Foreign Passport Holder Mortgages
A British passport has never been a requirement for a UK mortgage, but you wouldn’t always know that from how some lenders behave. If you’re a non-British national – whether you’re settled in the UK on a visa, planning a move, or investing from abroad without any UK ties at all – the process looks quite different depending on which lender you approach.
We’ve placed mortgages for foreign nationals from dozens of countries since 2008, working out of our UK, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur offices. Between our whole-of-market panel of 75+ lenders, we generally find a route through even when a client’s bank has already said no.
What actually changes the criteria
Visa status is the first thing lenders check. Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Indefinite Leave to Remain – each carries different weight, and some lenders won’t touch certain categories at all while others specialise in exactly that profile. If you’re applying from overseas without ever having lived in the UK, that’s a separate conversation again, closer to how we’d handle a non-resident expat client.
Income currency matters just as much. GBP, USD and EUR income tends to be straightforward; less common currencies mean a smaller pool of willing lenders and, often, a larger deposit requirement. And because the mortgage itself is priced in sterling, anyone earning elsewhere should factor in that a weaker pound against their income currency helps them, while a stronger pound works against them – it’s not just a footnote, it can genuinely change your monthly cost.
Documents lenders typically want
- A valid passport and, where relevant, current visa or biometric residence permit
- Proof of income – payslips, employment contract, or tax returns if self-employed
- 3-6 months of bank statements, certified and translated if not in English
- Evidence of your deposit and where it came from
If this is your first UK property purchase, our First-Time Buyer Expat Mortgages page covers the additional considerations that apply specifically to buying for the first time.
Our fees
£295 application fee, 1% completion fee. Nothing added later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be living in the UK?
No. We arrange mortgages for foreign nationals both living in the UK and applying entirely from overseas.
Does my visa type affect what I can borrow?
Yes, and sometimes significantly. Certain visa categories open up more lenders than others, so it’s worth discussing your specific status early.
Can I get a mortgage without a UK credit history?
Often, yes – some lenders will consider overseas credit history or focus primarily on income and deposit instead.
How much deposit will I need?
Expect 20-25% for a residential purchase as a general starting point, more in some cases depending on visa status and income currency.
Do I have to visit the UK during the process?
No, everything runs through post, email and electronic signature.
Get in touch and tell us your visa status, income situation and what you’re looking to buy, and we’ll tell you honestly what’s achievable.
