Foreign national mortgage information
Here are a selection of the most common questions regarding a foreign national mortgage.
Yes. Non-UK citizens, including people who don’t currently live in the UK, can get a mortgage to buy a home here. Lenders will look closely at your visa or residency status, income, credit history and deposit, but there are options across the market for most circumstances.
We work with lenders who specialise in cases for:
- UK residents on a work, family, or other visa
- EU/EEA citizens
- Non-UK residents buying from overseas
- UK expats living and working abroad
- International students (in some circumstances, usually with a guarantor)
Why do I need a mortgage broker for this?
Foreign national and overseas applications are more specialist than a standard mortgage. Not every lender on the high street will consider your circumstances, so it helps to work with a broker who knows exactly which lenders will.
We’ll ask about things like:
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Your current visa or residency status, and how long is left on it
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Where your income is earned, and in what currency
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Your UK credit history, if you have one
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Your deposit, and where the funds are coming from
We then match you with lenders whose criteria fit your situation, so you’re not wasting time applying to the wrong ones.
What deposit will I need?
Deposit requirements are usually higher for foreign national and overseas applications than for a standard UK residential mortgage. Depending on your visa status, residency, and the lender, you may need anywhere from 25% upwards, though some cases can be lower.
We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation before you start looking at properties.
What documents will I need?
This varies by lender and by your individual circumstances, but you should expect to need:
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Valid passport and visa (where applicable)
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Proof of address, in the UK and/or overseas
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Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, or business accounts if self-employed)
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Bank statements
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Proof of deposit and its source
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Evidence of your UK immigration status, such as a Biometric Residence Permit or eVisa share code
If your income is in a foreign currency or you’re paid by an overseas employer, we’ll let you know if any extra checks apply.
Does my visa type affect my mortgage options?
Yes, though it doesn’t rule you out. Lenders take different approaches depending on:
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Whether your visa allows you to work in the UK
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How much time is left on your visa
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Whether you have indefinite leave to remain, settled or pre-settled status
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Whether you're applying with a UK-based co-applicant
Some lenders have minimum visa duration requirements, while others are more flexible. This is exactly the kind of detail we go through with you at the start, so we can point you toward the lenders most likely to say yes.
I live overseas and want to buy a UK property. Can you help?
Yes. We support non-resident buyers purchasing UK property, whether it’s a future home, a buy-to-let investment, or somewhere for family to live. We can talk you through the process, the additional checks lenders apply for overseas applicants, and how to transfer funds to the UK.
If you need to move money into the UK for your deposit, we can also put you in touch with our currency exchange partner.
What's the process?
Getting a mortgage as a foreign national follows the same broad shape as any other mortgage, with a few extra steps:
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We have an initial conversation about your visa/residency status, income and deposit
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We identify which lenders are likely to consider your circumstances
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We help you get an Agreement in Principle
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You find a property and make an offer
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We submit your full application, along with your immigration and income documentation
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The lender carries out its valuation and underwriting checks
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Once approved, your solicitor handles the legal process through to completion
We manage the process end-to-end, and keep you updated at every stage.
Get in touch
Whatever your nationality, visa status or where you currently live, get in touch and we'll let you know what's possible.