Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m Self-Employed and on a Visa?
Running your own business can be hugely rewarding — but when it comes to getting a mortgage, things can feel more complicated. Add being on a visa into the mix, and it’s easy to feel like the odds are stacked against you.
The good news? It’s absolutely possible. At Mortgage Wala, we help lots of self-employed visa holders secure mortgages every year. Whether you’re a sole trader, company director, freelancer, or contractor, there are lenders who will consider your application — even if you don’t have two full years of accounts yet.
What Types of Self-Employment Do Lenders Accept If I’m on a Visa?
One of the first things lenders look at is how you’re self-employed, because it changes the way they calculate your income.
Can Sole Traders on a Visa Get a Mortgage?
Yes — most lenders use your net profit from your tax return. Some will average the last two years, while others are happy to use the most recent year if it’s higher.
Can Limited Company Directors on a Visa Get a Mortgage?
If you’re a director, lenders usually look at your salary plus dividends. A few specialist lenders will also consider retained profit left in the business, which can really boost how much you can borrow.
Do Partnerships Count Towards Self-Employed Mortgages on a Visa?
If you’re in a partnership, lenders will look at your share of the partnership profits from your tax returns.
Can Freelancers and Contractors on a Visa Get Mortgages?
Absolutely. Many lenders will annualise your day rate (for example, £400 per day × 5 days × 46 weeks = £92,000). Others look at your average earnings across contracts. If you’ve got short gaps between contracts, that’s usually fine too.
How Many Years of Trading History Do I Need?
This is one of the biggest questions we get asked.
- 2 years’ trading history is what most high street banks want.
- 1 year’s accounts can be enough with certain specialist lenders — especially if your accountant can provide strong projections.
- If you’ve recently switched from sole trader to limited company but are doing the same work, some lenders will count your previous history.
We recently helped a Skilled Worker visa holder who had been self-employed for just 14 months. Because they had one full year of accounts and ongoing contracts, we were able to get them approved.
What Documents Will I Need as a Self-Employed Visa Holder?
Paperwork matters a lot with these applications. Here’s what lenders typically ask for:
- SA302s and Tax Year Overviews to show your declared income and tax.
- Company accounts, ideally signed by a qualified accountant.
- Accountant’s certificate if your business is growing and you need to show projections.
- Business bank statements to evidence trading activity.
- Contracts if you’re a freelancer or day-rate contractor.
If you’re asking whether SA302s are always required, the answer is “almost always”. But some lenders will accept accountant-signed projections if you don’t yet have two years filed.
How Does My Visa Status Affect My Mortgage Chances?
Every lender has their own rules when it comes to visas. Some are flexible, others less so.
- Time left on your visa: Many like to see at least 12 months remaining, though a few will accept 6 months.
- Time in the country: Some want you to have lived here for a set period, others don’t mind.
- Visa type: Skilled Worker, Spouse, and Family visas are usually the most straightforward.
The important thing is that lenders look at the whole picture — your income, your visa, and how stable your situation is.
How Much Deposit Do I Need If I’m Self-Employed and on a Visa?
This is another area where people get mixed messages. Here’s the reality:
- Residential mortgages can start from as little as 5–10% deposit.
- With bad credit, you’ll usually need at least 10%.
- Buy-to-let mortgages for self-employed visa holders typically need a 25% deposit.
The bigger your deposit, the more options you’ll have. But don’t let that put you off — we’ve helped plenty of clients get approved with the minimum.
Can I Still Get a Mortgage If I’ve Had Bad Credit?
Yes, you can. We’ve seen clients with missed payments, defaults, and even CCJs secure mortgages while self-employed and on a visa.
The main difference is that lenders will usually ask for a higher deposit, and interest rates might be a bit steeper. But with the right lender, it’s definitely possible.
How Do Lenders Look at Contractors and Day-Rate Workers on a Visa?
If you’re contracting, especially in fields like IT, healthcare, or engineering, lenders often take a day-rate approach.
- They’ll usually annualise your income (day rate × 5 days × 46 weeks).
- Short gaps between contracts are usually fine.
- If you’re under an umbrella company, lenders may treat you as employed and use your payslips.
The key here is showing that your skills are in demand and that you have a track record of securing contracts.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare My Accounts Before I Apply?
The way your finances look on paper can make or break your application. Here are some tips from our side:
- Keep tax returns up to date — don’t leave them until the last minute.
- Think about how you declare income — keeping profits artificially low to save tax can also lower your mortgage options.
- Show stable or growing income if possible.
- Keep business and personal finances separate — it makes things cleaner for lenders.
- Work with a qualified accountant — it adds credibility to your case.
These simple steps can massively improve your chances of getting approved.
Why Should I Use a Specialist Broker Like Mortgage Wala?
This is where we come in. Going direct to a bank can be risky, because if they say no, it can harm your chances elsewhere.
Here’s what we do for our clients:
- Match you with lenders that actually accept self-employed visa holders.
- Package your documents in a way lenders like to see.
- Access lenders you won’t find on the high street.
- Handle complex cases like retained profits, multiple income streams, or adverse credit.
- Plan ahead — even if you start with a specialist lender now, our goal is to move you to cheaper rates with mainstream lenders in the future.
In short: we take the stress out of the process and make sure you get the best possible shot at approval.
Can I Really Get a Mortgage with Just One Year of Self-Employed Accounts?
Yes — and here’s an example.
Case Study: One of our clients was an IT contractor on a Skilled Worker visa. They’d been self-employed for just 14 months, earning £450 a day. Most high-street lenders said no because they didn’t have two years of accounts.
We approached a specialist lender who was happy to accept just one year of accounts and annualised their day rate. We packaged the case properly, included evidence of contract renewals, and got them approved with just a 10% deposit.
What’s the Bottom Line for Self-Employed Visa Holders?
Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed and on a visa isn’t always straightforward, but it’s definitely achievable. The key is preparation, knowing what lenders want to see, and working with someone who knows which lenders to approach.
That’s exactly what we do at Mortgage Wala. If you’re self-employed and on a visa — whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, or company director — we’d love to help you find the right mortgage.
📞 Honest, straightforward advice for self-employed visa holders
We’ll guide you through the process, handle the tricky paperwork, and connect you with lenders who are open to your situation.
🗓️ Book your free consultation today and take the next step.
As a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.