Many US military personnel are deployed overseas at any time. It’s far from home, but it could potentially allow an active military force overseas Get a mortgage – VA loan or other type – and Buy a house Remotely. Here we explore purchasing a home with a VA loan for active duty veterans currently outside the US
Can active duty military obtain VA loans?
Yes, active military members I’m eligible for a VA loan. According to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office, you can qualify after serving for 90 days in a row without serving and not serving.
“We must also have been serving continuously for at least 181 days during peacetime to meet the basic VA loan service requirements,” said Dana Hendrix, Senior Vice President of Treasury for DSLD Mortgages.
“This means providing services for six consecutive months without breaks in service, including non-combat roles,” said Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and co-founder of Fig clone. “The duration of schooling and training also counts towards this requirement.”
VA Loan Credit and Income Requirements
To qualify for a VA loan, you generally need a participating lender.
“Some lenders may accept lower credit scores, but may require additional documentation or charge higher interest rates,” adds Zhou. “We also need a stable income, which can include military wages, allowances and secondary income.”
Be prepared to offer your recent vacation and revenue statement (LES).
“BAH serves as income that can increase your chances of borrowing and reduce the DTI ratio,” Hendrix says. As of 2025, BAH fees are 5% of the national average housing costs by wage grade, according to the Department of Defense. These range from $90 to $202 per month, depending on your grade and dependency status.
Residence requirements for VA loans
If you are buying a home appearyou must:
- After the VA loan closes, it will move within “reasonable time”. “Reasonable” is defined as 60 days, but it can be longer if you can prove that you are living in your home by a certain date within 12 months of closure. If you are active and unable to meet the “reasonable” criteria, your spouse or dependent child may live in the home to meet this occupancy requirement.
- I live in your house Main residence 12 months in a row. Of course, if you are active and deployed overseas, it can be difficult to do so. However, deployed active duty service members are given temporary duty status. As a result, they automatically meet the occupancy requirements. VA Loan Guidelines.
How to apply for a VA loan overseas
While it can be difficult to navigate the home-being process and apply for a VA loan while physically not present, following these steps can be helpful.
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This will prove military service and qualify for a VA loan. Fortunately, I can Request a COE online Or you can do this by mail and prove your military service from anywhere in the world during deployment. “To get a COE, you’ll need to provide documentation such as vacation and revenue statements,” Hendrix says. “In addition, it may be necessary to submit a military order or worship statement from the commander verifying active duty status and length of service.”
- Find your lender: To obtain a VA loan overseas, you will need to work with a lender who offers a VA loan. Most lenders have a website that contains information you need to get started, from your lender’s email address to your online loan application. Compare at least three offers VA lender To find the best The loan fee will be.
- Get a real estate agent: You can’t see the house in person, so you’re hoping someone you can trust will rate the property for you. a A great real estate agent It’s very useful here. You need to do some extra work to find a trusted agent.
- Find your home: You can hand the hunt from anywhere between your agents, friends and family you have in your preferred purchasing area, and between online resources such as 3D walkthroughs and video tours. However, you cannot view the house directly before purchasing. Have it before committing to real estate inspection It was rated as follows.
- Buy your home: Once the seller accepts your offer at home and the lender approves you for a VA loan, you can confirm your home purchase. However, all home purchases and VA loan documents must be processed digitally. Still, thanks to the e-Sign feature, you should be able to do everything from where it is deployed. You will return home from unfolding with the house waiting for you.
learn more: Do I need to apply for a mortgage online?
Additionally, consider that during deployment, you can appoint a person or organization to express your interest in purchasing a home. power of attorney (POA). To grant a POA, you will need assistance from a lawyer, legal clinic, or a judge’s advocate general. Any of these experts can also recommend additional legal action depending on your situation. In many cases, military members can grant POAs to their spouses and perform tasks such as signing documents on their behalf. Ask these questions when considering who to appoint.
- What kind of power would you give that person?
- Want to establish restrictions?
- How long does the POA last?
- Can I cancel my POA at any time?
- Can you give me a name for the backup?
You should also check the POA documentation they need to do with the closing or title agent Close your mortgage.
Can I use a VA loan on overseas real estate?
No, even if you work abroad, you cannot use a VA loan to purchase international property. The VA only guarantees loans to purchase homes on US and US territories and properties, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
Conclusion
Obtaining an active VA loan abroad is more complicated than doing it at home, but that is definitely possible. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as providing a minimum number of days (either 90 or 181), depending on whether it is during wartime or peacetime. You must also meet the credit, income and residency requirements for the VA loan program.
