Residency & Visa
UK Mortgages for Visa Holders and Foreign Nationals
UK lenders vary sharply on which visas they accept, how long applicants must have been resident, and whether foreign-currency income counts. Picking a lender whose criteria match your position is the difference between a quick yes and a wasted credit search.
Residency questions
Skilled Worker visa applicants
20+ lenders consider Skilled Worker visa holders — years remaining matters most.
Read the answerPre-settled or settled status
EU / EEA applicants under the Settlement Scheme — treated almost like UK citizens.
Read the answerLess than 2 years in the UK
Many lenders require 2+ years UK residency. See the ones who don't.
Read the answerForeign-currency income (USD / EUR / CHF)
Only ~14 UK lenders accept non-sterling income — typical haircut 10-30%.
Read the answerWhat lenders look at
Four residency factors move the UK lender pool most:
- Visa type and months remaining — Skilled Worker, Spouse, Health & Care, Graduate all have different acceptance patterns. Minimum remaining can be anywhere from 0 to 24 months.
- UK residency length — 2 years continuous UK residency is the typical threshold. A minority of lenders accept less with UK employment history.
- Income currency — sterling income is universally accepted. Foreign-currency income is accepted by around 14 UK lenders, usually with a 10-30% haircut.
- Thin UK credit file — overseas credit history rarely transfers. A thin UK file often narrows the pool more than the visa itself.
See what all 60+ UK lenders would lend you
Filter to lenders that match your visa / residency / income situation and see actual maximum borrowing figures. Free for 9 lenders, £9.99 for the full 60+.
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