Getting a mortgage as a non-UK citizen

Key takeaways

• Yes, non-UK citizens can get a UK mortgage, but lender criteria can be stricter, especially if you have limited UK credit history or a short-term visa.

• Your visa status matters. Applicants with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status usually have more lender choice and better rates.

• Expect to need a larger deposit. Most non-UK citizens will need at least 15–25%, depending on visa type, residency length and credit history.

• UK credit history and stable income are key. Building a financial track record in the UK — and using a specialist broker — can significantly improve your chances of approval.

Can non-UK citizens get a mortgage in the UK?

Yes, you can get a mortgage in the UK even if you’re not a UK citizen. Lenders don’t normally require British citizenship to offer a residential mortgage, buy-to-let or remortgage.

Many lenders will consider mortgage applications from both EU and non‑EU nationals, provided you meet their income, residency and documentation requirements.

That said, not all lenders will consider non-UK citizens, and approval can be more complex than for a UK citizen. Many high-street banks and building societies have stricter criteria for foreign nationals, especially those with limited UK credit history or short visa durations.

A handful of lenders treat foreign nationals almost the same as UK citizens if they live and work in the UK, have a UK bank account, and can show stable income.

Does your visa type affect mortgage eligibility?

Yes, your visa type is one of the biggest factors lenders look at. Lenders want evidence that you are likely to remain in the UK long enough to repay your mortgage. Visa types that demonstrate long-term residence or work rights are generally more favourable.

Lenders commonly accept applicants on visas such as:

• Skilled worker visas

• Family/spouse visas

• Graduate visas

• Pre‑settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

Applicants with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) usually have the widest choice of lenders and the most favourable terms. Those without ILR may still be accepted, but often face higher deposit requirements or more limited lender options.

Some lenders also require a minimum amount of time remaining on your visa — often 6–24 months.

If you have a student visa or a very short-term visa it will be much harder to secure standard mortgage deals. Some lenders may refuse entirely without very strong supporting finances.

Do you need Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

No, you don’t need ILR to get a mortgage, but it does make things easier.

ILR (or ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme) tends to let you access a wider range of products with more competitive interest rates and higher loan-to-value (LTV) options, similar to a UK citizen.

Without ILR, you may need:

• A larger deposit

• A longer UK employment history

• Proof of stable income

• A valid visa with enough time left

How long do you have to have lived in the UK?

There’s no universal residency rule, but most lenders prefer applicants who have lived in the UK for at least three years.

This allows enough time to build a UK credit history and demonstrate financial stability. For more competitive deposits or mainstream products, longer residency and a UK credit footprint will help your case.

Some lenders may consider you with less time in the country, but you will be likely to need:

• A bigger deposit

• A higher income

• A visa with sufficient time remaining

In general, the more established your UK presence, the more lenders will consider you.

Is a larger deposit required for non-UK citizens?

Yes, most lenders will ask for a larger deposit than they would for a UK citizen.

For UK citizens, deposits can be as low as 5 to 10% on some mortgage products. For non-UK citizens you’re likely to need a deposit of at least 15 to 25%, while buy-to-let or overseas applicants may need a deposit of 25 to 30%.

Larger deposits reduce lender risk and often improve your chances of approval and access to better interest rates.

The deposit level you need as a foreign national will depend on:

• Visa type

• Whether you have ILR

• Length of UK residency

• Credit history

• Employment stability

Which lenders accept foreign nationals?

A number of high‑street and specialist lenders accept non‑UK citizens, although criteria vary.

Examples include:

• HSBC: offers mortgages to non‑UK residents from approved countries, with minimum income requirements.

• Specialist brokers and niche lenders: often more flexible with visa types and shorter UK residency.

• Mainstream lenders: some will accept foreign nationals living and working in the UK, especially those with ILR or stable employment.

Because criteria differ so much, it’s advisable to use a mortgage broker as a non-UK citizen. A broker can check the whole mortgage market and match you with lenders who will consider your specific status.

Does credit history outside the UK count?

In general, a credit history outside the UK won’t help you get a UK mortgage.

Most UK lenders cannot access overseas credit files, so they rely heavily on your UK credit history. This is why living in the UK for at least a few years is helpful, it gives you time to build a track record through:

• UK bank accounts

• Utility bills

• Mobile phone contracts

• Credit cards or loans

If you’re new to the UK, lenders will usually focus on:

• Income and employment stability

• Deposit size

• Visa type

• Affordability checks

Mortgage applicants without a UK credit history will usually face:

• Fewer product choices

• Higher deposits and rates

• Stricter affordability checks

Can a broker help non-UK citizens get approved?

Yes. For many foreign nationals, a good mortgage broker is essential. Given how varied lender rules are for foreign nationals, brokers often help applicants secure deals they wouldn’t find on their own.

A good broker can:

• Identify lenders who accept your visa type

• Help you navigate stricter documentation requirements

• Improve your chances of approval

• Access specialist lenders and products not available directly to consumers

• Navigate documentation and underwriting requirements

• Save you time by avoiding lenders who won’t consider your application

Mortgage checklist for non-UK citizens

If you’re a non-UK citizen looking for a mortgage, your visa type will play a major role in how lenders assess your application. In addition, planning ahead, building a UK credit history, saving a deposit and working closely with a specialist broker can improve your chances of getting the right mortgage at competitive terms.