Loading
Loading
Palo Alto draws serious buyers from around the world. Tech executives, investors, and entrepreneurs from Asia, Europe, and beyond want a foothold here.
Foreign national loans exist specifically for non-US citizens who can't use conventional financing. No US credit history required. No Social Security number needed.
30-40%
Typical Down Payment
Not Required
US Credit Score
12-24 Months
Reserves Required
Non-QM
Loan Type
30-45 Days
Est. Close Time
Foreign National Loans in Palo Alto
Most lenders want 30-40% down on foreign national purchases. The larger down payment offsets the risk of lending to someone with no US credit profile.
You'll need a valid passport, visa documentation, and proof of income or assets. Some lenders accept foreign bank statements. Others want a CPA letter or employment verification.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect foreign national loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Palo Alto.
Palo Alto draws serious buyers from around the world. Tech executives, investors, and entrepreneurs from Asia, Europe, and beyond want a foothold here.
Foreign national loans exist specifically for non-US citizens who can't use conventional financing. No US credit history required. No Social Security number needed.
Most lenders want 30-40% down on foreign national purchases. The larger down payment offsets the risk of lending to someone with no US credit profile.
Most retail banks won't touch these loans. Foreign national programs live almost entirely in the non-QM wholesale market.
As a broker with access to 200+ wholesale lenders, we work with lenders who specialize in this exact borrower profile. The programs vary widely — rates, reserves, and documentation requirements differ by lender.
The biggest deal-killer I see is reserves. Many lenders want 12-24 months of reserves in a US or verifiable foreign account. Get that documentation ready early.
Visa type matters too. B-1/B-2 tourist visa holders face stricter terms than E-2 or L-1 visa holders. Some lenders won't lend on certain visa types at all.
If you have an ITIN, you may qualify for ITIN loans instead. Those programs sometimes offer better terms than pure foreign national products.
Investors buying rental property in Palo Alto should also look at DSCR loans. Some DSCR lenders will work with foreign nationals using rental income — not personal income — to qualify.
Palo Alto property values are among the highest in Santa Clara County. That means larger loan amounts — and foreign national loans typically cap out lower than jumbo conventional products.
Many foreign buyers here are connected to Stanford or a Bay Area tech company. If you have an employment letter from a US employer, that opens more lender options even without a US credit file.
Yes. Foreign national loans don't require a US credit history. Lenders use your passport, visa status, and asset documentation instead.
It depends on the lender. E-2, L-1, and O-1 visas typically get the best terms. B-1/B-2 tourist visas face the most restrictions.
Most foreign national lenders require 30-40% down. Given Palo Alto prices, that's a significant cash requirement — plan ahead.
Many lenders accept foreign income with proper documentation. A CPA letter or foreign employer verification letter usually works.
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy investment properties in Palo Alto. DSCR loans are often a strong alternative for rental purchases.
Expect 30-45 days minimum. Document collection from overseas adds time. Starting early is critical on these deals.