Every year, thousands of Brazilians buy homes and investment properties in the United States — many of them without ever having lived here. Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the country for international buyers, and Georgia is growing fast.
How do they finance it without a Social Security Number, a green card, or a US credit score? With a Foreign National loan — a mortgage built specifically for non-US citizens.
Who Counts as a Foreign National?
In mortgage terms, a foreign national is someone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident and generally lives outside the US. If you live and work in Brazil but want a vacation home in Orlando or a rental property in Atlanta, this is your program. (If you live and work in the US with an ITIN, look at ITIN loans instead — they need less money down.)
What Makes These Loans Different
| Requirement | Foreign National Loan |
|---|---|
| US citizenship / green card | Not required |
| Social Security Number | Not required |
| US credit history | Not required — international credit references accepted |
| Identification | Valid passport (plus visa, such as a B-1/B-2 tourist visa, where applicable) |
| Down payment | Typically 25%+ |
| Income documentation | Letter from employer or accountant, foreign tax documents, or bank statements — Brazilian documents accepted with translation |
| Property types | Second homes and investment properties — single family, condo, townhome, 2–4 units |
Two Ways to Qualify
1. Full documentation
You document your income in Brazil — an employer letter, accountant (contador) letter, or tax documents — plus bank statements showing your down payment and reserves. This generally earns the best terms.
2. DSCR (rental income) qualification
Buying a rental property? A DSCR loan qualifies you based on the property's expected rent covering the mortgage payment — no personal income documentation at all. This is the go-to structure for investors building a US portfolio from abroad.
What to Prepare Before You Apply
- Valid passport (and US visa if you'll enter the country)
- Down payment + reserves — plan for 25% down plus several months of payments in reserve, documented in bank statements
- Income documentation from Brazil — we'll tell you exactly which format the lender wants
- Credit references — international credit report or reference letters from Brazilian banks
- A US bank account — helpful for closing funds and monthly payments (we'll guide you on setting this up)
Common Questions
- Can I close without traveling to the US? Often yes — remote closings through a US consulate or with a power of attorney are common. We coordinate this regularly.
- Will buying property give me immigration status? No — property ownership and immigration are separate. But ownership is fully legal for foreigners.
- What about taxes? Rental income in the US is taxable here; talk to a cross-border accountant. We can recommend professionals who work with Brazilian investors.
- Are rates higher? Yes, somewhat — the trade-off for no US credit requirement. Many investors refinance later as they build a US financial footprint.
Why Brazilians Work with Alvorada for This
Foreign National lending lives in the wholesale market, and requirements vary a lot between lenders — down payment, reserves, which documents they'll accept from Brazil. We compare 50+ lenders, we speak your language, and we've walked families through this exact process from São Paulo to Snellville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a U.S. credit history for a foreign national loan?
No — international credit references and bank statements from your home country are accepted instead.
How much down payment do foreign national loans require?
Typically from 25%, with a valid passport (and visa where applicable) as identification.
Can I close without traveling to the United States?
Often yes — remote closings via power of attorney or consulate signings are common for foreign buyers. Ask us how it works for your case.
Prepared by the Alvorada Mortgage, LLC team — a mortgage broker licensed in Georgia (#2137907) and Florida (#MBR5158). NMLS #2137907. Educational content; not a commitment to lend.