Mortgage for the Self-Employed in Russia: How to Collect Documents and Get Bank Approval

Without an office, a labour contract and a salary – this is how over 7.5 million people in the Russian Federation work. For themselves. But their need for their own homes is no less than that of employees. Mortgages for the self-employed in Russia are no longer the exception to the rule – today banks are willing to co-operate with NAP payers. The path to approval requires precise compliance with the conditions and the collection of the correct set of documents.

Why banks are no longer negative about NPAs

Federal Law No. 422-FZ approved the professional income tax (PIT) as an official regime. From 2019, self-employed status became a legitimate way of running a microbusiness. Most banks introduced separate products, and mortgages for the self-employed in Russia began to appear in product lines under the same name.

According to the Central Bank of Russia, the number of approved home loans for the self-employed increased by 36% in 2023. At the same time, the rate started from 10.9% per annum, and the average down payment exceeded 25%. Some banks reduced rates to 8.5% if additional conditions were met. These included participation in a subsidy programme, a young family or the bank’s ecosystem.

How a self-employed person can get a home loan

The bank does not look at the borrower by the label “self-employed” but by the income stability model. Therefore, mortgages for the self-employed in Russia are approved for those who prove their solvency.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

1. The duration of work in the status of self-employed is at least 6 months, or better – a year.
2. Regular receipts to the account (at least 3-5 times per month).
3. Minimum monthly profit – from 30,000 roubles (in the regions) and from 60,000 – in Moscow.
4. No current delinquencies and no bad credit history.

Documents for a mortgage for the self-employed: what the bank asks for

A home loan for the self-employed requires a separate list of paperwork. The main purpose is to prove income, tax status and good faith payment of NPAs.

A comprehensive list of documents:

1. The passport of the Russian Federation is the main identifier.
2. Certificate of registration as an NAP payer – generated in the “My Tax” application.
3. Extract from the “My Tax” application – shows the amounts of profit and taxes paid.
4. Bank statement – confirms the regularity of receipts.
5. Credit history – requested by the bank itself or provided upon request.
6. Income certificate (bank or alternative form) – optional, but increases the chance of approval.

The bank may also request contracts with clients, links to online portfolios or screenshots of accounts on freelance exchanges. Everything depends on the individual approach of a particular institution.

Terms of mortgage lending for the self-employed

Each financial institution develops its own model. But mortgages for the self-employed in Russia are subject to general rules which are influenced by income, age, region and type of housing.

Typical parameters:

1. Rate: from 10.5% to 13.5% per annum.
2. Loan term: from 1 year to 30 years.
3. Amount: up to RUB 20 million (depends on the region).
4. Down payment: from 15 to 30 per cent of the housing cost.
5. Credit history: it is mandatory that there are no delinquencies within the last 12 months.

For example, in Sberbank, individuals working for themselves make a mortgage with 12% per annum at a contribution of 20%, and in VTB – from 10.7%, but with a confirmed income for the year. Alfa-Bank and Tinkoff also offer products for the NPD category.

How to improve the chances of mortgage approval for the self-employed

No system guarantees automatic approval, but following a set of guidelines dramatically increases the likelihood of home loan approval.

Practical tips:

1. Maintain a clean credit history with no delinquencies.
2. Avoid sharp fluctuations in profits.
3. Provide My Tax statements for as long a period as possible.
4. Show a white tax burden – starting at 4% of income.
5. Increase the down payment – banks treat those who are willing to invest more of their own money better.

NAP and mortgages for Russia’s self-employed

Lending against real estate for the self-employed in Russia depends on the transparency of earnings. Regular payment of NAP (4% from individuals, 6% from legal entities) forms a positive image. The bank assesses the frequency of receipts, the diversity of clients, the systematic nature of settlements. Payments from several sources and generated cheques through “My Tax” increase the chances. The use of cash, infrequent transfers and lack of reporting complicate the verification.

Mortgages for NPA payers are more likely to be approved when there is a stable income stream, correct tax history and consistent use of digital tools.

Down payment and credit history

A home loan for self-employed people in Russia is approved more readily with a high instalment. The minimum is 20%, preferably from 30%. The bank compensates for this risk of irregular income.

Bad credit history sharply reduces the chances: arrears, debts, active loans cause doubts. Approval of mortgages to the self-employed is more likely to occur in the presence of a closed loan with no irregularities. Financial discipline increases confidence, especially with long-term stability.

Which banks give mortgages to the self-employed

Every year, more and more lending organisations are developing standalone products. Today, mortgages for the self-employed in Russia are offered not as an exception, but as part of a strategy to attract NAP clients.

Current offers of banks:

1. Sberbank – rate from 11.5%, minimum period of registration in the NAP status – 6 months.
2. VTB – offers a “digital home loan” for the self-employed without visiting an office, rate from 10.7 per cent.
3. Alfa-Bank – approves upon confirmation of earnings for 12 months, rate from 12.2%.
4. Dom.RF – subsidised rate from 6% for families with children, works with NAP.
5. Raiffeisenbank – supports NAP, with a constant income stream, rate from 11.8 per cent.

The variation in requirements remains, but the general trend is clear: mortgages to the self-employed are becoming a mass service.

What affects mortgage approval for the self-employed in Russia

The bank makes its final decision based on the aggregate picture. It is not enough to simply provide documents – it is their consistency and logic that matters.

Key parameters:

1. Income stability proven by the numbers.
2. Absence of risks in the professional sphere.
3. A high rating on your credit history.
4. Correctly assembled package of documents for a mortgage to the self-employed.
5. The duration of the activity is a minimum of 6 months.
6. Positive tax status and history of paying NPAs.

The bank analyses everything: from the number of cheques to the wording in payment assignments. A self-employed person with monthly payments of 100,000 roubles. “For photographer’s services” looks more reliable than a one-off transfer of 500,000 without explanation.

Conclusion

Mortgages for the self-employed in Russia have gone beyond exclusion. Banks have taken into account the specifics of the NAP, and the business approach has replaced formal employment. A stable income, a clean history, clear documents and confident financial behaviour are sufficient. Self-employed status no longer prevents the purchase of housing – the market has accepted the new rules.