The United States real estate market is one of the most sought-after in the world. If you live outside the US and want to purchase property here — whether as a vacation home, investment property, or for a family member — a foreign national loan makes that possible.
Foreign national mortgage programs are designed for buyers who do not have US credit history, a Social Security number, or income documentation in the standard American format. Lenders who offer these programs understand how to evaluate international income, foreign credit profiles, and alternative verification methods.
At Lender Express, we work with lenders experienced in foreign national transactions. Our loan officers can walk you through the requirements, the process, and the documentation you need to get started.
WHAT IS A FOREIGN NATIONAL LOAN?
A foreign national loan is a Non-QM mortgage designed for borrowers who are not US citizens or permanent residents and do not have a US Social Security number or US-based credit history. These programs allow international buyers to finance US real estate using foreign income documentation and alternative credit references.
Foreign national loans typically require a larger down payment and carry slightly higher interest rates than conventional mortgages, reflecting the additional complexity of verifying income and credit from outside the US. They are commonly used for vacation homes, investment properties, and residential purchases.
Most foreign national programs do not require the borrower to have a US bank account, though having one simplifies the process. Income is often documented using foreign pay stubs, bank statements, or employer letters translated into English.
KEY BENEFITS
- Available to non-US residents who want to purchase US property
- No US Social Security number required
- Foreign income and credit documentation accepted
- Available for vacation homes and investment properties
- Works with income earned outside the United States
- Multiple property types eligible including condos and single-family homes
- Financing available even without a US credit file
HOW IT WORKS
Here is a general overview of how a foreign national loan works.
- Confirm eligibility — Verify you qualify as a foreign national based on visa status, residency, and intended property use.
- Gather documentation — Collect income verification (foreign pay stubs, bank statements, or employer letters), passport, and visa documentation.
- Credit review — If you have no US credit, lenders may review foreign credit reports or use alternative references.
- Down payment confirmation — Foreign national loans typically require 25% to 40% down. Funds must be documented and sourced.
- Application and close — Your loan officer submits the file to a lender experienced in foreign national transactions. Closing can often be coordinated remotely.
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on your purchase price, down payment, and loan amount.
WHO THIS LOAN IS BEST FOR
- Non-US residents purchasing a vacation home in the United States
- International investors purchasing US rental or investment property
- Foreign nationals who want to purchase a home for a family member living in the US
- Buyers without US credit history or a Social Security number
- Buyers with income earned outside the United States
- Buyers who can document a large down payment from foreign accounts
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
These are general guidelines. Requirements vary by lender, visa type, and property use.
| Residency Status | Non-US resident; visa holders reviewed case by case |
| Identification | Valid passport required; visa documentation may be required |
| Income Documentation | Foreign pay stubs, employer letters, or bank statements; English translation may be required |
| Credit | Foreign credit report or alternative credit references; no US credit required |
| Down Payment | Typically 25% to 40% depending on program and property type |
| Property Type | Vacation home, investment property; primary residence availability varies |
| US Bank Account | Not always required but can simplify the transaction |