Documents to Prepare for My Loan Application

By profile: salaried, self-employed, newcomer

Decision buy3 min readFebruary 11, 2026
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Documents required for a mortgage application in Quebec vary by profile. Salaried: recent pay stubs, employment letter, fédéral and provincial tax assessments (2 years), 90-day bank statements, photo ID. Self-employed: add complete T1/TP1 returns (2 years), financial statements, corresponding assessments. Newcomer: valid work permit, proof of permanent residency or citizenship, employment history and bank statements from country of origin. Fédéral lenders (OSFI) and Desjardins (AMF) have specific requirements. Alternative lenders may require less income documentation but request a professional appraisal. An AMF-certified mortgage broker in Quebec analyzes your situation free of charge and compares offers from multiple lenders to get you the best available conditions. The LDPSF requires them to act in your best interest, ensuring professional and objective advice to optimize your mortgage.

Documents Required by Borrower Profile

A complete file significantly accelerates the approval process.

Salaried employee

  • Last two pay stubs
  • Employment letter (position, tenure, salary, employment type)
  • Fédéral and provincial tax assessments (last 2 years)
  • 90-day bank statements (checking and savings)
  • Valid photo ID

Self-employed

  • All salaried documents PLUS:
  • Complete T1 and TP1 returns (last 2 years)
  • Business financial statements (2 years)
  • Corresponding tax assessments
  • Active business contracts (if applicable)
  • GST/QST return (if applicable)

Newcomer

  • Valid work permit or proof of permanent residency
  • Canadian employment history (employment letter)
  • Canadian bank statements (3-6 months if available)
  • Banking history from country of origin (if less than 2 years in Canada)
  • International credit reference (if available)

The Quebec Real Estate Market for Buyers

Homeownership in Quebec fits within a specific regulatory and fiscal framework. OSFI's B-20 stress test reduces borrowing capacity by 15 to 20% compared to the theoretical amount at the contractual rate. Mortgage loan insurance (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) is mandatory for any down payment below 20%, adding 2.8 to 4% to the borrowed amount. Transfer duties (welcome tax) in Quebec follow a progressive scale from 0.5% to 2.5% depending on price brackets. The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) allows withdrawing up to $60,000 per person from your RRSP tax-free, and the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) offers up to $40,000 in deductible contributions with tax-free withdrawals for purchase.

Your Purchase Action Plan

Purchasing a property in Quebec is a project that requires methodical preparation. Start by establishing a realistic budget that goes beyond the bank calculator. Include all costs: down payment, closing costs (3-5% of price), transfer duties, notary ($1,000-$2,500), inspection ($500-$800), and tax adjustments. Plan an emergency reserve of 3 to 6 months of payments. Consult an AMF-certified broker for mortgage pre-approval and a 120-day rate hold. Work with an OACIQ-certified real estate broker for the search and negotiation. Draft a purchase offer conditional on inspection and financing to protect your interests.

Protecting Your Real Estate Investment

Buying a property is the most important financial project of your life. In Quebec, you benefit from a solid regulatory framework with the AMF overseeing mortgage brokers, the OACIQ overseeing real estate brokers, and the notarial process securing the transaction. An AMF-certified mortgage broker accompanies you free of charge from start to finish, from pre-approval to disbursement. They compare offers from multiple lenders, negotiate the best conditions, and ensure you understand every aspect of your mortgage commitment. Never make the most important financial decision of your life without professional consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What basic documents are required?
Pay stubs, tax assessments (2 years), bank statements (90 days), photo ID.
Do requirements differ for self-employed?
Yes. Add complete T1/TP1 returns, financial statements and assessments for the last 2 years.
What options for newcomers?
Some lenders have dedicated programs. Work permit, residency proof and banking history are required.
How long are documents valid?
Pay stubs and bank statements: less than 30 days. Tax assessments: current or prior year.

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Educational information only. This does not constitute financial advice under the Act Respecting the Distribution of Financial Products and Services (LDPSF). Consult an AMF-certified mortgage broker before making any financial decision.

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