Foreign Nationals

Not a UK resident?

If you are looking to purchase a home in the UK, but don’t have citizenship or permanent rights to reside, our experienced team may still be able to help get you a mortgage. We work with a select number of providers who can consider lending for these types of residential status, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Factors that impact Foreign National mortgage applications include the type of visa you hold and the time remaining, and your length of stay in the UK. There may also be minimum deposit requirements and stricter affordability criteria.

Foreign Nationals

Your Status

  • As an EU passport holder, the majority of mortgage providers currently consider you a UK national, meaning that standard lending criteria generally apply.

    It is fairly common for lenders to require that applicants have been living in the UK for at least 6-12 months (although we may have options for less time than this), and that you pass the standard credit scoring process.

  • Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa holders can be accepted for mortgages subject to the specific lenders criteria. It generally helps if the visa has a long expiry date, ideally more than 2.5 years remaining at the point of application, and if you have been living and working in the UK for several years beforehand. However, if you find yourself needing to apply for a mortgage with little time left on your visa, or if you’ve only just entered the UK, there may still be options. Speak to our expert team who will be able to advise.

  • Spousal visas, granting the right to work in the UK for those married to a UK national or a resident with permanent right to reside, can usually expect the same treatment as Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa holders. A joint application could consider the incomes of both you and your partner to raise a larger mortgage if needed.

  • If you are self-employed, in addition to the usual visa criteria, you will also need to fit the policy for non-employed income. If your income comes from an overseas company, then it’s highly likely that we will need a lender who accepts off-shore income.

Get in touch with our experienced team to understand the options available to you.
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