Can Foreigners Buy Property in the US? A Guide for Non-U.S. Citizens

Yes, foreigners can buy property in the US – even if you’re not a citizen or green card holder. In fact, non-U.S. citizens purchased over 54,000 homes in 2024 alone, totaling $42 billion in sales. There are no legal restrictions on foreign nationals buying real estate here; property ownership is open to anyone regardless of citizenship or U.S. residency status. If you’re a permanent resident or working in the U.S. on a valid visa, homeownership is not only achievable – it’s often the smartest path to building wealth in America. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a home loan for non-U.S. citizens, from required documentation and mortgage options to state-by-state trends and myth-busting tips.

Homeownership is a cornerstone of wealth creation – the average U.S. homeowner has a net worth roughly 40 times higher than a renter. For permanent residents and visa holders building a life and career here, buying a home can secure your footing and accelerate your financial growth. Let’s explore how you can make it happen, with a focus on permanent residents (green card holders) and non-permanent residents (work visa holders) working in the U.S. 

Permanent Residents vs. Visa Holders: What’s the Difference?

Permanent residents (green card holders) enjoy the same mortgage opportunities as U.S. citizens. If you have a green card, lenders will typically consider you just like an American citizen in terms of loan products and eligibility. You’ll need to show proof of your permanent resident status during the application, but otherwise you have access to all the conventional and government-backed mortgages on the market. In short, a U.S. home loan for permanent residents isn’t hard to come by – you can apply for conventional, FHA, VA (if otherwise eligible), or any other financing, subject to the same credit and income requirements as anyone else.

Non-permanent residents (visa holders) can also get mortgages, but they may face extra steps and scrutiny. A non-permanent resident is someone living in the U.S. on a temporary visa (such as H-1B, L-1, TN, etc.) without a green card. Lenders are absolutely willing to lend to visa holders – the good news is you do not need a green card to get a mortgage. However, expect to provide additional documentation to prove your legal status, employment, and intent to stay in the country long-term. Most lenders will want evidence that you have the right to live and work in the U.S. for at least another three years (or a reasonable expectation of visa renewal). Essentially, they’re looking for assurance that you won’t be forced to leave  right after you've purchased the home. As long as you can show your residency is stable and your finances are in order, mortgages for visa holders are very much within reach.

What You’ll Need: Documents and Proof of Eligibility

Whether you’re a permanent resident or on a work visa, getting a mortgage for visa holders involves much of the same paperwork any borrower would provide – plus a few visa-specific items.

• Identification and Legal Status: A valid passport or government-issued ID is required for all borrowers. Visa holders should also be prepared to show proof of lawful U.S. residency – typically your visa and employment authorization documents (EAD), or an I-94 or other DHS documentation. If your visa has an expiration date, be ready with evidence of renewal or extension plans (such as a letter from your employer or a pending green card application) to satisfy the lender that you plan to remain in the U.S. indefinitely.

• Social Security Number or ITIN: You’ll generally need a U.S. tax identification number to apply for a mortgage. For most, this is a Social Security Number (SSN), which you should have if you’re working in the U.S. legally. If you’re not eligible for an SSN (in rare cases, perhaps a dependent spouse without work authorization), an Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) can be used instead.

• Credit History: If you’ve built up a U.S. credit history, great – you’ll need to meet the lender’s credit score requirements just like any other borrower. If you lack U.S. credit history, some lenders may accept alternative forms of credit proof, including international credit reports or letters from foreign banks and creditors, but your interest rate will be very high relative to someone who has established credit. At LendFriend, we strongly recommend that you have at least 6 months of established credit. The easiest path to do so is to get a credit card as soon as you have a SSN or ITIN.

• Income and Employment Verification: You’ll need to document your income and employment. This typically means recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and possibly tax returns. Lenders will also often require an employment verification letter confirming your ongoing position and income. If you have a visa renewal pending, a note of employer intent to continue your role can help.

• Assets and Down Payment Funds: You should prepare bank statements showing you have enough money for the down payment and closing costs. If some of your funds are in an overseas account, move them to a U.S. bank in advance, as lenders will want to verify the source of your funds.

• Intent to Occupy: Most loan programs require non-permanent residents to occupy the property as their primary home. You’ll need to sign an intent-to-occupy statement.

Best States for Non-U.S. Citizen Homebuyers

Some states are especially popular among non-U.S. citizens due to economic opportunity, climate, and established international communities:

• Florida: Top destination for foreign buyers, thanks to its no-state-income-tax policy and strong international real estate market.

• Texas: Known for job growth and affordable housing, Texas is a magnet for professionals on H-1B and TN visas.

• California: A favorite among tech professionals and investors. Strong appreciation potential but higher entry costs.

• New Jersey: Offers proximity to NYC and diverse communities, making it ideal for professionals working in finance and tech.

Mortgage Options for Non-U.S. Citizens

Conventional Loans

These are the most common loans available to both permanent residents and visa holders. Lenders typically accept H-1B, L-1, E-1/E-2, TN, and other long-term work visas. A valid SSN and employment documentation are required. Permanent residents are treated the same as U.S. citizens for qualification purposes.

FHA Loans

FHA loans remain open to permanent residents and green card holders. However, as of mid-2025, non-permanent residents are no longer eligible for new FHA financing. If you’re on a temporary work visa, conventional financing or portfolio loans are your best alternatives.

Portfolio and Foreign National Loans

For those without U.S. credit or work authorization documentation, some banks offer foreign national loans with larger down payments (20–40%) and slightly higher interest rates. These can be ideal for new arrivals or buyers using international income documentation.

Asset Depletion Loans

If you have significant assets but limited W-2 income, asset-based qualification allows lenders to treat your portfolio or savings as income. This approach works well for high-net-worth buyers and investors on E-2 or L-1 visas.

Why Buying Makes Sense

For non-U.S. citizens living and working in America, homeownership isn’t just possible – it’s one of the smartest long-term financial moves you can make. Owning a home builds equity, stabilizes your monthly housing cost, and provides security for your family. Whether you plan to stay five years or twenty, you’re investing in an appreciating asset rather than paying rent indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions: Buying a Home as a Non-U.S. Citizen

Do I need a green card to buy a home in the U.S.?
No. You don’t need a green card or U.S. citizenship to buy a property here. Visa holders and even non-resident foreigners can purchase homes. However, if you want to qualify for a traditional mortgage, lenders typically require at least 6 months of U.S. credit history. It’s important to start planning early—apply for a credit card as soon as possible and pay it on time to build a strong credit score. Once you’ve established credit and can document legal work authorization, most lenders will treat your application much like any other buyer’s.

Do I have to pay cash for a home if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
No. While some foreign buyers choose to pay cash, most non-U.S. citizens working in the U.S. can qualify for conventional loans with as little as 5% down. Lenders will review your employment, credit, and visa documentation. If your credit history is limited, you might be asked for a slightly higher down payment or to provide proof of financial reliability through rental or utility payment history. Paying cash is optional—not required.

Can I get a mortgage if I don’t have a U.S. credit score?
It’s possible, but your options are more limited. Traditional lenders usually need a minimum of six months of U.S. credit activity to generate a score. Without it, you may need to pursue a portfolio or foreign national loan, which typically requires a 20–30% down payment and higher rates. The smartest approach is to establish credit early by opening a credit card and keeping your balances low.

What types of visas are accepted for mortgage approval?
Many long-term work and residency visas are acceptable, including H-1B, L-1, E-1/E-2, TN, O-1, and G-series visas. Lenders focus on your ability to legally live and work in the U.S. for the foreseeable future—usually they want to see at least one to three years remaining on your visa or strong evidence of renewal.

Can non-U.S. citizens qualify for government-backed loans?
Permanent residents can access FHA, VA, and USDA loans just like citizens. However, as of 2025, non-permanent residents are not eligible for new FHA loans. Most visa holders use conventional loans or portfolio programs instead.

What if my visa expires during my loan term?
If you leave the U.S., you can still own your property. Homeownership is independent of your immigration status. You can rent the property out or sell it, but you’ll remain responsible for payments and taxes while you hold the title.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home as a non-U.S. citizen is entirely achievable with the right guidance. From understanding visa requirements to documenting income from bonuses or RSUs, the process is navigable – and deeply rewarding. If you’re ready to explore your options, LendFriend can help you find the best financing for your visa type and long-term goals.

Ready to get started? Give us a call at 512.881.5099 or reach out to us here. We’d love to be your partner in the process.