Foreign Nationals: Buy U.S. Homes with No Credit Score

Portfolio Loans for Foreign Nationals: 2025 Guide to Buying U.S. Real Estate

If you’re not a U.S. citizen but want to buy property in the United States, you’re not alone. Many international investors, professionals on work visas, and non-permanent residents are taking advantage of portfolio loans for foreign nationals. These loans are designed for buyers without U.S. credit history, permanent residency, or traditional income documentation.

At Gustan Cho Associates, powered by NEXA Mortgage, LLC, we help foreign nationals every day. We’re licensed in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. With access to over 210 wholesale lending partners, we offer one of the widest selections of portfolio loans for foreign nationals in the industry.

What Are Portfolio Loans for Foreign Nationals?

Portfolio loans are mortgages that lenders keep within their organization rather than selling to other investors. Since they don’t have to follow the strict rules set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, they tend to be more flexible with their requirements. These loans are also known as non-conforming or non-QM (non-qualified mortgage).

Portfolio loans for foreign nationals are specifically built for non-U.S. citizens without a green card. You don’t need a Social Security number, U.S. credit score, or permanent residency. These loans allow you to finance real estate using alternative documentation and proof of funds.

Who Qualifies for Portfolio Loans for Foreign Nationals?

To be eligible for these loans, you must meet the definition of a foreign national. That typically means:

• You are a citizen of another country
• You do not have a green card
• You are not a permanent U.S. resident
• You may or may not have a U.S. visa or work permit

Borrowers may be:

• International business owners
• Professionals on work visas
• Non-residents investing in U.S. real estate
• People with limited or no U.S. credit history

Benefits of Portfolio Loans for Foreign Nationals

Here’s why portfolio loans for foreign nationals are such a smart option:

• No U.S. credit score required
• No U.S. income needed (foreign income and assets accepted)
• Fast closings (many in 30–45 days)
• Up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV)
• Multiple property types allowed
• Available for second homes and investment properties

These loans are a perfect fit if you’ve been turned away by banks due to your visa status, lack of credit, or foreign income.

How Much Can Foreign Nationals Borrow?

Foreign nationals can borrow money for homes, but the amounts vary. Most loans available to them are between $100,000 and $3 million. If someone wants to borrow more than $1 million, they will likely need to make a larger down payment and show they have extra savings.

For loans up to $1 million, the borrower usually has to put down 20% to 25% of the home’s price. The down payment is higher for loans over $1 million, usually between 30% and 40%. The amount that can be borrowed also depends on the person’s credit score and their savings, with a maximum borrowing value of up to 80% of the home’s price.

Property Types Eligible for Foreign National Financing

Foreign nationals can finance many kinds of real estate in the U.S., including:

• Single-family homes
• Townhomes
• Condominiums (including non-warrantable condos)
• Condotels
• 2–4 unit properties
• Second homes and vacation homes
• Investment rental properties

Portfolio loans for foreign nationals include properties that conventional lenders won’t finance, like condotels and non-warrantable condos.

What Kind of Loan Terms Are Available?

Since these are non-conforming loans, most portfolio loans come with adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) terms such as:

• 3/1 ARM
• 5/1 ARM
• 7/1 ARM

These terms typically include:

• 30-year amortization
• Interest-only options
• Competitive rates based on risk level, property type, and LTV

Fixed-rate loans may be available in limited situations, but are not common for foreign national loans.

Required Documents for Foreign Nationals

One of the biggest benefits of portfolio loans for foreign nationals is the reduced paperwork. You’ll still need to show you have the funds to close and repay the loan, but it’s easier than conventional loans.

Typical documents include:

• Copy of valid visa and passport (if applicable)
• Proof of income or employment from your home country
• International or U.S. bank statements
• Letter of reference from a foreign bank
• Down payment and reserve documentation

In some cases, foreign credit reports or letters of good standing may be accepted in place of a U.S. credit score.

How Long Does It Take to Close a Foreign National Mortgage?

Getting a mortgage as a foreign national involves some important timing, especially when closing the loan. The time it takes to close a loan depends on the lender you choose. Usually, most portfolio loans for foreign nationals close in about 30 to 60 days.

Having all your documents sorted and ready to go when you start your application helps make the closing process smoother and faster. Being proactive and quick to respond to your lender’s requests for information or extra paperwork can also help speed things along. The more prepared you are and the faster you can provide what they need, the better chance you’ll have for a timely closing.

Why Work with Gustan Cho Associates?

At Gustan Cho Associates, we specialize in non-QM mortgage loans and tough financing cases, including portfolio loans for foreign nationals. Our team:

• Works with over 210 wholesale lending partners
• Has zero lender overlays on government loans
• Offers custom loan solutions for non-U.S. residents
• Provides fast pre-approvals and expert guidance
• Can help you finance primary, second homes, or investment properties

We make the loan process simple, even for buyers outside the U.S.

How to Apply for a Portfolio Loan as a Foreign National

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to get approved:

1. Speak with a loan expert to go over your goals and residency status
2. Submit basic documents (passport, income, proof of funds)
3. Get matched with the best portfolio loan options
4. Get pre-approved with your estimated rate and terms
5. Find your property and submit a purchase contract
6. Finalize your loan and close in 30 to 60 days

Our team at Gustan Cho Associates is available seven days a week, including evenings and holidays, to help you get started.

Final Thoughts: Buy U.S. Property with Confidence

You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to buy a property in the U.S. If you’re a foreign national, you can check out portfolio loans that offer flexible options, reasonable rates, and support from our expert team nationwide. Whether you’re looking to grab a vacation home, move for a job, or expand your real estate investments, Gustan Cho Associates is here to help make it all happen.

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

Call us at 800-900-8569 or email gcho@gustancho.com. Prefer to text? Text us for a faster response.

We can help you achieve your U.S. real estate goals with portfolio loans for foreign nationals. These loans are now available in 48 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portfolio Loans for Foreign Nationals:

Q: What are Portfolio Loans for Foreign Nationals?

A: Portfolio loans for foreign nationals are special home loans for people who are not U.S. citizens and don’t have a green card. These loans don’t follow regular lending rules and are kept by the lender instead of being sold. They’re great for buyers with no U.S. credit or income.

Q: Can I Get a Portfolio Loan if I Don’t Live in the U.S.?

A: Yes! Portfolio loans for foreign nationals are made for people who live outside the U.S. You don’t need to be a U.S. resident or citizen to qualify. Many of our borrowers live overseas and invest in U.S. real estate.

Q: Do I Need a U.S. Credit Score to Qualify?

A: No. One big advantage of portfolio loans for foreign nationals is that you don’t need a U.S. credit score. Some lenders will accept a foreign credit report or a reference letter from your home bank.

Q: What Types of Properties Can I Buy with a Foreign National Loan?

A: With portfolio loans, foreign nationals can buy many types of properties, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, vacation homes, rental homes, and condotels.

Q: How Much Money do I Need for a Down Payment?

A: Most portfolio loans for foreign nationals require a down payment of 20% to 30%. If the loan is over $1 million, you may need to put down 30% to 40%.

Q: Can I Use Income from Another Country to Qualify?

A: Yes. One of the best parts about portfolio loans for foreign nationals is that you can use income from your home country. You don’t need a U.S. job or W-2 form.

Q: How Long does it Take to Close a Foreign National Loan?

A: Most portfolio loans for foreign nationals close in 30 to 60 days. If your documents are ready and you respond quickly to your loan officer, the process moves faster.

Q: Are Fixed-Rate Options Available for Foreign National Loans?

A: Most portfolio loans for foreign nationals come with adjustable-rate terms like 3/1, 5/1, or 7/1 ARMs. Fixed-rate loans are rare, but sometimes available depending on the lender.

Q: What Documents do I Need to Apply?

A: Typically, you’ll require a valid passport, a visa (if necessary), evidence of income from your home country, bank statements, and proof of funds for the down payment. Portfolio loans for foreign nationals involve less documentation compared to standard U.S. loans.

Q: Where can I Get Help Applying for a Portfolio Loan as a Foreign National?

A: Gustan Cho Associates helps borrowers get approved for portfolio loans for foreign nationals in 48 states, Puerto Rico, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Call 800-900-8569 or email gcho@gustancho.com to get started today.

This blog about “Foreign Nationals: Buy U.S. Homes with No Credit Score” was updated on May 14th, 2025.