Citibank international mortgage: Details and how to apply

Alexis Konovodoff

Buying property overseas? You can use an international mortgage to fund your move abroad, with options for investors or families looking for new horizons.

We’ll take a look at everything you need to know about Citibank® international mortgage, including key benefits, loan types, and exactly how to apply for your global mortgage.

We’ll also look at Wise – your international money transfer alternative. Send and receive your money worldwide with just the touch of a button. Let’s dive in!

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Table of contents

What is an international mortgage?

An international mortgage is a mortgage on any property outside the US, including residential homes.

It’s typically aimed at US citizens who want to move overseas. However, you may also take out an international mortgage for a foreign investment opportunity or if you’re an expat who wants to secure a home back in the States.

You can also get a mortgage from a foreign bank or lender, but these loans may come with additional restrictions. Each country has its own requirements, so it may take longer to get approval for your money.

By choosing an international mortgage in the US, you can also take out a loan in your own language and use your US credit score to qualify for approval.

However, not all US banks offer international mortgages. You’ll need to choose a bank like Citibank or HSBC® for tailored global support.

You can also take out an international mortgage from a lender like America Mortgages®. This provider offers conforming loans to US expats living overseas.

You can use your international income to qualify – and you won’t need to worry about getting a W2 form from your employer.¹

Can you get an international mortgage from Citibank?

Citibank offers a range of international banking and loan products for American citizens or expats looking to take out a mortgage abroad.

If you want to buy property abroad as an American, you can get a Citibank international mortgage for:

  • a new holiday home
  • a buy-to-let property
  • an investment property
  • mortgage switching or equity release

However, you can’t typically get a Citibank overseas mortgage loan for a property you want to use as your main residence.

Citibank international mortgages are available in 10 countries and 10 currencies. You can borrow up to 70% of the property’s value from your bank – and the maximum loan amount is up to 5 times your income. This includes solo or joint borrowers.²

Back-to-back loans

You can also get a back-to-back loan from the Citi Group Offshore Center. Also known as a parallel loan, you can use a back-to-back loan to fund your investment project without having to pledge assets that aren’t already with your bank.

To apply for a Citibank back-to-back loan, you’ll need:

  • to be an existing Citibank customer
  • a term deposit account with a minimum of 10,000 USD

You can borrow up to 98% of the amount in your term deposit account and you’ll pay a fee of 0.01% of the amount you borrow to Citibank.²

Citibank Private Bank international mortgage

Citibank also offers Private Bank international mortgages and refinancing options for ultra high net worth individuals.

You can get funds for residential real estate across the world, including properties for your own use or investment opportunities. You can even use Citibank Private Banking to effectively store your wealth abroad.

For more information, speak to the Private Bank team at Citibank. They will work out exactly what you need and create a unique financing strategy for you.³

Benefits of Citibank international mortgage

A Citibank global mortgage can help you fund your international property purchase. The provider offers a range of options for buyers looking to acquire real estate abroad, so you should be able to find the right loan type for you.

Citibank’s international mortgage rates are typically variable, although the interest rate margin may differ depending on where you want to buy property and your mortgage currency.

You can get your Citibank overseas mortgage in 10 different foreign currencies.² This is a unique offering, but you’ll need to look into any currency conversion charges if you want to use your US dollar Citibank account to pay back your loan.

If you’re an ultra high net worth individual, you can also get exclusive mortgage products and tailored advice via Citibank Private Banking.

Benefits of Citibank Private Bank mortgages include:

  • no maximum loan amount
  • competitive interest rates
  • a sliding loan-to-value scale

You’ll also get access to a team with expertise in cross-border financing and knowledge of local worldwide property markets.

This is particularly important if you want to expand your real estate investment portfolio overseas or relocate abroad.³

Citibank international mortgage eligibility requirements

To qualify for your Citibank international mortgage, you may need to meet some eligibility criteria. This may include a minimum or maximum age for your loan.

You may also need a few key documents, such as:

  • bank statements
  • proof of income – typically pay stubs or tax returns
  • proof of down payment
  • signed disclosures
  • your W2 form⁴

However, these criteria may differ depending on where you want to buy your property, your loan type, and your financial history.

Make sure to speak to a Citibank mortgage representative before going ahead with your application.

Buying property abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise

Now that we covered some of the basics, the only question left is: how to send money to pay for your property overseas?

Wise offers you a quick, secure and transparent way to send money abroad. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.

With the Wise Account you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 9 different currencies.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

How to apply for an international mortgage with Citibank

An international mortgage can help you buy property abroad, whether you’re looking for a new holiday home or you’re investing overseas.

Let’s take a look at how to apply for a mortgage with Citibank – your step-by-step guide.

Step 1. Complete a Citibank mortgage application. You can do this online, over the phone, or in your local branch

Step 2. Get an estimate for your loan. This will include any fees or costs for your mortgage at Citibank

Step 3. Provide Citibank with consent to proceed with your mortgage application

Step 4. Submit any required documents, such as proof of income and bank statements to support your application

Step 5. Get a home appraisal to estimate your property’s market value. This can help Citibank determine the amount and terms of your loan

Step 6. You’ll receive a final decision about your mortgage approval. At this point, you can review and sign your closing documents⁴

These steps will depend on the type of mortgage you need. To apply for a Private Bank loan, you’ll need to get in touch with the Private Bank team at Citibank.

Speak to a Citibank representative for more information on how to get approved for your overseas mortgage.

What to consider when getting an international mortgage

There are a few things to think about before taking out a mortgage at Citibank or another international mortgage lender.

You’ll need to look into any fees or costs for your mortgage. As well as repayments and interest, you may need to pay some taxes for your property.

Moving abroad can be expensive, so look into shipping, agent commission fees, and renovation costs before taking the leap.

You’ll also need to consider:

  • whether your mortgage covers a main residence abroad
  • the type of loan you can access
  • currency conversion for international repayments
  • where you want to buy property
  • your investment goals

Speak to a financial advisor or mortgage broker for support and advice. You may also want to work with an international real estate agent and lawyer to find the right property for you.


Citibank international mortgages can support your overseas relocation, with special loans and deals for high net worth individuals looking to invest abroad.

However, there are a few things to think about. You may not be able to use a Citibank mortgage for your main residence – and you’ll need to look into exactly how to qualify for your loan.

To send your money to over 140 countries across the globe – all at the ‘fair’ mid-market exchange rate – check out Wise.

Sources

  1. America Mortgages - International expat mortgage USA
  2. Citibank - Citi Group Offshore Center
  3. Citibank - UHNW mortgages
  4. Citibank - Mortgage application process
Sources checked 03/05/2025


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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