Foreign National Loans
This is the loan option for non-US citizens looking to purchase or refinance a second-home or investment property in the United States. No US credit score or Social Security Number? No problem.
- Up to 70% LTV Purchase & R/T Refi
- Up to $3M Max Loan Amount
- No FICO score required (with alternative credit options)
- DSCR loan or foreign income options
If you're ready to invest in US real estate, we're ready to fund it.
Defy Mortgage Foreign National Loan Options
- Max Loan Amount: Up to $3,000,000 (most lenders only go up to $2M, but not us)
- Min Loan Amount: $150,000
- Max LTV (Purchase & R/T Refi): Up to 70% | Up to 65% LTV C/O refinance
- Min FICO: No score required (with alternative credit options) or 700 for borrowers with credit
- Loan Types: Purchase, Rate/Term Refinance, and Cash-out Refinances available for Secondary and Investment Properties (see our Refinance Page to learn more about Refinances on a general sense)
- Occupancy: Investment properties only.
- Income Documentation: Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) >= 1.000. Foreign income is allowed.
- Credit Requirements: U.S. credit report with SSN or ITIN is preferred. If no SSN/ITIN, alternative credit or an international credit report is accepted.
- Property Types: Single Family, Vacation Home, Condominium (Warrantable & Non-Warrantable) and 2-4 Units
Important Note: The specific max LTV, loan amount, and DTI will vary based on qualifying factors. This program is designed to be flexible for non-U.S. citizens investing in the U.S.
FOREIGN INVESTORS: You've got options, check 'em out.
- Min. 700 Fico Required
- $1.5M Purchase to 75% LTV (65% C / O Refi)
- $2.5M Purchase to 70% LTV (65% C / O Refi)
- $3M Purchase to 65% LTV (60% C / O Refi)
- Min. 700 FICO Required
- $1.5M Purchase to 70% LTV (60% C / O Refi)
- $2.5M Purchase to 65% LTV (60% C / O Refi)
- $3M Purchase to 60% LTV (55% C / O Refi)
- $1.5M Purchase to 70% LTV (65% C / O Refi)
- $2.5M Purchase to 65% LTV (60% C / O Refi)
- $3M Purchase to 55% LTV (50% C / O Refi)
- $1.5M Purchase to 65% LTV (60% C / O Refi)
- $2.5M Purchase to 60% LTV (55% C / O Refi)
- $3M Purchase to 60% LTV (55% C / O Refi)
FAST Foreign National Financing In The US
Yes, you can buy U.S. property without citizenship. At Defy Mortgage, we specialize in foreign national mortgages with rates that actually compete. And if we’re talking speed, we work fast so that you can pocket the gains on your investment property, relax at your leisure in your new vacation home, or refinance for whatever your needs might be. PLUS we have resources (see below!)
Foreign National Loan FAQs
Who are Foreign National loans for?
Generally, those who would be interested in foreign national loans would be international buyers who want to invest in US real estate and non-US citizens who are relocating to the US for work or education. International buyers can obtain a mortgage through foreign national lending programs without a Social Security number, green card, or visa. Foreign national loans do not require applications to have a FICO score to show proof of credit. Instead, borrowers can prove their creditworthiness through several methods or by submitting a credit report from their home country. Otherwise, it could take years for a foreign individual to build their credit in the US before being able to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Foreign national loans give foreign nationals a faster and more direct pathway to homeownership.
What is a Foreign National loan?
A foreign national loan in the United States is a loan type that is specifically designed for:
- Non-US citizens
- Non-US residents
- Those without a social security number
These loans make it easier for foreign nationals to buy property in the US without a US credit score (FICO), green card, visa or social security number. Typically, foreign national loans are non-qualified or nonconforming mortgages (also known as non-QM), which means that they don’t need to meet the strict underwriting guidelines of government agencies, such as the CFPB. Not having to adhere to these guidelines allows lenders to be more flexible when it comes to approving loans for foreign national borrowers.
Can I get a Foreign National loan for a primary property?
Yes, you can get a foreign national loan for a primary residence, though it depends on the lender and your specific situation. Typical requirements for Foreign National loans for primary residences can include the following:
- 25-35% down payment (sometimes lower with work visas)
- Proof you'll actually occupy the property
- Valid visa documentation
- Income verification (U.S. or foreign)
- Credit history (U.S. or international)
At Defy Mortgage, we only offer Foreign National loans for second-homes and investment properties.
What is the difference between a Foreign National loan and DSCR loan?
The main difference between a foreign national loan in comparison to a DSCR loan is that a foreign national loan is based on the international borrower’s verifiable income, work history, proof of assets, among other things – while a DSCR loan is based on the property’s potential cash flow. Foreign individuals are eligible for both a foreign national loan and a DSCR loan.
How do I find a lender who offers Foreign National loans?
- Experience: Check if the lender has experience working with foreign individuals. If they have, this means that they should be more familiar with the unique challenges and requirements of foreign national loans.
- Reputation: Search online to find reviews of the lender from other borrowers. Reading reviews from others will give you an idea of the lender’s reputation and help you find a reliable lender.
- Customer Service: Along with reputation, make sure that the lender has good reviews from other borrowers about their customer service. Having a lender that’s well-known for their good customer service will ensure that they’re responsive and easy to work with.
- Non-QM Focus: Since a foreign national loan is a non-QM loan, working with an experienced non-QM lender is essential. Choosing a lender that’s experienced with the unique circumstances of foreign individuals can make the process much smoother. As a borrower, you’ll be able to approach an experienced lender with any questions and concerns about the process, and feel confident that they can help you.
- Interest Rates and Fees: Interest rates and fees may vary between different lenders. It’s important to carefully compare interest rates and fees before choosing a lender since it can affect profitability in the long run. Fees to consider can include origination fees, appraisal fees, and other miscellaneous closing costs.
- Down Payment Requirements: Foreign national loans usually require a down payment of at least 20%, but you should still compare down payment requirements from different lenders. Some lenders may allow for down payments that are less than 20% depending on the circumstances.
Can Foreign Nationals get a loan without a U.S. credit score?
Yes! Foreign nationals can get a loan without a US credit score. In these cases, be prepared to potentially pay a premium with a higher interest rate, have a larger down payment or be prepared to show some other alternative credit option.
Can non-U.S. residents get a Foreign National loan?
Yes!! Non-US residents can get a foreign national loan. This loan type is designed specifically for non-US citizens and non-residents to make homeownership an easier process for them.
Purchase, swap your rate or get cash-out. The choice is yours, we're just here to help.
- No U.S. Credit Score Required: We understand that establishing U.S. credit can be challenging. This program allows for alternative credit or international credit reports, making it accessible even without a traditional U.S. FICO score.
- Foreign Income Accepted: You can qualify using income earned from foreign corporations or governments, paid in foreign currency. This flexibility is a huge plus!
Still unsure of exactly what you need? No worries. JUST ASK US!
