Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #2103600 · Nationwide
Foreign National Loans — U.S. Property Financing Without U.S. Residency
You don't need to live in the United States, hold a visa, or have a U.S. credit history to buy American real estate. Vanessa Schlitt — fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese — helps international buyers and investors close on U.S. property nationwide.
What Is a Foreign National Loan
A Path to U.S. Real Estate for International Buyers
A Foreign National loan is built for buyers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and live outside the country. Instead of a Social Security Number, U.S. tax returns, or a domestic credit history, you qualify using your passport, proof of income or assets from your home country, and funds to close.
This program is popular with international investors buying vacation homes, second homes, or rental properties in the U.S., as well as buyers relocating for business who haven't yet established U.S. residency. Many transactions close in an LLC, and some programs qualify the loan based on the property's rental income rather than the borrower's foreign income.
Qualifying
What You'll Typically Need
- Valid passport and, if applicable, visa documentation
- Proof of income or assets from your home country
- A U.S. bank account to receive funds and close the transaction
- A larger down payment than typical domestic loan programs
- Reserves to cover several months of mortgage payments
Common Questions
Foreign National Loan FAQ
Do I need a U.S. visa to get a Foreign National loan?
No. Foreign National loans are specifically designed for buyers who live abroad and don't hold U.S. residency status. You typically qualify using a valid passport and documentation from your home country.
Do I need a Social Security Number for a Foreign National loan?
No. Foreign National programs don't require a Social Security Number or ITIN. Qualification is based on your passport, proof of funds, and income or asset documentation from your home country.
Can a foreign national buy an investment property in the U.S.?
Yes. Many foreign national buyers purchase U.S. property specifically as an investment, and some programs qualify the loan based on the property's rental income rather than the borrower's foreign income — similar to a DSCR loan.
What down payment is typical for a Foreign National loan?
Down payments are generally higher than domestic loan programs, often reflecting the added complexity of verifying foreign income and assets. Exact requirements vary by lender and scenario.
What's the difference between a Foreign National loan and an ITIN loan?
ITIN loans are for people who live and work in the U.S. and file taxes using an ITIN. Foreign National loans are for non-U.S. citizens who live abroad and want to purchase or invest in U.S. property without U.S. residency or credit history.