Yes, foreign nationals can buy U.S. property using a non-QM loan, even without a Social Security number or U.S. credit score. These programs qualify you using documents from your home country instead: bank statements, a letter from your foreign bank, and proof of income abroad. Expect a larger down payment than a U.S. citizen would need, plus extra paperwork.
What Is a Foreign National Loan?
A foreign national loan is a mortgage designed for someone who is not a U.S. citizen and not a permanent resident. Maybe you live abroad, hold a work visa, or want a vacation home or rental property in the United States.
Traditional lenders struggle with these buyers. Their whole system depends on a Social Security number, a U.S. credit report, and U.S. tax returns and these things many foreign buyers simply don’t have. Without those, a conventional lender usually has to say no.
That’s where non-QM lending comes in. “Non-QM” means the loan doesn’t follow the standard qualified mortgage rulebook. Because non-QM lenders often keep these loans on their own books, they can set their own rules — and look at your financial life the way it actually exists, not the way a U.S.-only form expects it to.
Think of it like this: a traditional lender reads only one language. A non-QM lender is willing to read yours.
How Foreign Nationals Qualify
If you don’t have a U.S. credit score, what does a lender look at? Usually a combination of these:
- Proof of identity. A valid passport, and often a visa if you’ll be entering the U.S.
- Proof of income from your home country. Employment letters, tax documents, or business records.
- Bank statements, often from a foreign bank, showing consistent deposits and available funds.
- A reference letter from your foreign bank, confirming you’re a customer in good standing. This often takes the place of a credit report.
- Proof of funds for your down payment, showing where the money came from.
Some borrowers use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) — a tax number the IRS issues to people who can’t get a Social Security number. Some programs accept it, though many foreign national loans don’t require any U.S. tax number at all.
The key point: you’re not being judged on missing U.S. paperwork. You’re being judged on real, verifiable financial strength — just documented differently. See our non-QM loan programs (verify URL).
What to Expect
A larger down payment. This is the big one. Because the lender has less information and can’t easily pursue collections across borders, they want more of your own money in the deal.
Higher costs. Non-QM loans generally cost more than conventional financing, and foreign national programs sit at the higher end.
More documents — and translations. Papers not in English usually need certified translation, and foreign income may need conversion to U.S. dollars.
Property type matters. Many foreign national loans are for second homes or investment properties, not primary residences. If you plan to rent the property out, a DSCR loan — which qualifies based on the property’s rental income rather than your personal income — is often the natural fit. See DSCR loans for investors (verify URL).
A longer timeline. Gathering and translating international documents takes time. Start early.
Who These Loans Are Best For
- Investors abroad buying U.S. rental property
- Visa holders working temporarily in the U.S.
- Vacation home buyers wanting a place in a U.S. destination
- Business owners with international income that traditional lenders can’t easily verify
If your income is complicated but you’re a U.S. resident, a different program may fit better — see bank statement loans (verify URL).
Not having a U.S. credit score doesn’t have to stop you from owning U.S. property. Non-QM foreign national loans qualify you using documents from your home country. The trade-offs are a larger down payment, higher costs, and more paperwork. Start gathering documents early, work with a lender experienced in international borrowers, and always verify any lender’s license at NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a U.S. mortgage without a Social Security number?
Yes. Many non-QM foreign national programs don’t require a Social Security number at all. Instead of a U.S. credit report, lenders typically use a reference letter from your foreign bank, statements showing consistent deposits, and proof of income from your home country. Some borrowers use an ITIN, a tax number the IRS issues to people who can’t get a Social Security number, though many programs don’t require one. Requirements vary by lender, so ask before applying.
How much down payment do foreign nationals need?
Expect to put down considerably more than a U.S. citizen would. Because the lender has less verifiable history and limited ability to collect across borders, a larger down payment protects them — and it’s the single biggest difference in these programs. The exact amount varies by lender, property type, and whether the home is a second residence or an investment. Having documented proof of where your down payment funds came from is also essential.
Do I need a U.S. credit score to qualify?
Usually not. That’s the main reason foreign national loans exist. Rather than a U.S. credit report, lenders typically rely on a letter from your foreign bank confirming you’re a customer in good standing, plus bank statements showing steady deposits and reserves. Some lenders also accept credit references from your home country. If you do have U.S. credit history, it can help — but its absence generally won’t disqualify you from these programs.
Can foreign nationals buy investment property in the U.S.?
Yes, and it’s one of the most common uses of these loans. Many foreign national programs are designed specifically for second homes and investment properties. If you plan to rent the property out, a DSCR loan may fit well, since it qualifies based on whether the property’s rental income covers its payment rather than on your personal income. This can simplify approval considerably for international investors buying U.S. rentals.
How long does a foreign national loan take to close?
Usually longer than a standard mortgage, mainly because of documentation. Gathering records from a foreign bank, obtaining certified translations for documents not in English, and converting income to U.S. dollars all add time. Coordinating across time zones can slow communication too. The best way to keep things moving is to gather and translate your documents before you apply. Ask your lender for a document checklist at the very start.
References
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024). Ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage standards.
- Internal Revenue Service. (2026). Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
nwide Mortgage · General education, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Loan programs and requirements vary by lender and are subject to change. Verify any lender’s license at NMLS Consumer Access.