Can NHS and key workers on a visa get a mortgage?
If you’re working in the NHS or another frontline role while on a visa, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Can I actually get a mortgage?” We hear this all the time from nurses, teachers, care workers, and other key workers.
The short answer? Yes, it’s definitely possible. Some lenders even go out of their way to support NHS staff and other essential workers. That could mean smaller deposits, flexible income assessments, or even exclusive mortgage products designed with you in mind.
At Mortgage Wala, this is exactly the kind of case we love helping with — guiding foreign nationals through the process and matching them with lenders who truly understand their situation.
Who actually counts as a key worker for a mortgage?
A lot of people ask us: “Am I classed as a key worker when it comes to mortgages?”
Here’s who usually fits the bill:
- Healthcare staff – nurses, doctors, midwives, paramedics, healthcare assistants
- Emergency services – police, firefighters, ambulance staff, prison officers
- Education staff – teachers, nursery staff, teaching assistants, lecturers
- Social care staff – carers, social workers, support staff
- Local authority staff – council employees, community workers, housing officers
If you fall into one of these categories and you’re on a visa, you’ve got a good chance of lenders being a bit more flexible with you.
Why are lenders more supportive of NHS and key worker mortgages?
It’s a fair question: “Why would lenders make it easier for NHS staff and key workers to get a mortgage?”
From our experience, here’s why:
- Job security – These roles are always needed, so lenders feel more confident.
- Stable income – Even fixed-term contracts are often renewed in these fields.
- Public recognition – Lenders want to be seen supporting frontline workers, which is why we see things like 95% mortgages for key workers on a visa.
- Government influence – There’s a push for lenders to make mortgages more accessible to people in essential roles.
So while being on a visa can sometimes make things trickier, being a key worker can help balance that out.
How do lenders look at overtime, shift work, and fixed-term contracts?
This is a big one. Many of our clients ask: “Will my overtime or shift work actually count when applying for a mortgage?”
Here’s what we see:
- Shift work – Some lenders stick to contracted hours, but others will include overtime, night shifts, and enhancements if you can show they’re regular.
- Bank staff – We often get asked: “Can I get a mortgage as NHS bank staff?” The answer is yes, as long as you can show a consistent work pattern over 6–12 months.
- Fixed-term contracts – If you’re wondering: “Can I get a mortgage on a fixed-term contract?” you’ll be glad to know many lenders treat these as permanent if you’ve had renewals before or you’re in a high-demand role.
We know exactly which lenders are happy to count overtime and flexible income — and which ones aren’t.
How much deposit do I need as a key worker on a visa?
Probably the number one question we get: “How much deposit do I actually need?”
Here’s the breakdown:
- Standard deposits – Most lenders want at least 10% if you’re on a visa.
- Key worker deals – Some lenders drop that to just 5%, which is a huge help.
- Bad credit cases – If you’ve had defaults or CCJs, it’s usually 10%–15%.
- Buy-to-let – If you’re looking at investment properties, it’s normally 25%.
We’ve helped plenty of clients get a 5% deposit mortgage for NHS workers on a visa, but we’ll always be upfront if your situation needs more.
Do I need a minimum time in the country or on my visa?
Another really common worry is: “Do I need to have been here for a certain amount of time before I can get a mortgage?”
It depends:
- Some lenders do want you to have lived here for a while or have at least 12–24 months left on your visa.
- Others don’t set any minimums at all.
We work with both types — so if you’ve only recently arrived or you don’t have much time left on your visa, don’t panic. There are lenders out there for you.
Which lenders are best for NHS and key worker mortgages on a visa?
We’re often asked: “Who’s the best lender for NHS staff or key workers on a visa?”
The truth is, it changes all the time. But here’s what we see:
- Specialist lenders – These are usually the most flexible with visa holders.
- High-street banks – Some are happy to include your overtime and enhancements, which can really boost what you can borrow.
- Building societies – Often take a case-by-case view, which is great if your income isn’t straightforward.
Because lender criteria can shift quickly, working with a broker (like us!) is the best way to find the right fit at the right time.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit as a key worker on a visa?
We know lots of people worry about this. The question usually comes in as: “Can I get a mortgage if I’ve got bad credit but I’m a key worker on a visa?”
The answer is yes — but you’ll probably need a bigger deposit. Usually from 10% upwards.
The good news? Lenders look positively on key worker roles, even if your credit history isn’t perfect. So you’ve still got options.
Real example: How we helped a nurse buy with just 5% deposit
One of our clients was a nurse on a Skilled Worker visa. She earned £28,000 plus regular overtime and had a 5% deposit saved. The issue? High-street banks turned her down because of her visa length and fixed-term contract.
We went to a specialist lender instead — one that was open to key worker mortgages for foreign nationals. They took her contract renewal history into account and included her overtime.
The result? She got a 95% mortgage and bought her home much sooner than she thought possible.
What tips do we give key workers on a visa looking for a mortgage?
Here are our top tips if you’re thinking about applying:
- Keep payslips, contracts, and bank statements handy.
- Make sure your overtime shows clearly on your payslips.
- Aim for a bigger deposit if you can — though 95% mortgages for NHS staff on a visa are possible.
- Work on your credit profile — small improvements can make a big difference.
- Speak to a broker who knows which lenders will look at your case positively.
How can Mortgage Wala help?
So, “Why come to us?” Because this is what we do every day.
At Mortgage Wala, we specialise in helping foreign nationals on visas — and we’ve built strong relationships with lenders who support NHS and key worker applicants. Whether you’re a nurse doing overtime, a teacher on a fixed-term contract, or a care worker with a 5% deposit, we’ll guide you to the right lender.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been searching things like “Can I get a mortgage with limited visa time left?” or “How much deposit do I need as a key worker on a visa?” — we can help.
It’s not always straightforward, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.
📞 Honest, clear advice for NHS & key worker visa holders
We’ll help you secure a mortgage that recognises the value of your role, even if you’ve got a small deposit or tricky circumstances.
🗓️ 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.