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Foreign National Mortgage

A foreign national mortgage lets you finance a home in the United States without U.S. residency, a Social Security Number or U.S. credit history. The lender looks at documents from your home country: income, bank statements and banking references. The down payment is larger than for a U.S. resident, and the home is usually a second home or an investment property.

Heart Mortgage is a mortgage broker (NMLS #2045769). We compare foreign national programs from multiple lenders and guide you in English, Portuguese or Spanish, from the first call to closing.

Who it is for

  • You live outside the U.S. (for example, in Brazil) and want to buy a vacation home or an investment property here.
  • You are in the U.S. on a non-permanent visa and do not have a U.S. credit history yet. Some lenders accept certain visa holders; rules vary by lender and visa type.

It may not be the right path if

  • You have an SSN, U.S. income and U.S. credit. Standard programs such as conventional or FHA usually fit better.
  • You live in the U.S. and file taxes with an ITIN. See our ITIN mortgage page instead.

How it works

  1. Conversation with a loan officer. We look at your country of residence, income, available funds and the property you have in mind.
  2. Program match. Each lender has its own rules for countries, visas, property types and reserves. We compare the programs that accept your profile.
  3. Documents. You send the documents below, translated into English when required.
  4. Property and appraisal. The lender reviews the property. Some condo buildings do not qualify, so it helps to check before you make an offer.
  5. Closing. Many closings can be done with a power of attorney or remote signing, depending on the state, the title company and the lender.

Documents lenders usually ask for

  • Valid passport, and visa if you have one.
  • Proof of income from your country. For Brazilians, this is often the Declaração de Imposto de Renda (IRPF), pay stubs (holerites) or pró-labore, and an income letter from your accountant (DECORE).
  • Recent bank statements showing the down payment and reserves.
  • Banking or credit reference letters from your bank.
  • Proof of how the down payment will be transferred to the U.S.
  • Translation into English of documents not in English.

The exact list depends on the lender and your profile. Your loan officer sends you a checklist for your case. More detail: Brazilian income documents U.S. lenders accept.

Why buyers work with Heart Mortgage

  • A broker, not a single lender. We compare foreign national programs from multiple lenders instead of offering only one set of rules.
  • Your language. All 11 of our licensed loan officers speak English and Portuguese; 7 also speak Spanish.
  • Founded by an immigrant. Lee Dama (NMLS #485039) founded Heart Mortgage in 2021 after arriving in the U.S. from Brazil at 19.
  • Licensed in 10 states: FL, TX, NJ, MA, CT, SC, NC, RI, NH and GA.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner get a mortgage in the U.S.?

Yes. Foreign national programs are designed for buyers who do not live in the U.S. and do not have U.S. credit. Approval depends on the lender, your documents, the property and your funds.

How much down payment does a foreign national need?

More than a U.S. resident with standard credit. The amount depends on the lender, the property type and your profile. Your loan officer confirms the requirement for your case before you apply.

Do I need an SSN or ITIN?

No. Foreign national programs are built for buyers without an SSN. Taxes on rental income or on a future sale are a separate topic; talk to a tax advisor.

Can I buy a home to live in?

Foreign national loans are usually for a second home or an investment property. If you plan to live in the U.S., your visa and residency status determine which programs fit.

Can I close without traveling to the U.S.?

Often yes, through a power of attorney or remote signing. It depends on the state, the title company and the lender.

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Talk to a loan officer

Tell us about your situation and we will show you which paths exist, at no cost and with no commitment. In English, Portuguese or Spanish.

Get started

Or call (833) 214-8444.

Heart Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #2045769. Mortgage broker, not a lender. Equal Housing Opportunity. Requirements and terms vary by borrower profile, program and lender, and are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and eligibility.