One of the biggest worries buyers have is how long is a mortgage pre approval good for, especially when they are trying to find the right property in a fast-moving market. This uncertainty often appears when getting pre approved for a mortgage, because most people are not sure how much the bank will actually lend or whether their approval might expire too soon.

A mortgage pre approval is the bank’s initial assessment of your finances. It uses your income, credit score and debt levels to confirm how much you can borrow. With this clarity, you can search within the right budget, negotiate confidently and avoid wasting time on properties that do not match your loan eligibility.

How Long Is a Mortgage Pre Approval Good For in the UAE?

In the UAE, a mortgage pre-approval is valid for 60 to 90 days, with most banks offering a standard 60-day validity. This timeframe gives buyers enough flexibility to shortlist properties, negotiate with agents and prepare the required documents for their purchase.

However, pre approvals are not permanent. If you do not finalise a property within this window, banks will require you to refresh the pre approval, which means submitting updated salary slips, bank statements and a new credit check. Your eligibility can also change during this period if your income, employment or debt levels shift.

While each bank has its own policy, the rule is consistent across the UAE: once the validity period ends, your pre approval expires, and you must revalidate it before moving forward with the mortgage or property purchase.

How to Get Pre Approved for a Mortgage in UAE?

When getting pre approved for a mortgage in the UAE, the first step is understanding what each mortgage type requires from you. Banks review several key factors including your age, income stability, employment history, credit score, debt levels and down payment capacity before confirming eligibility. 

While the exact requirements vary by mortgage product, most lenders follow the same core checks to assess financial readiness. The breakdown below helps you understand what you need to qualify for the mortgage category that best matches your situation.

1. First Time Buyer Mortgage Eligibility

If you are purchasing your first home, banks will look closely at your financial stability to determine whether you qualify.

• Minimum monthly income of AED 10,000 or higher depending on the bank
• Stable employment with at least 6 months in your current job
• Clean credit history with no recent defaults or late payments
• Down payment of at least 20 percent for expats and 15 percent for UAE nationals.
• Debt burden ratio within the bank’s limit, usually under 50 percent.
• Valid passport, visa and Emirates ID.

This category suits buyers entering the market for the first time and looking for competitive interest rates and straightforward approval.

2. Non-Resident Mortgage Eligibility

Non residents can buy property in the UAE, but banks follow stricter eligibility checks to manage risk.

• You must belong to an approved nationality list, which varies by bank and is based on risk profiling.
• A stable monthly income is required, usually starting from AED 25,000, supported by salary slips, overseas bank statements and tax returns where applicable.
• You must be at least 21 years old, and the mortgage term must end before the age of 65 to 70 depending on the bank.
• Non residents need a higher down payment, typically 35 to 40 percent, as loan-to-value (LTV) ratios range between 60 and 65 percent.
• You must provide a valid passport and proof of residence abroad.
• A clean and verifiable credit history from your home country or an internationally recognised bureau is essential.

This option suits international investors who want to purchase property without UAE residency.

3.  Investment Mortgage Eligibility

Investment mortgages are designed for buyers purchasing properties to rent out or use as secondary assets.

• Minimum income requirement based on lender policy.
• Good credit score and consistent payment history.
• Down payment of 25 percent or more depending on property type.
• Evidence of rental income potential if applicable.
• Acceptable property category based on the bank’s investment criteria.
• Updated financial documents including salary slips or business statements.

This category is ideal for those building a property portfolio for long term returns.

4. Islamic Mortgage Eligibility

Islamic mortgages in the UAE follow Sharia compliant structures such as Ijara, Musharaka and Murabaha, where the bank buys the property and leases or sells it back to you instead of charging interest.

Because of this setup, lenders review your income, credit history and documents carefully to confirm financial stability and Sharia compliance.

• Applicants must be between 21 and 65 to 70 years old at the time the mortgage term ends.
• Minimum monthly income varies by bank, generally starting from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 for UAE nationals and AED 15,000 to AED 20,000 for expatriates.
• Salaried applicants need stable employment with at least six months in their current job, while self employed applicants must show two to three years of business history with audited financials.
• Expatriates must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
• A strong credit profile is essential, verified through the Al Etihad Credit Bureau.
• Islamic mortgages often require a higher down payment than conventional mortgages because of Sharia compliant funding structures.
• Standard documents are required, including Emirates ID, passport copies, bank statements and salary certificates.

This option suits buyers seeking interest free, Sharia compliant financing.

5. Mortgage Buyout Eligibility

A mortgage buyout allows you to switch your existing home loan to another bank with better rates or terms.

• Proof of consistent repayment history on your current mortgage.
• Updated property valuation report from an approved valuer.
• Debt burden ratio within acceptable limits.
• Updated salary slips, bank statements and credit report.
• Minimum remaining mortgage amount as required by the new bank.
• No major recent changes in employment or income.

This category suits homeowners looking to reduce monthly installments or take advantage of lower interest rates.

How to Apply for Mortgage Pre Approval?

Head over to the My Mortgage website and choose the mortgage product that fits your needs. Once selected, you can answer a few simple questions about your income, employment, budget and property preferences.

This information helps the My Mortgage team understand your eligibility so they can prepare and submit the mortgage pre approval application on your behalf.

Once your details are submitted, the mortgage experts run an eligibility check and contact you for the required documents such as salary slips, bank statements, ID copies and credit reports. 

After reviewing your profile and comparing interest rates, fees and approval timelines across multiple banks, the team recommends the best option for you.

From there, they prepare your file and apply for the mortgage pre-approval on your behalf, ensuring the process is smooth, accurate and fast.

Costs to Expect After Getting Pre Approved

Once you receive your mortgage pre approval, it is important to understand the upfront costs involved in buying a property in the UAE. These expenses are separate from the mortgage amount and must be paid during the purchase process.

Knowing them early helps you plan your budget accurately and avoid last-minute surprises.

You can also use a pre approval mortgage calculator on the My Mortgage website to estimate your total costs and understand how your chosen property value affects your upfront expenses.

• Down Payment: Buyers must pay a minimum of 20 percent of the property value, while UAE nationals may qualify for slightly lower requirements depending on the lender.
• Dubai Land Department Fee: A standard 4 percent of the property value is charged as the DLD fee, along with an AED 580 administration fee during property registration.
• Registration Trustee Fee: The trustee fee is AED 4,000 for properties priced above AED 500,000 and AED 2,000 for properties below this amount.
• Mortgage Registration Fee: Banks apply a mortgage registration fee of 0.25 percent of the loan amount plus an AED 10 admin fee.
• Agent Commission: If a real estate agent is involved, commission typically amounts to 2 percent of the property price plus 5 percent VAT.
• Knowledge Fee: A mandatory AED 290 knowledge fee applies during the transfer process.
• Bank Processing Fee: Banks charge between 0.25 percent and 1 percent of the loan amount plus 5 percent VAT as processing fees, depending on the product and lender.
• Valuation Fee: Before final approval, banks require a property valuation that usually costs between AED 2,500 and AED 4,000 plus 5 percent VAT.

Pre Qualified vs Pre Approved Mortgage

Many buyers in the UAE use the terms pre qualified and pre approved interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference can save you time and prevent disappointment during your property search.

Pre qualification gives you a rough idea of what you might be able to borrow, while pre approval gives you an official confirmation from a bank based on verified documents.

Pre qualified vs Pre approved mortgage at a glance:

Feature	Pre Qualification	Pre Approval
Type of Process	Informal estimate	Formal lender assessment
Based On	Self reported details	Verified financial documents
Credit Check	Soft check, no impact	Hard check, temporary impact
Accuracy	Rough estimate	Accurate conditional loan amount
Use Case	Exploring options	Making offers and negotiating
Acceptance by Sellers	Not accepted	Accepted as proof of readiness
Time Required	Minutes	Few days
Validity	Not official	60 to 90 days in UAE

1. Pre Qualified Mortgage

Pre qualification is the first step. It is quick, informal and based on self declared information.

The lender may run a soft credit check and give you an estimated loan amount, but this is not a commitment from the bank. It is helpful if you are only exploring your options or checking whether you are financially ready to buy.

2. Pre approved Mortgage

Pre approval, however, carries much more weight. It requires you to submit real documents such as salary slips, bank statements and credit reports. The bank reviews your income, debt levels, employment history and credit score through the Al Etihad Credit Bureau.

This process results in a formal pre approval letter that sellers, developers and agents in the UAE treat as proof that you are a serious and qualified buyer.

In a competitive market like Dubai, pre approval is often essential. It gives you a clear budget, strengthens your negotiation power and speeds up the buying process. Pre qualification is simply a starting point, but pre approval is what truly prepares you to make an offer and secure a property.

Tips to Maintain a Valid Mortgage Pre Approval

Once you receive your mortgage pre approval, it is important to protect it until you find the right property. Many buyers ask how long is a mortgage pre approval good for, but the real challenge is keeping it valid throughout the search.

Banks reassess your financial situation before refreshing an approval, so any major changes in income, credit or debt can impact your eligibility. These practical steps will help you avoid disruptions and stay prepared.

1. Keep Your Financial Profile Stable

When getting pre approved for a mortgage, lenders look for steady income and reliable employment. Try to avoid switching jobs during the validity period, as banks prefer applicants who have completed at least six months with their employer.

Any sudden drop in salary or change in job role can trigger additional checks or reduce the approved amount. Staying financially consistent helps preserve your pre approval without delays.

2. Avoid New Loans or Credit Cards

Banks monitor your debt burden ratio closely, and taking new loans or credit cards during the approval window can work against you. New liabilities increase your monthly obligations and may lower the loan amount you qualify for.

It is best to postpone big purchases, instalment plans or new credit applications until after you apply for mortgage pre approval and complete the final mortgage process.

3. Track Your Credit Score Regularly

Your credit score is one of the strongest indicators of financial reliability. Monitor your score through the Al Etihad Credit Bureau and ensure all payments are made on time.

Even a single missed payment on a utility bill or credit card can affect your eligibility and delay your mortgage. Keeping an eye on credit utilisation and outstanding balances ensures there are no surprises when the bank completes its final review.

Your Next Steps Toward a Smooth Approval

Understanding how long a mortgage is pre approval helps you plan your property search with confidence. With a typical 60 to 90 day validity period, you have enough time to explore options, negotiate effectively, and move forward without delays.

Staying aware of your eligibility, keeping documents updated, and managing your credit profile ensures your pre approval remains valid throughout the process.

Expert support can make this journey much easier by helping you compare banks, understand fees, prepare documents, and renew your pre approval if needed.

Get in touch with our team to get pre approved and move one step closer to your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions