Mortgage Rapid Fire: Everything Foreign Nationals Need to Know in Minutes

What is the minimum credit score requirement for a foreign national to get a mortgage?

There is no fixed answer. Based on experience, aiming for a score of 700–750 is advisable before applying.

Some lenders don’t use credit scoring at all. Instead, they assess income and expenses and may still approve a mortgage.

A high score does not guarantee approval, and a lower score does not always mean rejection. For example, applicants with 850 have been declined, while others with less than 700 have been approved.

The bottom line: use 750 as a good benchmark, but understand that results vary by lender.

What is the minimum deposit required for a foreign national?

Deposit requirements are not the same across all lenders.

A few lenders offer 0% deposit mortgages, but these are extremely rare.

Some lenders allow 5% deposits, others 10% or 15%.

At 25% deposit, most lenders will consider an application.

Other factors, such as length of stay in the UK and credit score, also play an important role in how much deposit a lender requires.

How long should someone stay in the UK before applying for a mortgage?

Most lenders want to see at least 6 months of UK residency, as this creates a visible credit footprint.

While some approvals do happen at 6 months, many lenders prefer applicants to have lived in the UK for 12 months or longer.

What are the top five tips for building a credit score in the UK?

• Register on the electoral roll (voter register) – this helps lenders track and verify your identity.
• Set up direct debits – paying bills through direct debit shows reliability.
• Get a credit card – use it responsibly and pay off the balance in full each month.
• Check your credit report regularly – make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
• Seek advice if issues arise – if your score has problems, consult an adviser who may help fix or correct them.

Can someone add their spouse to the mortgage?

Yes, and it is often a good idea even if the spouse is not working.

If the main borrower dies, having the spouse on the mortgage helps with ownership and avoids a long legal process. Adding your spouse provides security and smoother succession planning.

How long does it take for a foreign national to get a mortgage?

There is no difference in timelines between foreign nationals and UK nationals.

Some lenders can issue an approval within a few days. In rare cases, you might even get a day one offer.

Typically, however, the process takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Is there a minimum income requirement for a foreign national?

There is no official minimum set by lenders. However, in practice, most lenders expect applicants to earn at least £20,000 to £25,000 per year.

This expectation applies equally to foreign nationals and British nationals there is no difference.