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No SSN Required

Foreign National Loans for US Real Estate Investment

Non-US citizens can finance American investment property with no Social Security number, no US credit history, and no visa requirement. Qualify with your passport and the property's rental income. We shop your deal to 50+ lenders to find the best rate and terms available.

No credit pull. No commitment. Takes 2 minutes.

What Is a Foreign National Loan?

A foreign national loan is a mortgage product designed specifically for non-US citizens who want to purchase or refinance investment property in the United States. Unlike conventional mortgages that require a Social Security number, US credit score, and domestic income documentation, foreign national loan programs allow borrowers to qualify using their passport, foreign bank statements, and the property's rental income.

The United States has no federal restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. Citizens of any country - whether from Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, China, the UAE, or anywhere else - can legally purchase residential and commercial property in all 50 states. The challenge has never been legal. It has been financing. Most traditional lenders require documentation that foreign buyers simply do not have: a Social Security number, a US FICO score, W-2 employment records, or two years of US tax returns.

Foreign national mortgage programs remove these barriers. They are built for international investors who want to access the American real estate market without establishing US residency or citizenship first. Qualification is typically based on the property's Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) - meaning the lender evaluates whether the property's rental income covers the monthly mortgage payment - rather than the borrower's personal income or employment status. This makes foreign national loans one of the most accessible paths for international capital to flow into US real estate.

At Sinai Capital, we work with 50+ lender partners, many of whom offer specialized non-resident mortgage USA programs. Whether you are a first-time foreign buyer or an experienced international investor expanding your US portfolio, we match you with the lender and program that fits your deal - at no cost to you.

How Foreign National Loans Work

The process of obtaining a foreign buyer US real estate loan is more straightforward than most international investors expect. Here is how it works step by step when you apply through Sinai Capital:

  1. Submit your deal. Tell us about the property you want to purchase or refinance, the loan amount you need, and your timeline. You can fill out our online form in about two minutes. Include your country of citizenship and whether you have an ITIN.
  2. Provide passport and financial documentation. You will need a valid passport from your home country, 3 to 12 months of bank statements (foreign or US), and in some cases a credit reference letter from your home country bank. No SSN, no US tax returns, no W-2s.
  3. DSCR qualification. The lender evaluates the property's rental income relative to the projected mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). If the property's income covers the debt - typically a DSCR of 1.0 or higher - the deal moves forward. This is the same DSCR underwriting used for US citizen investors, adapted for foreign national documentation.
  4. Property appraisal. The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the property's market value and, for DSCR programs, a rental analysis to verify projected rental income. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
  5. US bank account setup. If you do not already have a US bank account, you will need to open one before closing. Many US banks allow foreign nationals to open accounts with just a passport - no SSN or ITIN required. Your loan officer can recommend banks that work with international clients.
  6. Entity formation (recommended). Most foreign national investors purchase through a US-based LLC for liability protection, tax efficiency, and estate planning benefits. Your attorney can typically set up an LLC within a few business days.
  7. Close and fund. Once underwriting is complete and all conditions are cleared, the loan proceeds to closing. Most foreign national loans close in 21 to 30 days from application. Closing can often be handled remotely or through a power of attorney arrangement if you are outside the US.

The entire process is designed to accommodate borrowers who may be located overseas and operating in a different time zone. Sinai Capital coordinates between you, the lender, the title company, and your legal counsel to ensure a smooth closing regardless of where you are in the world.

Key Features at a Glance

SSN Required

No

Loan Amounts

$100K – $5M+

Max LTV

Up to 70 – 75%

Loan Terms

30-yr fixed, ARM, IO

Qualification

DSCR-based

Close Time

21 – 30 days

Documentation

Passport, bank statements

Property Types

SFR, condo, multifamily

Terms shown are representative ranges. Actual rates, leverage, and terms vary by lender, borrower profile, country of origin, and property type. Your loan officer will provide exact numbers for your deal.

Who Foreign National Loans Are For

Foreign national loan programs serve a wide range of international investors who want to own income-producing real estate in the United States. The US real estate market attracts global capital because of its property rights protections, stable legal framework, rental income potential, and long-term appreciation. Here are the most common borrower profiles:

Canadian Investors

Canadians are among the largest groups of foreign buyers in the US. Many purchase vacation rentals in Florida, Arizona, or California, or build rental portfolios in high-yield markets across the Sun Belt. Foreign national DSCR programs allow Canadian investors to finance US properties without needing a US credit history.

European Investors

Investors from the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and other European countries invest in US real estate for portfolio diversification and dollar-denominated income. Foreign national programs accommodate European banking documentation and credit references.

Latin American Investors

Buyers from Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and other Latin American countries frequently invest in Miami, Houston, Orlando, and New York City. Many seek both asset diversification and a safe haven for capital. ITIN programs are especially popular with Latin American investors who have established US tax identities.

Middle Eastern Investors

Investors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states are active buyers of US commercial and residential real estate. Foreign national loan programs allow these investors to leverage their international banking relationships to qualify for US financing.

Asian Investors

Buyers from China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia represent a significant share of foreign investment in US real estate. Whether purchasing a single condo or building a multi-property portfolio, foreign national DSCR programs provide a clear path to financing without US residency.

Expats and Dual Citizens

US expats living abroad, dual citizens, and green card holders who have been overseas for an extended period may not have recent US credit history or income documentation. Foreign national programs provide an alternative path that does not require domestic credit reporting.

Regardless of your country of origin, if you want to invest in US real estate and need financing without a Social Security number, Sinai Capital can connect you with the right lender. We serve foreign national investors purchasing properties in all 50 states.

Foreign National Loan Requirements

Foreign national loan programs are designed to accommodate borrowers who lack the standard US documentation that conventional lenders require. Here is what you need to qualify for a no SSN mortgage through our lender network:

Valid Passport

A current, unexpired passport from your home country is the primary identification document. This replaces the SSN and US government-issued ID that domestic borrowers provide. Some lenders also accept a national identity card in addition to the passport.

US Bank Account

Most lenders require a US bank account for the down payment wire, monthly mortgage payments, and reserve verification. If you do not have one, many US banks allow foreign nationals to open an account with a passport alone. Your loan officer can provide guidance on which banks are the most foreign-national-friendly.

DSCR Ratio

For DSCR-based foreign national programs, the property's rental income must meet or exceed the monthly mortgage payment. Most lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1.0, meaning the rent covers 100% of the PITI payment. A higher DSCR improves your rate and terms. Learn more about how DSCR loans work.

Down Payment (25 – 30%)

Foreign national programs typically require a larger down payment than domestic investor loans. Expect 25% to 30% minimum for most programs, resulting in a maximum LTV of 70% to 75%. Some lenders may require up to 40% down depending on the property type, location, and borrower profile. ITIN borrowers may qualify for slightly higher LTVs.

Eligible Property Types

Single-family homes, condos (warrantable and non-warrantable), townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and small multifamily properties (5-8 units). Properties must be used as investments - most foreign national programs do not finance primary residences. Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) are accepted by many lenders.

Visa Not Required

You do not need a US visa to qualify for a foreign national loan. Borrowers on tourist visas (B-1/B-2), business visas, student visas, and those with no US visa at all are eligible. Property ownership in the US does not grant visa or residency rights, and a visa is not a prerequisite for financing.

Sample Foreign National Loan Scenario

Carlos is a Brazilian business owner looking to purchase a $500,000 vacation rental in Miami. He plans to list the property on Airbnb and manage it through a local property management company. Carlos does not have a Social Security number, a US credit score, or a US visa. He does have a valid Brazilian passport, a US bank account he opened during a previous visit to Miami, and substantial savings in both Brazilian and US accounts.

Carlos contacts Sinai Capital. His loan officer identifies him as an ideal candidate for a foreign national DSCR loan and shops his deal to lenders who specialize in non-resident mortgages. Within 48 hours, they secure the following terms:

Purchase Price

$500,000

Down Payment (30%)

$150,000

Loan Amount (70% LTV)

$350,000

Loan Type

30-Year Fixed, Foreign National DSCR

Projected Monthly Rent (STR)

$3,800

Monthly PITI

$2,950

DSCR Ratio

1.29

Time to Close

24 days

Documentation provided: Brazilian passport, 6 months of US and Brazilian bank statements, a credit reference letter from his Brazilian bank, and an AirDNA rental projection report for the Miami property. No SSN, no US credit report, no tax returns, and no visa were required.

Outcome: Carlos closes on his Miami vacation rental in 24 days. The property is listed on Airbnb within a week of closing and generates approximately $3,800 per month in rental income through the property management company. With a DSCR of 1.29, the property comfortably covers its own mortgage payment and produces positive cash flow from day one. Carlos plans to use the same strategy to acquire a second property in Orlando next year.

ITIN vs. Passport-Only Loans

Foreign national borrowers generally have two paths to obtaining a US mortgage: an ITIN mortgage or a passport-only foreign national loan. Understanding the differences will help you choose the program that best fits your situation.

FeatureITIN MortgagePassport-Only Loan
ID RequiredITIN + passportPassport only
SSN RequiredNoNo
Max LTVUp to 75 – 80%Up to 65 – 75%
Interest RatesGenerally lowerGenerally higher (1 – 2% premium)
US Credit HistoryMay have established someNot required
US Tax FilingRequired for ITIN holdersNot required at time of loan
Best ForForeign nationals with existing ITIN and some US tax historyFirst-time US buyers with no US tax identity

What is an ITIN? An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to file a US tax return but do not have and are not eligible for a Social Security number. Many foreign nationals who earn income in the US, own rental property, or have other US tax obligations obtain an ITIN. The application process involves submitting IRS Form W-7 with a federal tax return.

If you already have an ITIN, an ITIN mortgage typically offers better terms - higher LTV ratios (meaning a smaller down payment), lower interest rates, and a wider selection of lenders. Some ITIN programs also allow you to build a US credit history, which can benefit you on future purchases.

If you do not have an ITIN and want the fastest path to US property ownership, a passport-only foreign national loan lets you move forward immediately. You can always obtain an ITIN later - particularly after you purchase your first US property and begin filing US tax returns - and refinance into an ITIN program for better terms down the road.

Not sure which path is right for you? Call us at (732) 754-2144 and a loan specialist will walk you through both options based on your specific situation and investment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign National Loans

Can foreigners buy property in the United States?+
Yes. There are no federal laws restricting non-US citizens from purchasing real estate in the United States. Foreign nationals from any country can buy residential or commercial property in the US, regardless of visa status or residency. The main challenge is financing - most conventional lenders require a Social Security number and US credit history, which foreign buyers typically do not have. Foreign national loan programs solve this by qualifying borrowers based on their passport, foreign credit or bank references, and the property's rental income (DSCR). Sinai Capital works with lenders who specialize in foreign national mortgages so you can finance your purchase without needing US residency.
What are the requirements for a foreign national mortgage?+
The core requirements for a foreign national loan include a valid passport from your home country, a down payment of 25% to 30% (some lenders require up to 40% depending on the property type), a US bank account or the ability to open one before closing, 3 to 12 months of bank statements showing sufficient reserves and income, a property that meets the lender's guidelines (typically investment properties - SFR, condo, or small multifamily), and a DSCR ratio of 1.0 or higher if using DSCR-based qualification. You do not need a Social Security number, US credit score, visa, or US tax returns. Some lenders may request a credit reference letter from your home country bank.
What is the difference between an ITIN mortgage and a passport-only loan?+
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) mortgage requires the borrower to have an ITIN issued by the IRS. The ITIN is used in place of an SSN for tax reporting purposes. ITIN loans may offer slightly better rates and higher LTVs (up to 80%) because the borrower has established a US tax identity. A passport-only foreign national loan does not require an ITIN - qualification is based solely on the borrower's passport, foreign bank statements, and the property's income. Passport-only programs typically cap LTV at 65% to 75% and may carry slightly higher rates. If you already have an ITIN or are willing to apply for one, an ITIN mortgage can unlock better terms. If you want the simplest path with no US tax identity required, a passport-only program is the way to go.
What interest rates can foreign nationals expect?+
Foreign national loan rates are generally 1% to 3% higher than comparable DSCR loan rates for US citizens. Exact rates depend on your down payment amount, the property type and location, whether you are using an ITIN or passport-only program, the DSCR ratio, and the specific lender. Because Sinai Capital shops your deal to 50+ lenders, we can find you the most competitive foreign national mortgage rate available for your scenario. Rates change frequently with market conditions, so the best way to get an accurate quote is to submit your deal or call us at (732) 754-2144.
Do I need a US bank account to get a foreign national loan?+
In most cases, yes. The majority of lenders require borrowers to have a US bank account before closing. The account is used for the down payment wire, monthly mortgage payments, and reserve verification. If you do not already have a US bank account, many banks will allow you to open one remotely or in person with your passport - you do not need an SSN or ITIN to open a basic bank account at many US financial institutions. Your Sinai Capital loan officer can guide you through the process and recommend banks that work with foreign nationals.
Can I buy US property on a tourist visa or with no visa at all?+
Yes. You do not need a US visa to purchase real estate in the United States. Many foreign national loan programs do not require any visa at all - a valid passport from your home country is sufficient. Investors on B-1/B-2 tourist visas, E-2 treaty investor visas, L-1 intracompany transfer visas, and other non-immigrant visa categories are all eligible. Even investors who have never visited the US can purchase property remotely using a power of attorney (POA) arrangement in some cases. The key qualification factors are the property's income, your down payment, and your financial documentation - not your immigration status.
What entity structure should I use as a foreign buyer?+
Most foreign national investors purchase US real estate through a US-based LLC (Limited Liability Company), typically formed in the state where the property is located or in a business-friendly state like Delaware, Wyoming, or Florida. Holding property in an LLC provides liability protection, simplifies US tax reporting, and can offer estate planning benefits - particularly for foreign nationals who may be subject to US estate tax on real property. Some investors use more complex structures involving foreign corporations or trusts, but an LLC is the most common and straightforward option. Many of our lender partners will lend directly to the LLC with a personal guarantee from the foreign national borrower. We recommend consulting with a US-based real estate attorney and tax advisor who specializes in foreign investment before closing.

Ready to Invest in US Real Estate?

Get pre-qualified for a foreign national loan in minutes. No SSN required, no credit pull, no obligation. We shop your deal to 50+ lenders and bring you the best option - no matter where in the world you are.

No credit pull. No commitment. Takes 2 minutes.