United States

Foreigners can generally buy US property; there is no federal approval for homes. • Rules are mostly set by each state. Some states (for example Florida in 2023) have passed laws limiting land purchases by citizens of certain countries, especially near military sites or of farmland. • Foreign owners of US farmland must report it to the US Department of Agriculture (AFIDA). • Large purchases near sensitive military sites can be reviewed by CFIUS. • Ownership is recorded in county land records; title insurance is common. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/economic-policy-analysis/afida
• https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/international/the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-united-states-cfius

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Purchase and ownership costs vary by state and county: • Transfer/recording taxes are set by the state or county; some states charge none, others charge a percentage of price. • Yearly property tax is set locally and is often around 0.5%–2.5% of assessed value; check the county assessor. • Closing costs typically include title insurance, escrow, lender and recording fees. • When a foreign person sells, the buyer must usually withhold 15% of the sale price for the IRS under FIRPTA (reduced or zero for some lower-priced homes the buyer will live in). Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/firpta-withholding
• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/exceptions-from-firpta-withholding

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Renting out US property as a non-resident: • By default, 30% federal tax is withheld from gross rent. • You can elect to treat rental income as "effectively connected" and pay tax on net profit after expenses by filing a US tax return (Form 1040-NR); you need an ITIN. • State income tax may also apply. • Landlord–tenant law, rent control and short-term rental rules are set by states and cities. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxation-of-nonresident-aliens
• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-aliens-real-property-located-in-the-us
• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number

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Buying property does not give you the right to live in the US. • The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program gives a green card for investing in a qualifying business that creates 10 US jobs: USD 1,050,000, or USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project. Buying a home for yourself does not qualify. • Visitors on tourist visas or ESTA can view and buy property but cannot live or work there long-term. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

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Commercial and hospitality investment: • Foreign buyers can usually buy commercial property; larger deals near sensitive sites may need CFIUS review. • Investors often hold property through a US company (LLC or corporation); the tax effect differs, so take advice. • FIRPTA also applies when foreign owners sell US real estate or US real-property companies. • Zoning, permits and hotel licensing are local. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/international/the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-united-states-cfius
• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/firpta-withholding

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Checks before you buy: • Title search and title insurance to protect against ownership defects. • Home inspection, and survey where needed. • Check zoning, permits and any homeowners' association (HOA) rules and fees. • Use escrow for deposits; beware of wire-fraud emails changing payment details (the FBI warns about this). • Check flood risk on FEMA maps. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/
• https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
• https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/business-email-compromise

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Inheritance and estate tax: • Non-resident foreigners who own US property face US federal estate tax with an exemption of only USD 60,000 (far below the amount for US citizens), unless a tax treaty helps. • Some states also charge estate or inheritance tax. • Without planning, heirs may need US probate in the state where the property is. Trusts, joint ownership and company structures change this; take advice. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/some-nonresidents-with-us-assets-must-file-estate-tax-returns
• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estate-tax

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People you will usually need: • Real estate attorney (required in some states) and a title/escrow company. • Licensed real estate agent (check the state licensing board). • US tax adviser (CPA) for FIRPTA, rental and estate tax. • Property manager if you will rent it out. No professionals on this site are verified for the USA yet. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.arello.org/
• https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional

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