If you're living in the UK on a visa and looking to buy a home, getting a mortgage as a foreign national is often more achievable than people expect. While the process differs from a standard UK residential mortgage, our whole-of-market access means we can match you with lenders who specialise in visa holder applications, rather than relying on a single high-street lender's rulebook. We provide the same specialist mortgage advice to visa holders that we do for any client with a less straightforward application.
Can you get a mortgage on a visa in the UK?
Yes. Getting a mortgage while on a visa is not as straightforward as it is for British citizens or those with permanent residency, but it is possible with the right lender and the right preparation. Most high-street banks require settled status, but a growing number of specialist and mainstream lenders now accept applications from visa holders, provided certain conditions around visa type, time remaining, and residency history are met. The key is knowing which lenders are open to your specific situation, since criteria vary significantly from one to the next.
Which visas qualify for a mortgage?
The UK moved to a points-based immigration system in 2021, and most visa holders now fall under one of the following categories:
Skilled Worker visa — for those sponsored by a UK employer in an eligible occupation. This is the most commonly accepted visa type among mortgage lenders, particularly where the applicant has a stable salary and an established employment history.
Health and Care Worker visa — for NHS and social care professionals. Lenders often view this favourably given the sector's stability and the visa's route to settlement.
Student visa — mortgage options exist but are limited, typically requiring a UK-based guarantor, a larger deposit, or proof of independent income beyond a student loan.
Graduate visa — available to those who have completed a UK degree. Lending options depend heavily on current employment status and how much time remains on the visa.
Global Talent visa — generally viewed favourably given the visa's longer duration and clear route to settlement.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa — a two-year visa which some lenders will consider, though options are more limited given the shorter time frame remaining.
Family visa — for those joining a partner or family member already settled in the UK. This route is often supported by a wider range of lenders, particularly where the sponsoring partner is a British citizen or holds indefinite leave to remain.
Each lender sets its own criteria around minimum time remaining on a visa, so the right option for you will depend on your specific circumstances rather than your visa type alone.
What lenders look for
When assessing a mortgage application from a visa holder, lenders will typically want to see proof of your current visa and its expiry date, alongside the standard documentation any applicant provides: payslips, bank statements, credit history, and proof of deposit.
Most lenders expect at least six months remaining on your visa at the point of application, though some require twelve months or more, and this varies significantly between lenders. A longer UK residency history and a stable employment record both work in your favour. Having a partner on the application who holds British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain is also viewed positively, as it can reduce the lender's perceived risk. Depending on your visa type and personal circumstances, some lenders may also ask for a larger deposit than they would for a UK national — this is where working with a broker who knows the current lending landscape makes the biggest difference. If you've already been turned down elsewhere, it doesn't necessarily rule you out; see our page on what to do after a declined mortgage for next steps.
How much deposit will you need?
Deposit requirements for foreign nationals vary more than they do for UK residents. Some lenders will accept the standard 10% deposit if your visa, income, and residency history are strong. Others, particularly for shorter-duration visas like the Youth Mobility Scheme or Student visa, may ask for 25% or more. As a general rule, the longer you've been in the UK and the more time remaining on your visa, the more competitive your deposit requirement is likely to be. You can get a rough idea of borrowing and deposit levels using our mortgage calculator, though your actual options will depend on the visa-specific criteria above.
Buying with a foreign national co-applicant
It's common for us to work with couples where one applicant is a British citizen or settled resident and the other is on a visa. In these cases, lenders will usually assess the application based on the combined circumstances, and having a settled co-applicant can open up a wider pool of lenders than either person might access alone.
Getting your mortgage agreed before you house-hunt
We'd always recommend getting a mortgage in principle before you start viewing properties. This gives you a clear picture of what you can borrow and what deposit you'll need, and it shows estate agents and sellers that you're a serious, ready buyer. Given the additional criteria involved for visa holders, having your finances assessed early also gives us time to identify the right lender for your situation before you're under time pressure from a property purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need indefinite leave to remain to get a mortgage?
No. While indefinite leave to remain (ILR) opens up the widest range of lenders, plenty of lenders will consider applications from visa holders who don't yet have settled status, provided there's sufficient time remaining on the visa and the rest of the application is strong.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a foreign national?
In many cases, yes. Buy-to-let lending criteria for foreign nationals follows a similar pattern to residential lending — it depends on your visa type, deposit, and how the lender assesses rental income against the property.
What happens if my visa expires before the mortgage term ends?
Lenders are aware that visas are renewed or upgraded over time, and the mortgage isn't automatically affected by a visa expiring, provided repayments continue. What matters most at application stage is that you meet the lender's minimum time-remaining requirement when you apply.
Do I need a UK credit history?
It helps, but it isn't always essential. Some lenders will consider international credit history or take a broader view of your financial circumstances, particularly if you've been living and working in the UK for some time.
Is this different from an expat mortgage?
Yes. Expat mortgages are for British nationals living and working abroad who want to buy property in the UK. Foreign national mortgages are for non-British visa holders who are living in the UK. If you're a British expat, see our expat mortgages page instead.
Speak to a specialist broker
Every visa holder's situation is different, and matching you to the right lender depends on the detail — your visa type, how long you've been in the UK, your income, and your deposit. As a whole-of-market broker, we can search across lenders who specialise in this type of application rather than relying on a single high-street criteria set.
Get started and talk to us today.
