How to Qualify for a VA Loan in 2025

The VA loan program remains one of the best benefits available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses.

With no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), VA loans provide an accessible path to homeownership.

But how do you qualify for a VA loan in 2025? This article will break down the eligibility criteria, required documents, and steps you need to take.

Check VA Loan Rates and Get Pre-Approved

Understanding VA Loan Eligibility

Not everyone who served in the military qualifies for a VA loan. To determine eligibility, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers your length of service, duty status, and discharge conditions.

VA Loan Eligibility Calculator

Basic VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

The VA sets specific guidelines based on your service history. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

Service Category	Minimum Service Requirement
Active-Duty Service Members	At least 90 continuous days
Veterans (Post-1980)	24 months of continuous service or 90 days during wartime
National Guard & Reserves	90 days of active service during wartime or 6 years of service in the Reserves/National Guard
Surviving Spouses	Must be un-remarried and spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-related disability

If you meet these requirements, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which confirms to lenders that you’re qualified for a VA loan.

How to Get Your COE

There are three ways to obtain your COE:

Through a VA-approved lender – Many lenders can retrieve your COE electronically in minutes.
Online via the VA portal – You can log into VA.gov to request your COE.
By mail – Fill out VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to the VA Loan Eligibility Center.

Credit and Income Requirements

The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement, but most lenders prefer a score of at least 620. If your score is lower, some lenders may still approve your loan, but you may need to provide additional financial documentation.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to ensure you can manage your mortgage payments. The VA prefers a DTI of 41% or lower, but exceptions are made if you have strong residual income.

Residual Income Requirement

Residual income is the amount of money left after paying major expenses. The VA requires a certain level of residual income based on family size and location.

Family Size	Northeast	Midwest	South	West
1	$450	$441	$441	$491
2	$755	$738	$738	$823
3	$909	$889	$889	$990
4	$1,025	$1,003	$1,003	$1,117

Property Requirements

The home you purchase must meet VA property standards, ensuring it’s safe, sound, and sanitary. VA loans are only available for primary residences, meaning you can’t use them to buy an investment property or vacation home.

Common VA Loan Property Requirements:

✔ The home must be a primary residence (no investment properties).
✔ It must have working heating, electrical, and plumbing systems.
✔ No major structural issues (foundation problems, major roof damage, etc.).
✔ No zoning issues preventing residential use.
✔ Must pass a VA appraisal and inspection.

VA Loan Limits and Funding Fees in 2025

There are no official loan limits for VA loans if you have full entitlement. This means you can borrow as much as the lender approves you for based on your income and credit.

If you’ve already used some of your VA benefits and haven’t repaid the loan, loan limits apply. In most areas, this limit is $806,500 in 2025, but high-cost counties the limit can be as high as $1,209,750.

VA Funding Fees for 2025

The VA charges a funding fee to keep the program running. This is a one-time cost that varies based on your down payment and whether it’s your first or subsequent VA loan.

Down Payment	First-Time Use	Subsequent Use
0% Down	2.15%	3.3%
5% Down	1.5%	1.5%
10%+ Down	1.25%	1.25%

Exemptions: Veterans with a service-connected disability (10% or more) don’t have to pay the VA funding fee.

The VA Loan Application Process

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved

Before house hunting, you’ll need pre-approval from a VA lender. This helps determine how much home you can afford.

Step 2: Find a Home and Sign a Purchase Agreement

Once pre-approved, work with a real estate agent to find a home and make an offer.

Step 3: VA Appraisal and Underwriting

The VA requires a home appraisal to determine its fair market value and ensure it meets VA property requirements.

Step 4: Close on Your Home

Once the loan is approved, you’ll sign paperwork and receive the keys to your new home!

The Bottom Line

Qualifying for a VA loan in 2025 is easier than many people think.

If you meet the service requirements, have stable income, and plan to buy a primary residence, you could benefit from a zero down payment mortgage with low interest rates.

By understanding eligibility criteria, credit requirements, and VA property guidelines, you can move forward with confidence toward homeownership.