I’m Not Even a Resident – How Can I Get a Mortgage in Brazil?

The ultimate guide for foreigners dreaming of buying a home in Brazil without hitting the brick wall of credit rejection.

Imagine Falling in Love with a House… Then Being Told You Can’t Buy It.

You’ve just spent a month soaking up the sun in Florianópolis or walking the cobblestone streets of Paraty. Maybe you’ve found the perfect beachfront house—or a cosy apartment in São Paulo with skyline views. You’re ready to invest. You’ve got the funds for a down payment.

But the bank shrugs:“Sorry, you don’t have a CPF score. You’re not a resident. No credit, no loan.”

It’s frustrating, confusing, and feels incredibly unfair. You’re financially responsible. You’ve built your life overseas. But here, you’re invisible to the system.

So, how can you get a mortgage as a non-resident foreigner in Brazil?

Let’s break it down.

The System Isn’t Built for You—But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Impossible

Brazil’s credit and lending system wasn’t designed with foreigners in mind. Most traditional banks evaluate mortgage applications based on Brazilian credit history, residency status, local income, and tax filings.

This creates a problem for you:

• You may not have a Brazilian credit score (Score de Crédito).

• You may not yet hold permanent residency or a work visa.

• You probably don’t have consistently declared income in Brazil.

That means 99% of foreign buyers are told “no” before they even understand the rules.

Many give up. But the truth is: there is a way forward—you just need to know where the doors actually open.

Current Solutions and Their Limitations to Get a Mortgage in Brazil

Let’s look at what most foreigners try (and where it falls apart):

• Paying in Cash: The obvious route, but not everyone wants to lock up all their liquidity in a single property.

• Using International Banks: They rarely work unless you’re buying luxury real estate in a mega-city with high ticket value.

• Getting a Brazilian Partner to Co-sign: Risky, legally complex, and often a red flag for banks.

• Applying for a CPF and “hoping for the best”: Without a strategy, this gets you nowhere.

Even those who manage to get financing often overpay—higher interest, poor legal protection, and unclear fees.

Build Credit Strategically + Partner with Experts Who Understand the System

Getting a house credit in Brazil as a foreigner is possible, but it requires a shift in strategy.

Instead of trying to act like a Brazilian borrower from day one, you need to:

• Build a minimum viable credit footprint in Brazil

• Apply through channels that work with foreigners

• Navigate legal, visa, and financial obstacles with the right advisors

That’s where a company like Brazil Visa Hub becomes your best ally—not just a legal partner, but a local credit guide.

How to Build Brazilian Credit & Qualify for House Financing

Here’s how to do it the right way:

Get Your CPF Number

• This is your key to the Brazilian financial system. You can apply from abroad or through Brazil Visa Hub.

Open a Brazilian Bank Account

• Some banks allow non-residents to open accounts with international documentation.

• Use it regularly: transfer small amounts, pay bills, and show financial activity.

Apply for a Brazilian Credit Card or Digital Account

• Start small: Nubank, Banco Inter, or C6 Bank sometimes approve foreigners.

• Always pay on time. This builds your credit score (Serasa/Boa Vista).

Get a Temporary or Investor Visa (Optional, But Powerful)

• With a visa tied to property investment or entrepreneurship, you gain residency and easier financing access.

• Brazil Visa Hub offers custom pathways based on your goals.

Document Foreign Income Transparently

• If you earn abroad, work with bilingual accountants who can translate and legalise your documents for banks.

Use Specialised Mortgage Brokers or Legal Advisors

• Banks like Bradesco and Itaú do lend to foreigners, but only through approved intermediaries.

• Brazil Visa Hub partners with brokers who speak your language and know how to package your case.

How Others Have Done It

Anna from Germany fell in love with Bahia but couldn’t get a mortgage. Brazil Visa Hub helped her open a digital bank account, build a minimal credit profile, and apply through a specialised lender. She closed in 4 months.

James from Canada invested $150K USD into an apartment in São Paulo using an investor visa. That visa unlocked residency—residency unlocked access to a mortgage. He now owns the property and rents it on Airbnb.

Lina and Rafael (Spain) built their Brazilian credit score over 6 months using a digital wallet and utility bills, then got a mortgage with Itaú through a bilingual broker referred by Brazil Visa Hub.

Is This Even Safe? What About Hidden Costs?

Totally fair question. The Brazilian real estate and lending landscape can be murky. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Legal Complexity: Property laws are strict—but only if you're represented well.

• Hidden Costs: Foreign buyers can face IOF tax, registration fees, legal fees—often totaling 5–8% of purchase price.

• Bureaucracy: Expect delays, especially with government agencies (cartório, Receita Federal).

• Corruption & Scams: Sadly, they exist. Never use informal agents or "fixers" without credentials.

Brazil Visa Hub is built to eliminate these risks—with licensed legal partners, financial advisors, and bilingual support. Their service walks you through the entire process transparently, avoiding missteps and maximizing approval chances.

Freedom, Ownership, and Your Future in Brazil

This isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about owning your place in Brazil.It’s about building a home where your family can thrive, where you can retire peacefully, or where your investments can grow in one of the most vibrant cultures on Earth.

Getting credit—even as a foreigner—isn’t about the bank. It’s about claiming your stake in the life you’re building here.

ou Deserve to Own in Brazil. Let’s Make It Happen.

Whether you're months into your relocation plans or just starting to dream, don’t let residency status stop you.

Yes, you can build Brazilian credit.

Yes, you can qualify for house financing.

And yes, with the right partner—you can navigate the system like a local.

Ready to buy property in Brazil as a foreigner?

Let Brazil Visa Hub be your guide. From CPF registration to mortgage approval and property closing, we simplify the journey for you.

Contact Brazil Visa Hub today and take the first step toward your Brazilian home.