Need a UK mortgage on a visa?
Find out how to provide proof of income for a mortgage, which documents are accepted, and how to improve approval odds.
Applying for a mortgage in the UK can feel daunting at the best of times. If you’re a UK visa holder, the process can seem even more complicated because lenders want clear evidence that you can afford the repayments. This is where proof of income for UK visa holders becomes absolutely essential. Understanding what lenders look for, which documents you need, and how your visa status affects your chances can make all the difference between an approval and a rejection.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything step by step: from the type of visa you hold, to the documents you need to show your income, to how to improve your chances of getting that all-important “yes” from a mortgage provider.
Mortgage lenders in the UK want to minimise risk. When they lend you money for a house, they need to be confident that you’ll be able to pay it back over the long term. If you’re a British citizen working on a permanent contract, the process is fairly straightforward. But if you’re a visa holder, lenders may perceive you as a higher risk.
Why?
That’s why proof of income for mortgage UK visa holders is scrutinised more closely. It reassures lenders that you have a stable income, that you can afford the monthly repayments, and that you’re serious about settling in the UK long-term.
Find out how to provide proof of income for a mortgage, which documents are accepted, and how to improve approval odds.
The good news is that lenders usually accept the same type of documents from visa holders as they do from British citizens. The key difference is that lenders will look more carefully at consistency, contract length, and visa expiry dates.
Here are the most common documents you’ll need to provide:
If you are employed, lenders will usually want your last three to six months’ payslips. These show a steady flow of income and prove that you’re working in the UK. Make sure they match the bank account where your salary is paid in.
Alongside payslips, three to six months’ bank statements are essential. Lenders use them to double-check that your salary is being credited regularly and that you manage your money responsibly.
Many lenders ask for a copy of your employment contract. This proves the nature of your job, the length of your contract, and whether you’re on a permanent or fixed-term basis. Permanent contracts are naturally seen as less risky.
If you’ve been in the UK long enough, your P60 form shows your annual income and the tax paid. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your HMRC SA302 tax calculations and tax year overviews for the last two to three years.
Finally, your visa and passport will need to be submitted. Lenders check your visa type and the expiry date to decide whether they’re comfortable lending to you. Some will require at least six months remaining on your visa; others prefer one year or more.
If you’re employed full-time in the UK, your proof of income is relatively straightforward: payslips, bank statements, and your contract. The main issue is how long you’ve been in the role. Some lenders want you to be past your probation period; others want at least 12 months of continuous employment.
If you’re self-employed, it’s a bit trickier. Most lenders want at least two years of accounts or tax returns. A few may accept one year if you can show strong income and future contracts. You’ll need to work with an accountant and make sure your tax returns are up to date.
Contract workers often fall between the cracks. Lenders may assess you based on your daily rate multiplied by the number of working days in a year, or they may want to see 12 months of contracts. Having a strong history of renewals can really help.
Some visa holders earn part of their income from overseas sources. Not all lenders accept this, but if they do, you’ll need to provide translated, verified documents such as foreign payslips, tax returns, or bank statements. Be prepared for stricter scrutiny here.
Speak to a mortgage broker today and find out which lenders accept visa holders like you.
Request a call backNot all visas are treated equally by lenders. Here’s a breakdown of how some common visa types are seen:
Visa holders are usually asked to provide a larger deposit than UK citizens. While some lenders may accept as little as 5% from British citizens, visa holders are often asked for 10–25% depending on their circumstances. The bigger your deposit, the stronger your case.
For many people, buying a home in the UK is the biggest financial decision of their lives. For visa holders, it comes with extra hurdles — but it’s absolutely possible. Lenders simply need reassurance that you can repay the loan, and that’s why proof of income for mortgage UK visa holders is so vital.
By gathering the right documents, showing a stable income, and demonstrating your long-term commitment to living in the UK, you can improve your chances significantly. A good mortgage broker with experience in helping visa holders can also make the journey smoother.
Remember: every lender has its own rules. What one bank rejects, another might accept. With preparation, patience, and the right advice, securing a mortgage as a UK visa holder is not only realistic — it’s happening every day.
Get tailored advice and discover your mortgage options today.
Get me a mortgageYes, it is possible for a UK visa holder to get a mortgage without permanent residency. Many high-street banks and specialist lenders are open to applications from those on Skilled Worker visas, spouse visas, or other valid permits. The key factor is showing clear proof of income, a stable financial record, and having a suitable deposit.
Most lenders will ask to see at least three to six months of income records. This can include payslips, bank statements, or verified tax returns if you’re self-employed. Some lenders may request more, especially if your visa has limited time remaining.
Yes, but the process can be stricter. Self-employed visa holders usually need to show at least two years of UK tax returns or accounts prepared by a certified accountant. Some lenders may accept one year if you have strong financial evidence, but options will be more limited.
Definitely. Certain visas, such as Skilled Worker visas or spouse visas, are more widely accepted by lenders. Short-term visas like graduate visas can make it harder to borrow. Each lender sets its own criteria, so success often depends on matching your visa status with the right provider.
Some lenders may accept overseas income, but it depends on the bank and the type of visa you hold. If accepted, you will need to provide translated, officially verified documents such as payslips or tax returns from your home country. Be prepared for closer scrutiny compared with UK-based income.
While UK citizens can sometimes buy with as little as 5% deposit, visa holders are often asked for a larger share. In most cases, you should expect to save between 10% and 25% depending on the lender, your visa, and your financial background.
It is not compulsory, but it’s highly recommended. Mortgage brokers who specialise in helping visa holders know which lenders are more flexible and which banks are likely to decline. This can save time, stress, and potentially get you a better deal.
Lenders will check the expiry date before approving your mortgage. If your visa is due to end soon, you may struggle to get accepted unless you can prove renewal plans or have applied for indefinite leave to remain. Once you secure the mortgage, the lender does not normally re-check your visa unless you refinance.
Proof of income and credit history are separate, but both are important. While you can show your payslips or tax returns to prove income, a UK credit history helps lenders see that you manage money responsibly. Without it, your mortgage options may be narrower, but not impossible.
Yes, many couples in this position successfully buy property together. The UK citizen’s status can make the process smoother, but the visa holder still needs to provide full proof of income and meet the affordability checks. The combined income is assessed when calculating how much you can borrow.
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