MBReviewed by Mike Basti, Mortgage Broker & Founder · NMLS #377740
Quick Answer
You generally need: a valid passport/ID, 25–40% down (~30% common), documented source of funds, and either DSCR (property rent qualifies) or full-doc (foreign income + assets). No SSN, US credit, or green card. See Eligibility.
The core requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Typical |
|---|---|
| SSN / US credit | Not required |
| Green card / visa | Not required |
| Identity | Valid passport (+ visa/ID; ITIN if held) |
| Down payment | 25–40% (~30% common) |
| Qualifying | DSCR (rent) or full-doc (foreign income) |
| Source of funds | Documented for down + reserves |
| Rates | ~1–2% over conventional |
| Ownership | Personal or US LLC |
Illustrative for 2026; foreign national is non-QM, set by individual specialty lenders. Not an offer. See how rates price →
The two qualifying paths
Path 1 — DSCR (on rent)
- Qualifies on the property's rental income
- No personal income or credit reviewed
- Most common for investors
- Needs rent to cover the payment (DSCR ≥ ~1.0)
Path 2 — Full-doc (foreign income)
- Qualifies on verified foreign income + assets
- 12–24 mo foreign bank statements
- International credit report or bank reference letters
- Can price better for strong profiles
You don't need an SSN or US credit — but the documentation is the loan: The single thing that determines whether a foreign national file sails or stalls is clean, complete, translated paperwork. Because there's no US credit score or income to pull, the lender is underwriting exactly what you hand them: your passport, your documented source of funds for the down payment and reserves, and either the property's rent (DSCR) or your foreign bank statements and reference letters (full-doc). Every non-English document needs a certified translation, and gaps or unexplained large deposits are the usual cause of delay. Get the file right up front — organized, sourced, translated — and this is a smooth, well-established 2026 program. We tell you the exact list for your country and path before you make an offer. Get your document list →
Documents checklist
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Valid passport (+ visa/ID) | Identity |
| Source-of-funds proof | Down payment + reserves |
| Foreign bank statements (12–24 mo) | Full-doc income path |
| International credit report / bank letters | Credit alternative |
| Lease / market-rent analysis | DSCR path |
| US bank account | For closing |
| Certified translations | Any non-English document |
Reviewed by the licensing team at Save Financial, a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) founded in 2009 and serving all 58 counties from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. This page does not provide legal, tax, or immigration advice.