Do I Need a Green Card to Buy a House in Texas?

TL;DR: No. You do not need a green card or U.S. citizenship to buy a house in Texas. There is no federal or state law that restricts real estate purchases to citizens or lawful permanent residents. Non-citizens — including undocumented immigrants, visa holders, DACA recipients, and people with no immigration status — can legally purchase property. However, getting a mortgage loan depends on your residency status, income documentation, and the type of loan you pursue. ITIN loans allow borrowers without a Social Security Number to finance a home using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Key Takeaways

• No green card required to buy: U.S. law does not restrict property ownership by immigration status. Anyone can buy real estate in Texas.
• Mortgage options vary by status: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) qualify for the same loans as citizens (FHA, conventional, VA, USDA). Non-permanent residents and undocumented immigrants can use ITIN loans.
• ITIN loans are the path for non-citizens without SSNs: The IRS issues ITINs to residents and non-resident aliens regardless of immigration status, and select lenders accept ITINs for mortgage approval.
• Down payments are higher for ITIN loans: Most ITIN loan programs in Texas require 10–20% down, compared to 3.5% for FHA loans.
• You still pay property taxes: All property owners in Texas pay property taxes regardless of immigration status, and you may qualify for homestead exemptions if the home is your primary residence.

Table of Contents

• The Short Answer: Can Non-Citizens Buy Property in Texas?
• What Immigration Status Do You Need to Buy a House?
• Mortgage Options by Immigration Status
• What Is an ITIN Loan and How Does It Work?
• Documents You Need to Buy a House Without a Green Card
• Can DACA Recipients Buy a House in Texas?
• Can Visa Holders Buy a House in Texas?
• Property Rights and Legal Protections for Non-Citizen Homeowners
• Cost Comparison: Green Card Holder vs. ITIN Borrower
• Common Myths About Non-Citizens Buying Homes
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Short Answer: Can Non-Citizens Buy Property in Texas?

Yes — you can buy a house in Texas without a green card, without U.S. citizenship, and without any immigration status at all. There is no federal law, Texas state law, or local regulation that restricts who can own real estate based on citizenship or immigration status. The U.S. real estate market is open to foreign buyers, including non-resident aliens who live abroad and want to purchase investment property.

According to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), which regulates real estate transactions in Texas, the contract forms used in Texas do not require buyers to disclose their citizenship status or immigration status. The TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) asks for the buyer's name and address — not their immigration documentation. A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, matrícula consular, or driver's license) is typically sufficient for the identity verification required by title companies.

The key distinction is this: buying a house (paying cash or obtaining financing) is a property transaction open to anyone, but getting a mortgage loan from a lender involves additional requirements that vary depending on your residency status and the type of loan.

What Immigration Status Do You Need to Buy a House?

You do not need any specific immigration status to buy a house. Here is how different statuses affect your path to homeownership:

• U.S. Citizens: Full access to all loan types (FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, jumbo). Standard documentation with Social Security Number.
• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): Treated the same as citizens for mortgage purposes. Full access to FHA, conventional, VA (if military), and USDA loans. Lenders use your SSN and green card for verification.
• Non-Permanent Residents (Work Visa Holders): H-1B, L-1, TN, and other work visa holders can qualify for FHA and conventional loans. Lenders typically require valid visa documentation, employment verification, and evidence that you will remain in the U.S. for at least three more years. Some lenders require a higher down payment.
• DACA Recipients: Some FHA lenders accept DACA recipients with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and SSN. Policy has shifted over the years — check with lenders currently offering DACA-friendly programs.
• Undocumented Immigrants: Cannot get FHA, conventional, VA, or USDA loans (these require SSNs or specific legal status). The primary path is ITIN loans through specialized lenders.
• Foreign Nationals Living Abroad: Can buy U.S. property with cash or through foreign national loan programs offered by some banks, typically requiring 25–30% down.

According to USCIS, a green card (Form I-551) grants lawful permanent resident status, which allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. Green card holders have nearly identical rights to citizens when it comes to obtaining mortgages. But the absence of a green card does not prevent you from buying property — it simply changes which financing options are available to you.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Mortgage Options by Immigration Status

Loan Type	Minimum Down	Requires SSN?	Available to Green Card Holders?	Available to Non-Permanent Residents?	Available to Undocumented Immigrants?
FHA Loan	3.5%	Yes	Yes	Yes (with valid visa)	No
Conventional (Fannie/Freddie)	3–5%	Yes	Yes	Yes (with work visa)	No
VA Loan	0%	Yes	Yes (if veteran)	Yes (if veteran)	No
USDA Loan	0%	Yes	Yes	Yes (with work visa)	No
ITIN Loan	10–20%	No (uses ITIN)	Yes (optional)	Yes	Yes
Foreign National Loan	25–30%	No	N/A	Yes	Sometimes

What Is an ITIN Loan and How Does It Work?

An ITIN loan is a mortgage designed for borrowers who do not have a Social Security Number. Instead of an SSN, the borrower uses an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. According to the IRS, an ITIN is a 9-digit number issued for federal tax purposes to individuals who are not eligible for an SSN, regardless of immigration status. The IRS explicitly states that an ITIN does not provide or change immigration status, does not authorize work in the U.S., and does not serve as identification outside the federal tax system — but it does allow you to file taxes, build a financial footprint, and qualify for specialized mortgage products.

ITIN loans are offered by specialized lenders — not by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, or VA. This means the loans are held in the lender's portfolio rather than sold to government-sponsored enterprises. Because the lender carries the full risk, ITIN loans typically come with:

• Higher interest rates than conventional loans (typically 1.5–3 percentage points higher)
• Larger down payment requirements (10–20% minimum, compared to 3.5% for FHA)
• Income verification through tax returns (usually 2 years of tax returns filed with an ITIN)
• Bank statements or alternative credit (for borrowers without traditional credit scores)
• Valid government-issued identification (passport, matrícula consular, or driver's license)

According to Sully Ruiz, a licensed Texas REALTOR® (TREC #0742907) with Sully Realty Group who has helped 46+ families close on ITIN loans in the Austin metro, most ITIN programs in Central Texas require a 10–20% down payment, though some lenders now offer options as low as 5% for borrowers with strong income and tax filing history. Sully has secured up to $30K in grants for qualifying buyers through down payment assistance programs that accept ITIN borrowers.

If you are ready to explore whether an ITIN loan could work for your situation, you can start with a free screening consultation to see which programs you may qualify for.

Documents You Need to Buy a House Without a Green Card

If you are buying a house without a green card, the documents you need depend on whether you are paying cash or applying for financing.

For a cash purchase:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (passport, matrícula consular, or driver's license)
• Proof of funds (bank statement or letter from your financial institution)
• Tax Identification Number (SSN or ITIN) for tax reporting purposes

For an ITIN loan:

• ITIN issued by the IRS (Form W-7 confirmation letter)
• Valid government-issued photo ID (passport or matrícula consular)
• 2 years of U.S. federal tax returns filed with your ITIN
• 2 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds for down payment and reserves
• Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, or employer letter)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail with your name)
• Rental history (12 months of canceled checks or landlord verification, if applicable)

For a conventional/FHA loan as a legal resident:

• Green card (Form I-551) or valid work visa with at least 3 years remaining
• Social Security Number
• Standard income, employment, and credit documentation

Can DACA Recipients Buy a House in Texas?

Yes, DACA recipients can buy a house in Texas. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and, in most cases, a valid Social Security Number. This means DACA recipients may qualify for FHA loans and some conventional loan programs, depending on the lender's policies.

The FHA does not have a blanket prohibition on DACA borrowers, but lender policies vary. Some lenders treat DACA recipients the same as any other borrower with an SSN and valid work authorization. Others may impose additional requirements or decline the application. It is important to shop around and work with a lender experienced in serving immigrant communities.

If a DACA borrower cannot secure an FHA or conventional loan, ITIN loans remain available as a backup option — though most DACA recipients already have SSNs and would not need an ITIN loan.

Can Visa Holders Buy a House in Texas?

Yes, temporary visa holders (H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, and similar work visas) can buy a house in Texas. FHA guidelines allow non-permanent residents with valid work authorization to qualify for FHA-insured mortgages, provided they meet standard credit, income, and debt-to-income requirements.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also accept loans for non-permanent resident aliens who have a valid SSN, employment authorization, and evidence that they will likely remain in the U.S. for at least three more years. Conventional loans for visa holders typically require:

• Valid visa and EAD
• SSN
• 2 years of employment history in the U.S.
• Evidence of at least 3 years of remaining U.S. residency
• Standard down payment (as low as 3–5% for conventional, 3.5% for FHA)

Foreign nationals who live outside the U.S. and do not have U.S. work authorization can still buy property through foreign national loan programs, which typically require 25–30% down and charge higher interest rates than standard mortgages.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Property Rights and Legal Protections for Non-Citizen Homeowners

Non-citizen homeowners in Texas have the same property rights as citizen homeowners. Once you purchase a property, you are the legal owner regardless of your immigration status. This means you:

• Can title the property in your name — title companies do not require proof of citizenship
• Can claim the homestead exemption — Texas allows any property owner who occupies the home as their primary residence to claim homestead exemptions, which reduce property taxes. You do not need to be a citizen to file for homestead exemption with your county appraisal district.
• Can sell the property — you can sell your home at any time and receive the proceeds from the sale
• Can pass the property to heirs — property passes according to Texas inheritance law regardless of immigration status
• Are protected by tenant and homeowner laws — all Texas property laws apply equally to owners regardless of citizenship

One important consideration for non-citizen sellers is FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act). If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, the buyer is generally required to withhold 15% of the sales price and send it to the IRS as a prepayment of potential capital gains tax. This does not mean you owe 15% — it is a withholding, and you can claim a refund when you file your tax return if the actual gain is less. Green card holders are exempt from FIRPTA withholding. Learn more in our detailed guide about selling a home in Texas as a non-citizen and FIRPTA rules.

Cost Comparison: Green Card Holder vs. ITIN Borrower

Here is an honest comparison of what it costs to buy a $350,000 home in the Austin metro area as a green card holder versus an ITIN borrower:

Cost Factor	Green Card Holder (FHA Loan)	ITIN Borrower
Down Payment (min)	$12,250 (3.5%)	$35,000–$70,000 (10–20%)
Interest Rate (approx.)	6.5–7.0%	8.0–10.0%
Monthly P&I (30-yr fixed)	~$2,033 (at 6.75%, 3.5% down)	~$2,528 (at 9.0%, 15% down)
PMI/Mortgage Insurance	~$292/mo (FHA MIP)	No PMI (but higher rate)
Property Taxes (Austin avg)	~$730/mo (2.5% rate)	~$730/mo (same)
Homestead Exemption	Yes	Yes
Total Monthly (PITI)	~$3,055	~$3,258

Note: These are estimates for illustration only. Actual rates, taxes, and insurance vary by lender, location, and individual circumstances. Market data is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Contact Sully Ruiz for a personalized analysis.

The ITIN borrower puts down more upfront and pays a higher interest rate, but both paths lead to homeownership and equity building. The higher cost reflects the lender's risk in holding a portfolio loan that cannot be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Common Myths About Non-Citizens Buying Homes

Myth 1: "Only citizens can own property in the U.S." False. There is no citizenship requirement for real estate ownership in the United States. Foreign nationals, non-resident aliens, and undocumented immigrants can all legally purchase and hold title to real property.

Myth 2: "You need a green card to get a mortgage." False. While a green card gives you access to the broadest range of loan programs, ITIN loans are specifically designed for borrowers without SSNs. Select lenders in Texas offer ITIN mortgages with competitive terms.

Myth 3: "Undocumented immigrants cannot get a mortgage." False. ITIN loans are available to borrowers regardless of immigration status. The IRS issues ITINs to residents and non-resident aliens without regard to immigration status, and lenders who offer ITIN loans base approval on tax filing history, income, and identity verification — not immigration documentation.

Myth 4: "Non-citizens cannot claim the homestead exemption." False. Texas homestead exemptions are based on occupancy, not citizenship. If the home is your primary residence, you can file for the homestead exemption with your county appraisal district regardless of your immigration status.

Myth 5: "Buying a house will affect your immigration case." There is no evidence that purchasing property negatively impacts immigration proceedings. The IRS, which processes ITINs, explicitly states that an ITIN does not affect immigration status. Buying a home is a financial transaction, not an immigration event. However, always consult an immigration attorney for case-specific concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a house in Texas if I am undocumented?

Yes. There is no law preventing undocumented immigrants from buying real estate in Texas. For financing, ITIN loans are available through specialized lenders who accept an ITIN instead of an SSN. You will need 2 years of tax returns filed with your ITIN, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of income.

Do I need a Social Security Number to buy a house?

No. While an SSN is required for FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loans, ITIN loans allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who need a taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but are not eligible for an SSN.

Can I get an FHA loan without a green card?

It depends. FHA loans require a valid SSN. If you are a non-permanent resident with a valid work visa and SSN, you may qualify for an FHA loan. If you do not have an SSN, you cannot get an FHA loan and should look into ITIN loans instead.

Will buying a house help my immigration case?

Purchasing property is not an immigration benefit and does not directly affect your immigration status. The IRS states that an ITIN does not change immigration status. Establishing financial stability through property ownership may demonstrate ties to the community, but you should always consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your specific case.

Can I get down payment assistance without a green card?

Some down payment assistance programs in Texas accept ITIN borrowers. Availability varies by program and city. Sully Ruiz has helped ITIN borrowers secure up to $30K in grant funds through qualifying programs. Book a free consultation to explore what programs you may qualify for.

What happens if I sell the house I bought with an ITIN loan?

You can sell your home at any time, just like any homeowner. If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, FIRPTA rules may require the buyer to withhold 15% of the sales price for tax purposes. This is a withholding — not the actual tax owed — and you can claim a refund when you file your tax return. Learn more in our guide about selling a home bought with an ITIN loan.

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About the Author

Sully Ruiz is a licensed Texas REALTOR® (TREC #0742907) with Sully Realty Group / Keller Williams Austin NW. A bilingual real estate professional serving the Austin metro, Sully has helped 46+ families purchase homes using ITIN loans and has secured up to $30K in grants for qualifying buyers. She is a member of NAR, Texas REALTORS®, ABOR, and NAHREP. Book a free consultation →

Last Updated: June 2026

Market data is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Sources are believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed. Contact Sully Ruiz for a personalized market analysis.

Sources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — Green Card Eligibility Categories: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility-categories
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin
• Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) — Contract Forms and Consumer Information: https://www.trec.texas.gov
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — FHA Loan Requirements: https://www.hud.gov
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — Mortgage Rules for Non-Citizens: https://www.consumerfinance.gov