Get the right mortgage in Germany as an expat

Permanent residency is not strictly required. Mortgages are also possible on Blue Card or temporary residence permits, but lenders may evaluate employment stability, residence horizon and equity more carefully. The right lender match matters more than a single status.

As a guideline, plan for closing costs (often around 10–15% of the price) plus an additional share of the property price as deposit. Non-EU and Blue Card profiles are usually expected to bring more, we calibrate the actual range to your specific lender during the consultation.

Yes, with the right preparation. Lenders typically need translated, verifiable income proof and a clean view of currency, tax and stability. Not all lenders treat foreign income the same way, that's where lender-neutral advice helps.

Typically personal ID and residence documents, income proof (payslips, contracts, tax statements), property documents (exposé, floor plan, energy certificate) and equity proof. The exact list depends on your profile, you'll find a starter checklist in the Documents section above.

It usually helps. A pre-screened budget makes you faster and more credible to sellers. Most expats use the affordability check to set a realistic ceiling before they spend weekends on viewings.

For many mortgage cases, the advisory process is free for clients because compensation may come from the financing partner after a successful mortgage agreement. We explain how this works transparently before you proceed, see the Costs section above.

It depends on profile and lender. As a rough picture: a few days to a first affordability view, two to four weeks toward a binding mortgage offer, and several more weeks for final coordination with the property timeline.

Yes. If timing is tight, document readiness and lender matching become especially important. We help prioritise what to prepare so you can move from “interested” to a binding offer without losing the property.