How to Get a Mortgage on a Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Mortgages for Visa Holders – How to Get Approved

Buying a home while you’re on a visa can feel overwhelming — but we promise it’s not as scary as it sounds. At Mortgage Wala, this is what we do every day. We’ve helped Skilled Worker visa holders, spouses, partners, and even Graduate visa holders get their foot on the property ladder.

In this guide, we’ll share what lenders are looking for, what deposit you’ll need, and the steps you can take to make your application as smooth as possible.

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Visa?

Yes — you absolutely can. The process isn’t much different from anyone else’s, but lenders do look at a few extra things when you’re on a visa:

How long is left on your visa? Some lenders want at least six to twelve months left, but others are more flexible.
How long you’ve lived here: Some lenders don’t have a minimum time requirement, others want to see that you’ve been here at least a year.
Your job: Having a permanent job (or a solid self-employed history) really helps.
Your credit history: Clean credit is ideal, but even with past issues like defaults or CCJs, there are lenders who can help.

What Types of Visas Do Lenders Accept for Mortgages?

We work with lenders who consider most visa types, including:

Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visas
Spouse or partner visas
Family visas
Ancestry visas
Graduate or Post-Study Work visas
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Even if you’re on a Student visa, we can sometimes help — you’ll just need a bigger deposit or a guarantor.

How Much Time Do You Need Left on Your Visa to Get a Mortgage?

One of the biggest questions we get is: “Can I get a mortgage with 6 months left on my visa?”

The answer is yes — but it depends on the lender. Some will want to see 6–12 months left, others are happy as long as you can show a renewal is in progress or you’ve been living here long enough.

What Is the Minimum Deposit for Visa Holders?

Your deposit is a big part of getting approved. Here’s what we usually see:

Your Situation	Deposit Needed
Good credit, stable job	5–10%
Little or no credit history	10–15%
Defaults or CCJs in the past	15%+
Buy-to-let mortgage	25%+

So yes, a 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders is possible — but if your credit history isn’t perfect, expect to put down a bit more.

What Documents Do Visa Holders Need for a Mortgage Application?

You’ll need pretty much the same paperwork as anyone else, plus proof of your visa. Here’s a quick checklist:

Passport and visa
Proof of where you live (like a utility bill)
Payslips (or self-employed accounts)
Bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
Evidence of where your deposit is coming from
Employment contract (if you’ve just started a new job)

The cleaner and clearer your paperwork is, the faster things move.

Can You Get a Mortgage With Adverse Credit on a Visa?

Yes — it’s harder, but definitely possible. If you’ve got defaults or CCJs, you’ll usually need a bigger deposit (think 15% or more) and proof that everything’s under control now. This is where working with a broker really makes the difference, because we know which lenders are open to these cases.

How Can Visa Holders Improve Their Chances of Mortgage Approval?

Here’s what we recommend to every visa holder we work with:

Build your credit profile: Get on the electoral roll if you can, open a bank account, use a credit card sensibly.
Don’t apply for lots of credit at once: It can hurt your score.
Save as much deposit as possible: The bigger your deposit, the better your chances (and rates).
Work with a broker: We know exactly which lenders are flexible for visa holders, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary declines.

Can Skilled Worker Visa Holders Get a Mortgage?

Yes — Skilled Worker visa holders are accepted by loads of lenders. One of our recent clients had just eight months left on their visa and a 10% deposit. No credit history at all. We found them a lender who said yes and offered a great 5-year fixed deal.

Do You Need Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to Get a Mortgage?

No — ILR makes things simpler, but it’s not essential. Many lenders are happy to work with temporary visa holders if everything else stacks up.

Can Students or Graduate Visa Holders Get a Mortgage?

Yes — but it’s a bit trickier. If you’re a student, you’ll usually need a big deposit or a UK-based guarantor. Graduate visa holders with a job lined up tend to have more options.

What Happens to My Mortgage If My Visa Expires?

Your lender won’t suddenly cancel your mortgage if your visa runs out — but it’s really important to keep it up to date. Having an active visa makes things much easier when you need to remortgage in the future.