19/12/2025

Mortgages in Dubai for Russians: How a Real Estate Broker Bought an Apartment with a Mortgage

Inside Realty Expert

The author of article & Inside Realty expert

The average mortgage rate in Dubai is 4%, so it is more profitable for many people to take out a mortgage than to rent, and investors use it to increase their returns through bank leverage. Interest in the market is growing: according to NF Group, in January-May 2025, the UAE became the number one country for Russians to buy property. Against this backdrop, people are increasingly considering mortgages.

The article examines a real case: how real estate broker Anton Burjuy from Inside Realty took out a mortgage in Dubai and earned almost 26 000 $ in six months.

Can a Russian Citizen Take Out a Mortgage in Dubai?

The short answer is yes, it is possible. However, mortgages in the UAE are only available to Russians and CIS citizens if you have resident status. There are various ways to obtain residency in the Emirates:

Employment in The UAE

Own Business in The UAE

Buying Property in The UAE

If you are a resident, you can obtain a mortgage on the same terms as residents of other countries:

Down payment — from 20%, or 40% if this is not your first mortgage
Average interest rate — 4%
Mortgage term — up to 25 years, but there is an age limit — the loan must be repaid before the age of 65
Mortgages are only available for completed properties, but for projects under construction, they can be arranged with large developers when the building is 50% complete, with a down payment of 50%

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A Real Case Study of a Russian Citizen: How Broker Anton Burjuy Took Out a Mortgage in Dubai and Earned 26 000 $ in 6 months

I live in Dubai, work officially, and have a UAE resident visa. In the spring of 2025, I decided to go through the whole process that our clients usually go through: take out a mortgage, buy a ready-built apartment, rent it out, and sell it at a higher price. I chose the Dubai Hills Estate area, one of the most comfortable locations in Dubai to live in. It is green and cozy, and part of the Inside team has been living here for several years.

Anton Burjuy from Inside Realty

What Did Anton Buy, on What Terms, and How Much Did He Earn in 6 Months?

At the end of May, Anton bought a ready-made studio on a mortgage for 234 200 $. The down payment was 20% (46 800 $).

He furnished the apartment for 8 170 $ and rented it out. He received 5 440 $ net for 6 months — he did not rent it out in the summer. In the end, he sold the apartment for 283 200 $.

The expenses were as follows:

DLD fees — 9 360 $
Bank evaluation (2 times) — 1 900 $
Bank commission — 870 $
Furnishing for holiday homes — 8 170 $
Mortgage payments — 6 540 $
Penalty for early mortgage repayment — 1 630 $

Net Income
from Rent

5 440 $

Earned Money
from Selling

283 200 $

Total Revenue
Amounted

26 000 $

ROI
for 6 Months

ROI for 6 Months

44%

Annual
Return

Annual Return

~ 88%

That is, a total of $46,800 of his own money brought Anton 26 000 $ in profit in six months.

We know where to find apartments below market price. If you want a good property for investment with a mortgage, leave a request for consultation.

Victoria Butirskaia from Inside Realty

Why Did Anton Achieve Such a Good Return?

The first factor was choosing the right area. Dubai Hills Estate has a limited supply of studios, but high demand.

The second important factor was the entry price. Anton bought the apartment below market value, which was an immediate advantage when selling.

The most important factor was strategy. Anton used minimal investment thanks to a mortgage and quickly exited the deal.

What is Important for Russians to Know Before Applying for a Mortgage in Dubai?

The process of obtaining a mortgage in the UAE differs from that in Russia. Requirements depend on the borrower's category.

Living & Working
in The UAE

You need an official salary of between 10 000 and 15 000 AED (2 700 to 4 100 $) and a good credit history. The stability of your employer is also important: how long the company has been operating, its staff, and its industry. Banks like proven employers.

Living & Working
Outside The UAE

For Russian citizens, UAE residency is mandatory. If you are a citizen of another country, you need an income of 20 000 - 25 000 (5 500 $) per month, official employment for at least 6 months, and a willingness to contribute 40% of the cost of the property. Banks are more likely to approve applications from employees of international companies.

Own a Business
in The UAE

Even a 5% stake in a business gives you a chance to get a mortgage in the UAE. The main thing is that the company is at least 3 years old and has a turnover of 2 500 000 to 3 000 000 AED per year.

You Own a Business
& Live Outside The UAE

You need to disclose your company's turnover and be prepared to show your business to the bank — everything must be transparent. The requirements are higher than for local companies: higher turnover and longer operating history.

You Live in The UAE
& Are a Freelancer

You need to have a proven income for at least 6 months. Minimum income requirements may vary between banks, but it is desirable to earn 5 500 $ or more per month.

It Should Also Be Noted That Early Repayment of a Mortgage Incurs a Fee

The penalty is 1% of the amount exceeding 15% of the balance for the year.

That is, if you have a loan of 1 million dirhams and you pay more than 150,000 this year, anything above that amount will be subject to a 1% penalty.

In addition, there are additional costs that are important to consider. For example:

Property evaluation
DLD fee of 4% if the transaction is registered in Dubai
Mortgage processing fee — 0.25% of the loan amount
Life insurance 0.01% of the monthly balance, property insurance — 0.06% of the current market value

Conclusion from Anton's Case

A mortgage in Dubai is an excellent tool for Russians. It helps you save on rent while improving your standard of living and earning money on real estate — $26,000 in profit in six months. You can repeat his case.

Leave your phone number and we will help you choose the best property for living or investing, apply for residency in the UAE, and get approval from the bank.