Florida is the top destination in the country for international property buyers, and you don’t need U.S. citizenship, a green card, or even a Social Security number to get a mortgage here. Two specialized programs — foreign national loans and ITIN loans — open the door. Here’s how each works.
Key Takeaways
- Foreign national loans serve non-resident buyers with no U.S. credit or SSN.
- ITIN loans serve buyers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number but no SSN.
- Expect a larger down payment (commonly 20–30%+) and alternative credit documentation.
- You can qualify using foreign income and international credit references.
- These are non-QM programs — flexible, but with their own rules and rates.
Foreign National Loans
These are for buyers who live abroad and have no U.S. residency, SSN, or credit history — often purchasing a vacation home, investment property, or future relocation home. Lenders qualify you using foreign income documentation and international credit references (or sometimes reduced documentation), typically with a 25–30%+ down payment.
ITIN Loans
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who pay U.S. taxes but don’t have an SSN — including many immigrants. ITIN loans let these buyers finance a home using their ITIN, tax returns, and alternative credit (rent, utilities, phone). Down payments are typically lower than foreign national loans but higher than standard programs.
Florida’s large international and immigrant communities mean ITIN and foreign national loans are common here — lenders and title companies handle them routinely.
What You’ll Need
- Foreign national: valid passport/visa, proof of foreign income (employer letter, foreign tax returns, or CPA letter), a reference from your home-country bank, and reserves.
- ITIN: your ITIN, two years of U.S. tax returns, proof of income, and alternative credit references if you lack a traditional score.
Rates, Down Payment & Terms
Because these are non-QM loans, rates are somewhat higher than conventional and down payments larger. But the terms are very workable for serious buyers, and many borrowers refinance into better terms later as their U.S. credit and residency status develop.
If U.S. residency or citizenship is on your horizon, buying now with an ITIN or foreign national loan and refinancing later is a common, smart path — you build equity instead of paying rent while you wait.
How the Process Works
The steps mirror a standard purchase — pre-approval, offer, appraisal, closing — with extra attention to documentation and, for foreign buyers, coordination on how funds and identity are verified. A lender experienced with these files makes it smooth; an inexperienced one makes it painful.
Buying in Florida without a green card or SSN? We do foreign national and ITIN loans — let’s talk.
Get Pre-Approved →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a home in Florida without a Social Security number?
Yes. Foreign national loans serve non-resident buyers with no SSN or U.S. credit, and ITIN loans serve buyers who have an IRS-issued ITIN. Both are widely available in Florida.
What is an ITIN loan?
A mortgage for buyers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. It uses your ITIN, tax returns, and alternative credit to qualify you — common among immigrant buyers.
How much down payment do I need as a foreign national?
Typically 25–30% or more, depending on the lender and property. ITIN loans often require less down than foreign national loans but more than standard conventional programs.
Can I use income earned outside the U.S.?
Yes. Foreign national programs qualify you using documented foreign income — employer letters, foreign tax returns, or a CPA letter — along with international credit or bank references.
Can I refinance later into a better loan?
Often, yes. As you build U.S. credit and your residency status develops, refinancing into a conventional loan with better terms is a common path. Buying now lets you build equity in the meantime.
Yes, You Can Buy in Florida
Foreign national or ITIN — we specialize in international and immigrant buyers and shop lenders built for these loans. Free, no-pressure consultation.