Independent guide. Not a lender or mortgage broker, and not credit advice. About us
Expat FinanceIndependent guide

Checked 7 October 2026

Australian home loans from the UAE

What is specific to borrowing from the UAE: how lenders treat income in AED, what to check before you move money, and the tax position. Lender figures come from broker websites and are indicative.

At a glance

  • CurrencyAED. Second tier on broker lists.
  • Tax treaty with AustraliaNo. Treasury’s list of income tax treaties does not include the UAE.
  • Moving money outWe found no country-specific limit to flag. Check your own country’s rules before you transfer.

How lenders see income from the UAE

Dirhams are second-tier on broker lists. One broker reports that 60% to 80% of dirham income is counted, and lenders adjust their assessment for a no-tax jurisdiction. If you are also paid in a top-tier currency, that may help.

The percentage of income counted, the loan size and the deposit all depend on your status as well as your currency. See Australians overseas, foreign nationals and how foreign income is counted.

Tax

With no personal income tax at home there is no foreign tax credit to offset Australian tax, so Australian tax on rent and gains is the final cost: rent is taxed at foreign-resident rates from the first dollar, and 15% of the sale price is withheld at settlement and credited against the tax you owe on the gain.

The general rules for overseas owners are on our tax page.

A roadmap for a buyer living in the UAE

Free, on screen straight away: the documents, cash, timeline and tax points for your situation. Get your loan roadmap.

Frequently asked questions

Will Australian lenders accept AED income?

Dirhams are second-tier on broker lists. One broker reports that 60% to 80% of dirham income is counted, and lenders adjust their assessment for a no-tax jurisdiction. If you are also paid in a top-tier currency, that may help.

Does Australia have a tax treaty with the UAE?

No. Treasury’s list of income tax treaties does not include the UAE.

Sources

Checked 7 October 2026. Broker figures are indicative.

Expat Finance is an independent guide. It is not a lender, mortgage broker or credit provider, it does not hold an Australian credit licence, and it does not give credit, legal, tax or migration advice. It is not affiliated with any bank, the ATO or the Foreign Investment Review Board. General information only, not legal, tax, migration or financial advice.