What are the Real Estate License Requirements for a Non-U.S. Citizen?

By KW Asheville • November 4, 2025

Global to Green Card: Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Get a Real Estate License in North Carolina?

 

Your Path to NC Brokerage, Regardless of Citizenship

North Carolina’s real estate market is increasingly global, and the state’s licensing requirements reflect this. Many aspiring brokers who are not U.S. citizens often ask: Can a non-U.S. citizen get a real estate license in North Carolina?

The good news is that U.S. citizenship is NOT a mandatory requirement to become a licensed real estate broker in NC. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) focuses primarily on an applicant’s legal authorization to live and work in the United States. This flexibility opens the door for a diverse pool of talent.

 

The Three Key Immigration Statuses for Licensure

According to the NCREC, an applicant must fall into one of three categories to satisfy the legal presence requirement:

  1. U.S. Citizen: A person born in the U.S. or who has acquired naturalized citizenship.

  2. Non-Citizen National: A person born in an outlying possession of the U.S. (like American Samoa) who owes allegiance to the U.S. but is not a citizen.

  3. Qualified Alien Under Federal Law: This is the category that covers most immigrants who are legally present and authorized to work. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs): Often referred to as “Green Card” holders (Form I-551).

    • Asylees and Refugees.

    • Those on certain temporary visas who are authorized to work in the real estate brokerage field.

If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident, you meet this key eligibility requirement and can proceed with the licensing steps, provided you also meet the age, education, and character standards.

 

Beyond Status: The Non-Negotiable Requirements

While your citizenship status may be flexible, you still must meet all other non-negotiable NC licensing criteria:

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old.

  • Education: Successfully complete the state-mandated 75-hour Broker Pre-Licensing Course.

  • Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check and satisfy the NCREC that you possess the requisite honesty, truthfulness, and integrity.

  • Exam: Pass the two-part North Carolina Real Estate Licensing Exam.

Crucial Note for Non-Citizens: While the NCREC doesn’t require citizenship, you must be able to document your legal status in the U.S. and, as covered in the next question, provide a Social Security Number.

 

Key Takeaway

Non-U.S. citizens, particularly those with Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) status or other Qualified Alien status, are eligible to apply for an NC Real Estate Broker License. Your focus should be on meeting the educational, character, and examination requirements, not necessarily acquiring citizenship.