Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
Foreign National Jumbo Loan Arizona
Arizona attracts foreign buyers for vacation homes, retirement properties, investment purchases, and second residences. The financing path for non-US-citizen buyers differs materially from standard US-citizen jumbo. Here's what to expect.
Who qualifies as a foreign national borrower
Foreign national lending typically applies to borrowers who are NOT US citizens, NOT US permanent residents (no green card), and do not have established US credit. Different programs apply to:
- True foreign nationals — no US residency, no US credit, foreign income source
- Non-permanent resident aliens — visa holders with US residency but no permanent status
- ITIN borrowers — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number holders (separate program; see DPA Arizona for ITIN-paired DPA)
This page covers true foreign national programs. The Medical Professionals jumbo program does NOT include foreign nationals.
Eligibility basics
- Foreign passport and government-issued identification
- Visa status documentation if applicable
- Foreign credit report (some programs)
- Substantial down payment — typically 30%+ minimum
- Significant liquid reserves — typically 12+ months PITIA
- Foreign income documentation translated to English
- Property must be in the United States
Arizona property-use scenarios
- Vacation home in Sedona, Scottsdale, or Paradise Valley — second residence for winter use
- Investment property in Phoenix metro — long-term rental or short-term rental
- Retirement property in Tucson Foothills or Scottsdale — primary residence for buyer transitioning toward US residence
- Snowbird residence — six-month seasonal use
Down payment and reserve considerations
Foreign national jumbo programs typically require 30-40% down payment minimum (higher than standard jumbo) and 12-24 months PITIA in liquid reserves (higher than standard jumbo). The specifics vary by program; we walk through what your specific scenario requires during the consult.
What this site can and cannot advise on
We handle the LENDING side of foreign national purchases:
- Program eligibility and matching to lender programs
- Documentation requirements and translation guidance
- Underwriting and qualifying math
- Closing process and Arizona-specific escrow norms
We do NOT advise on:
- Visa status, immigration law, or residency matters — work with an immigration attorney
- US tax filing obligations as a foreign property owner — work with a tax accountant
- Estate planning around foreign-owned US real estate — work with an estate planning attorney
- FATCA / international reporting requirements — work with international tax counsel
Next step
20-minute call. Bring nationality, current residence country, visa status (if any), target Arizona purchase area, target price, and rough asset/down-payment position.
Related
FAQ
Do I need to be in the US to apply?
Not necessarily. Initial application can happen remotely. Closing typically requires either in-person attendance or international power-of-attorney coordination.
Can I use foreign income to qualify?
Yes — foreign income is acceptable on most foreign national programs with documentation translated to English. The specifics depend on program.
Is foreign national jumbo available for any Arizona property type?
Most residential property types (single-family, condo, townhouse). Some restrictions apply on multi-unit, manufactured homes, and certain property types.
What about ITIN borrowers vs foreign national?
Different programs. ITIN borrowers have US tax IDs and typically live and work in the US; foreign national borrowers typically do not. The path forward depends on which category fits your scenario.