How Foreign Buyers Can Obtain a Mortgage in Italy in 2025: A Practical Guide

LT Immobili & Design 21 November 2025

This guide provides a clear and updated overview of requirements, documentation, timelines and the banks that are most active in providing financing to international buyers in 2025.

Italian banks continue to grant mortgages to:

• Foreign nationals residing in Italy with a valid permit

• EU citizens living abroad

• Non-EU citizens living abroad (evaluated on a case-by-case basis)

• Employees working abroad with stable income

• Self-employed professionals and business owners with verifiable financial documentation

Residency in Italy helps streamline the process, but it is not mandatory.

Loan-to-value limits vary depending on the applicant’s income stability and country of origin:

• Residents in Italy: 70–80%

• Non-resident EU citizens: 60–70%

• Non-resident non-EU citizens: 50–60%

These percentages may change depending on the bank’s internal policies and the profile of the applicant.

Although requirements differ among institutions, the following documents are generally requested:

• Passport or national ID

• Italian tax code (codice fiscale)

• Recent payslips

• Employment contract

• Income tax return from the country of origin

• Bank statements (3–6 months)

• Full income tax returns

• Profit-and-loss statements or balance sheets

• Personal and business bank statements

• Company registration documents (or equivalent)

When income is produced abroad, banks must be able to assess it accurately. For this reason, documents issued outside Italy often require a sworn translation (traduzione giurata) or a certified translation performed by a recognised professional.

• Payslips

• Employment contract

• Income tax return or equivalent certificate

• Personal bank statements

• Company documents for entrepreneurs

Banks or notaries may require an asseverated translation when:

• The document originates outside the EU

• The financial information significantly affects credit approval

• The document must be formally added to the mortgage file

• It is required by the bank’s internal compliance rules

For non-EU countries, additional steps may be needed:

• Document legalisation

• Apostille (under the Hague Convention, if applicable)

A sworn translation generally requires 3–7 business days.

To avoid delays, foreign buyers should:

1. Send original scans to the bank for preliminary review.

2. Wait for confirmation of which documents require sworn translation.

3. Use qualified translators registered with official bodies.

For foreign applicants, the process is usually slightly longer:

• Preliminary assessment: 1–2 weeks

• Mortgage file review and appraisal: 3–5 weeks

• Final approval and deed: 1–2 weeks

Average total: 6–10 weeks.

Several Italian banks show a strong propensity to work with foreign applicants:

• Intesa Sanpaolo – International Clients Division

• UniCredit – Global Division

• BPER Banca

• Banco BPM

• Crédit Agricole Italia

• CheBanca! (particularly for high-income profiles)

Most banks require the client to open an Italian bank account before starting the mortgage application.

• Fixed-rate mortgages

• Variable-rate mortgages with CAP protection

• “Green” mortgages for high-efficiency homes (class A or B)

• Open an Italian bank account in advance

• Prepare complete, well-organised documentation

• Provide sworn translations when required

• Choose properties with clear urban and cadastral compliance

• Work with local professionals for banking and notarial steps

International demand continues to grow thanks to:

• High quality of life

• Stable, non-speculative real estate market

• Predictable tax environment

• Strong appeal of coastal and historic areas

• Increasing numbers of remote workers choosing Italy as a base

Versilia and the Lucchesia attract buyers from the United States, Germany, Switzerland, France and Scandinavia, seeking second homes, relocation properties or long-term investments.

LT Immobili provides a comprehensive service tailored to foreign clients:

• Multilingual assistance

• Urban and cadastral compliance checks

• Coordination with banks and financial advisors

• Direct communication with notaries and technicians

• Selection of properties aligned with international standards

A complete support system designed to ensure clarity, security and a smooth buying experience in Italy.