-working space, and virtual office too, it depends on the authority you are registering the company with.

Unfortunately, you cannot. However, you can obtain a branch license

Yes, you can but to do so you must first come up with a new suggested company name. Upon availability of the name and the approval an advert must be placed in a local newspaper notifying this change (a legal notice of company name change). You will also need to sign amendment forms and all the original company documents must be returned.

Unfortunately, you cannot. The office premises must be inside the Free Zone Jurisdiction.

Yes, you can with both Mainland and Free Zone business setup. You should provide the documents below to sponsor your spouse and children:

  • Your passport copy (Passport should have at least 6 months validity)
  • Your Visa copy.
  • Stamped Salary Certificate with a minimum salary of AED 20,000.
  • Attested Marriage Certificate for spouse visa
  • Attested Birth Certificate for kids.
  • Residential Lease/rent agreement inside the UAE.