We’ve often been asked: can non-U.S. citizens get a mortgage in the U.S.? While we have in-depth guides on how citizens of other countries, not living in the U.S., can buy U.S. real estate as foreign nationals, this article concentrates specifically on US expat mortgage options, for U.S. citizens living and earning income abroad who want to buy or refinance property back home. If you’re specifically researching your situation as a U.S. citizen living overseas, that’s exactly who this guide is written for.
If you’re a U.S. expat residing outside of America, earning foreign income, with no W-2 or even limited U.S. credit, and you want to obtain a U.S. mortgage, we have good news: it’s absolutely possible with America Mortgages by your side.
Can U.S. Expats Obtain a Mortgage in the U.S.?
Yes. With America Mortgages, a U.S. expat can obtain a mortgage to buy or refinance property in the U.S., and we make the process just as straightforward as if you walked into your local bank.
As a U.S. expat, you hold either a U.S. passport or a green card. However, earning your income abroad in a foreign currency is often a deal breaker for most U.S. banks, even if you’ve banked with them for years. Traditional lenders are built around domestic underwriting: W-2s, U.S. pay stubs, and U.S.-based credit histories, none of which fit how most expats actually earn and live. With America Mortgages, you can get a mortgage for a variety of real estate purposes: a second home, a holiday home, or a pure investment property (which must be rented and not personally occupied by the mortgagee).
Why Traditional Banks Often Decline U.S. Expats
It’s a common misconception that being declined by a traditional bank means you don’t qualify for U.S. financing. More often, it means your income simply doesn’t fit that bank’s standard format.
Common friction points include:
- Foreign currency income that doesn’t convert cleanly into a standard U.S. underwriting file
- Limited or no U.S. credit history, even for expats who lived and banked in the U.S. before moving abroad
- Non-standard employment documentation, especially for self-employed expats or those working for foreign companies
- Ongoing U.S. tax filing obligations, since U.S. citizens must file U.S. tax returns regardless of where they live, which lenders often rely on heavily
Specialized lenders like America Mortgages are built specifically to underwrite around these realities, rather than forcing your file into a domestic mold.
Who Is Eligible for a US Expat Mortgage?
Getting a US expat mortgage is surprisingly flexible, with options to suit a range of financial situations.
First and most importantly, U.S. expats should have a FICO score of at least 640. You’ll need to provide two years of U.S. tax returns, your most recent pay statements, and two months of bank statements, just as you would for a conventional mortgage loan, though no W-2 is required.
If you’re buying as a pure investment property, you can qualify without any personal income at all, no W-2 or tax returns needed. You can skip the personal income route altogether and qualify based on the property’s rental income instead, through a DSCR loan. If you’re considering this route, our guide on how to calculate your DSCR ratio walks through exactly how lenders evaluate the property’s income against the loan payment.
There are also high-net-worth loan programs that don’t require assets under management (AUM), making approval easier for wealthier individuals. Self-employed borrowers have access to special loan programs as well.
Loan Options for U.S. Expats
Depending on your income structure and goals, several loan paths are available:
- Full-documentation loans: using your foreign income, tax returns, and pay statements, best for expats who want to qualify based on personal income.
- DSCR loans: qualify based on the investment property’s rental income alone, no personal income documentation required. Our guide on the pros and cons of DSCR loans can help you decide if this structure fits your situation.
- Asset-based loans: qualify using liquid assets and reserves rather than income, useful for expats with substantial savings or investments but non-traditional income documentation.
- High-net-worth programs: no AUM requirement, designed for wealthier expats who don’t want to move assets to qualify.
- Portfolio loans: for expats scaling beyond a single property, consolidating multiple U.S. investment properties into a single loan. See our portfolio loan case study for a real example of how this works in practice.
Documents Needed to Apply for a US Expat Mortgage
- Completed loan application
- Valid U.S. passport
- Bank statements or financials showing your down payment (purchase only)
- Credit report from your home country or country of residence (U.S. credit not required)
- If providing personal income: an income letter or tax returns (no-income loans are also available)
The minimum loan amount is $150,000, with up to 80% LTV.
Tax Considerations for U.S. Expats Buying Property
As a U.S. citizen, your tax filing obligations don’t stop when you move abroad. You’re still required to file U.S. tax returns regardless of where you live, and this documentation plays a direct role in mortgage underwriting for full-documentation loan programs.
Property ownership adds another layer of tax planning, from how you title the property to how rental income and eventual resale are taxed. Many expats work with a specialist who understands both sides of their financial life; our guide to the best expat accountants for Americans living abroad is a good starting point if you don’t already have one. If you’re considering purchasing through an entity rather than personally, our guide on LLC and tax strategies for U.S. real estate investors covers the tradeoffs in more depth.
How Can U.S. Expats Obtain a U.S. Mortgage?
By working with America Mortgages, you can access a range of US expat mortgage options suited to your situation, along with expert guidance and support throughout the process. Foreign nationals can access up to 75% financing, and U.S. expats can access up to 80% financing, in all 50 states. This helps you make informed decisions about your US expat mortgage options, increases your chances of approval, and supports your real estate investment goals.
Most of the process can be completed remotely, from application through closing, so being physically outside the U.S. doesn’t slow things down. To understand what happens once you submit your documentation, see our guide on what mortgage pre-approval really means.
America Mortgages is a trusted provider of US expat mortgage solutions for foreign nationals and U.S. expats worldwide. Our team understands global markets and offers financing options that are clear, competitive, and fast to close.
Speak With a U.S. Mortgage Specialist
Contact us at [email protected], or call our U.S. Loan Experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at +1 (845) 583-0830.
Need help getting started? Use our 24/7 online booking tool to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed U.S. mortgage advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can U.S. expats get a mortgage in the U.S.?
Yes. Even if you’re living abroad with foreign income or no W-2 forms, America Mortgages makes it possible for U.S. expats to buy or refinance U.S. property.
What credit score do U.S. expats need?
You should have a FICO score of at least 640 to qualify for a US expat mortgage under full-documentation programs.
Which documents are needed to apply?
You’ll need a completed loan application, a valid U.S. passport, bank statements showing your down payment, and a credit report from your country of residence. U.S. income documentation is optional if qualifying through a DSCR or asset-based program.
What is the minimum loan amount and how much can you borrow?
The minimum loan is $150,000, and U.S. expats can borrow up to 80% of the property’s value (80% LTV) across all 50 states.
Are there special programs for self-employed or high-net-worth expats?
Yes. There are tailored loan options for high-net-worth individuals (with no assets-under-management requirement) and for self-employed borrowers.
Do U.S. expats still need to file U.S. taxes to qualify for a mortgage?
Yes. U.S. citizens are required to file U.S. tax returns regardless of where they live, and two years of tax returns are typically required for full-documentation loan programs.
Can U.S. expats qualify for a mortgage without providing personal income?
Yes. Investment property purchases can qualify through a DSCR loan, which is based on the property’s rental income rather than personal income, tax returns, or a W-2.
