Residents of Singapore and Hong Kong can borrow in France on the same legal terms as anyone else, with typical financing of 50–70% of the price. Banks convert Singapore and Hong Kong dollar income cautiously, and the Hong Kong dollar's peg to the US dollar means your euro exposure behaves like a dollar earner's. Tax documents from IRAS or the IRD, an employment letter and bank statements form the core of the file. For larger loans, private banks lend in exchange for assets placed with them.
Deposit and loan size
For French banks, Singapore and Hong Kong are outside the EU, and lenders that accept buyers based in Asia typically finance 50–70% of the price. On an €800,000 apartment, that means a deposit of €240,000–400,000 before purchase costs of 7–8.5% on an existing home.
All your loan repayments, including borrower insurance and any loan in Asia, may not exceed 35% of net household income, over 25 years at most.
Singapore and Hong Kong dollars
The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar, so converting to euros carries the same risk as for a dollar earner. The Singapore dollar has no such peg and moves against the euro too. Either way, banks may count your income after a margin or ask for savings held with them.
The deposit is where exchange rates hurt most. A forward contract fixes the rate for the transfer on completion day, and monthly repayments can go across at an agreed margin. Our currency partner arranges both.
Documents French banks ask for
- Passport for each borrower, your employment pass or visa, and proof of address
- An employment letter confirming your role, start date and salary
- Last three payslips
- Singapore: your IRAS Notice of Assessment for the last two years
- Hong Kong: your IRD tax return and salaries tax demand note for the last two years
- Self-employed or company owner: two to three years of accounts
- Three to six months of statements for every bank and investment account
- Proof of where the deposit comes from, for anti-money-laundering checks
Bonuses and share awards often count only in part, or only with a track record of several years.
Private banks for larger loans
Above roughly €1 million, private banks become an option. They usually lend in exchange for assets you place with them, and they offer structures retail banks rarely do, including interest-only (in fine) loans where the capital is repaid at the end. Few banks outside France lend against French property, so ask your private bank early whether it does.
For smaller amounts, retail banks with international desks are the usual route. Many set a minimum loan for non-residents, commonly €100,000–250,000.
Next step
Distance and time differences mean the loan condition in the compromis should give you at least 60 days, and you can sign the deed through a power of attorney. Use the eligibility check and we will introduce you to one broker who places files from Asia.
Questions
Can I get a French mortgage if I live in Singapore?
Yes. Lenders that accept non-EU residents typically finance 50–70% of the price, subject to the 35% debt-to-income ceiling and well-documented income.
Is the Hong Kong dollar treated like the US dollar?
For exchange risk, yes, because it is pegged to the US dollar. Banks still convert your income cautiously and may ask for savings held with them.
When does a private bank make sense?
Usually for loans above roughly €1 million, when you can place assets with the bank. Private banks also offer interest-only loans that retail banks rarely provide.