How to get a mortgage if you’re on a visa or limited leave to remain

If you’re living in the UK on a spousal visa or have limited leave to remain, getting a mortgage might feel out of reach. The rules can seem unclear, and many banks don’t exactly go out of their way to explain them.

But here’s the good news: being on a temporary visa doesn’t automatically mean “No”. In fact, every month we help clients in this exact situation, and often with better rates than they expected. Let’s walk through what really matters.

1. Yes, you can still get a mortgage.

Many people assume they have to wait for permanent residency before applying, but that’s not always true. Lenders care about stability and risk, not just your visa status. If you can show consistent income, a clean credit history, and a sensible deposit, you may already meet the requirements.

Some lenders specialise in working with people on:

• Spousal visas.
• Skilled worker visas.
• Limited leave to remain.
• Pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

What changes is which lender will say yes — and the level of deposit required.

2. What documents will I need?

In most cases, you’ll be expected to provide:

• Proof of visa or immigration status i.e with a share code.
• Passport + ID.
• Payslips and bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Proof of UK residence (e.g. utility bill or tenancy agreement).
• Credit history from the UK.

Every lender has slightly different rules, and a good adviser will guide you through which ones are realistic for you.

3. What makes the biggest difference?

From our experience, three things tend to make or break the deal:

1. How much time is left on your visa, the more, the better. Most lenders prefer at least 12–24 months remaining.
2. Joint applications. Applying with a partner who has settled status or British citizenship can unlock more options.
3. A stable, traceable income. Especially if you’re employed full time or have a strong self-employed track record in the UK.

4. Who we help (real examples).

We’ve helped:

• A Polish client on a spousal visa secure a mortgage for their first home in London.
• A couple from India with one partner on a student visa and one on a Skilled Worker visa.
• A graphic designer from Lithuania with limited leave to remain and a strong freelance income.

Each case required a different approach, but none were impossible.

Final thought: you don’t have to wait forever.

Your visa doesn’t define your future, your planning does. The earlier you understand what’s possible, the sooner you can make decisions with confidence. Want a clearer picture of your options? We’ll explain in your language what’s realistic in your case, step by step.