Financing property in Germany while living in Dubai/UAE

Why the UAE is a different case today than in 2023

Until August 2025 the UAE was on the EU list for enhanced due diligence (anti-money-laundering monitoring). That meant banks had to scrutinise borrowers from the UAE more intensively — many declined across the board.

Since August 2025 the European Commission has removed the UAE from that list. That has clearly improved the situation for Germans resident in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It remains a special situation — not every bank assesses a UAE residence — but the choice of banks is clearly larger today than it was in 2023.

What's typical with a UAE residence

• Income in AED or USD: both possible; USD is often accepted more easily (counts as a hard currency)
• Employer: corporate employment with a contract term ≥ 2 years is preferred — the self-employed have a narrower circle of banks
• Equity: 35–40 % + incidental costs — a surcharge because of the special residence situation
• Loan-to-value: typically 60–65 %, up to 75 % with excellent creditworthiness
• UAE official documents: Emirates ID, visa, tenancy agreement or proof of ownership in Dubai/AUH — accepted in the original English
• Notary appointment: travelling in person to Germany (visa-free entry with a German passport) or a power of attorney with apostille from a UAE notary

Financing from other countries