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Foreigners Buying in the USA
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Updated over 4 years ago, 04/16/2020

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Jasraj Singh
56
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295
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Do you really need to be a citizen in U.S to start investing?

Jasraj Singh
Posted

I recently talked with a lot of people and they told me i don't really need citizenship to start investing in the U.S?  So I'm wondering is it really possible cause if I invest there I need to live there and I even need to go to the property and check it before buying it or selling it also I need to borrow money from the bank so is it really possible?

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236
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99
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Jack V. Ospina
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Miami, FL
99
Votes |
236
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Jack V. Ospina
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Miami, FL
Replied

@Jasraj Singh If you have cash you should have no issues buying property in the US. Should check with a title company/Attorney before hand. If you need to get a loan you should verify with any lender to check on the requirements they need from you. That should give you a good start to your question. Good luck!

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295
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Jasraj Singh
56
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295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Jack V. Ospina:

@Jasraj Singh If you have cash you should have no issues buying property in the US. Should check with a title company/Attorney before hand. If you need to get a loan you should verify with any lender to check on the requirements they need from you. That should give you a good start to your question. Good luck!

 thanks a lot man!

really appreciate it! but what if want to live there? they won't let me stay there for too long

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Jack V. Ospina
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Miami, FL
99
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236
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Jack V. Ospina
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Miami, FL
Replied

Might need to consult with an attorney regarding that. Money well spent to get legal advice. 

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295
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Jasraj Singh
56
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295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Jack V. Ospina:

Might need to consult with an attorney regarding that. Money well spent to get legal advice. 

 thanks! I'll definitely look into that!

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David M.
  • Morris County, NJ
2,571
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5,409
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David M.
  • Morris County, NJ
Replied

@Jasraj Singh

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/091616/6-things-foreign-buyers-us-real-estate-need-know.asp
Try the above link for some basic info.  In short, if you need financing, it will be tough unless you have an appropriate visa to be in the country.  As cash being king, cash is fine.  Either way, you'll have US taxes to deal with when you go to sell or are even renting.  

As for staying in the property, certainly its your so you can do what you want.  However, without the appropriate documentation you won't be let into the country to stay there...

Perhaps... if you partnered with somebody and created a legal entity like a LLC (I forget if they allow foreign owners) or C Corp, you could more easily invest. Obviously, that gets much more complicated. But, I am guessing thats a way to have a US based legal entity make the purchases while its shareholders are foreign nationals. Again, discuss with a professional or two about your options.

User Stats

295
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Jasraj Singh
56
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295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @David M.:

@Jasraj Singh

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/091616/6-things-foreign-buyers-us-real-estate-need-know.asp
Try the above link for some basic info.  In short, if you need financing, it will be tough unless you have an appropriate visa to be in the country.  As cash being king, cash is fine.  Either way, you'll have US taxes to deal with when you go to sell or are even renting.  

As for staying in the property, certainly its your so you can do what you want.  However, without the appropriate documentation you won't be let into the country to stay there...

Perhaps... if you partnered with somebody and created a legal entity like a LLC (I forget if they allow foreign owners) or C Corp, you could more easily invest. Obviously, that gets much more complicated. But, I am guessing thats a way to have a US based legal entity make the purchases while its shareholders are foreign nationals. Again, discuss with a professional or two about your options.

 Thanks a lot for your advice! sure! I can defer taxes using 1031 but the main thing I want to figure out is about living there and you it may take 5-6 years for asians to get citizenship and after then he/she can start investing.

appreciate it!

User Stats

295
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56
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Jasraj Singh
56
Votes |
295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied

 Thanks a lot for your advice! sure! I can defer taxes using 1031 but the main thing I want to figure out is about living there and you it may take 5-6 years for asians to get citizenship and after then he/she can start investing.

appreciate it!

 Lots of Canadians who are not US Citizens buy properties in the U.S.A. Asians are welcome too. Lots of Chinese buy in Seattle, San Francisco, L.A. and New York. The rules are in flux at this moment because of Covid-19 but they will relax again soon enough. I highly recommend you visit the property of find someone you trust who can do that for you and send you a video walk through so you know what you are getting.

 That's a great idea and I really appreciate it! but I think it's better to go there and check the property myself cause I don't know anyone who's living there and for that I think I really need citizenship.

User Stats

295
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Jasraj Singh
56
Votes |
295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied

 Thanks a lot for your advice! sure! I can defer taxes using 1031 but the main thing I want to figure out is about living there and you it may take 5-6 years for asians to get citizenship and after then he/she can start investing.

appreciate it!

 Lots of Canadians who are not US Citizens buy properties in the U.S.A. Asians are welcome too. Lots of Chinese buy in Seattle, San Francisco, L.A. and New York. The rules are in flux at this moment because of Covid-19 but they will relax again soon enough. I highly recommend you visit the property of find someone you trust who can do that for you and send you a video walk through so you know what you are getting.

 That's a great idea and I really appreciate it! but I think it's better to go there and check the property myself cause I don't know anyone who's living there and for that I think I really need citizenship.

 You can visit the U.S.A. on a 6 month Visa without being a citizen.

https://www.path2usa.com/usa-v...


USA Visitor Visa is a
non-immigrant US visa issued to people entering America temporarily for
business (B-1), or for pleasure/medical treatment (B-2). These are
generally issued for a period of six months, but an additional maximum
extension of 6 months can be granted based on the USCIS approval.

That's great1 But how many times can someone do this? I mean is there any limit? 

User Stats

135
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78
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Jordan Sinclair
  • Investor
  • Adelaide, South Australia
78
Votes |
135
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Jordan Sinclair
  • Investor
  • Adelaide, South Australia
Replied
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @Account Closed:
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @Account Closed:
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @David M.:

@Jasraj Singh

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/091616/6-things-foreign-buyers-us-real-estate-need-know.asp
Try the above link for some basic info.  In short, if you need financing, it will be tough unless you have an appropriate visa to be in the country.  As cash being king, cash is fine.  Either way, you'll have US taxes to deal with when you go to sell or are even renting.  

As for staying in the property, certainly its your so you can do what you want.  However, without the appropriate documentation you won't be let into the country to stay there...

Perhaps... if you partnered with somebody and created a legal entity like a LLC (I forget if they allow foreign owners) or C Corp, you could more easily invest. Obviously, that gets much more complicated. But, I am guessing thats a way to have a US based legal entity make the purchases while its shareholders are foreign nationals. Again, discuss with a professional or two about your options.

 Thanks a lot for your advice! sure! I can defer taxes using 1031 but the main thing I want to figure out is about living there and you it may take 5-6 years for asians to get citizenship and after then he/she can start investing.

appreciate it!

 Lots of Canadians who are not US Citizens buy properties in the U.S.A. Asians are welcome too. Lots of Chinese buy in Seattle, San Francisco, L.A. and New York. The rules are in flux at this moment because of Covid-19 but they will relax again soon enough. I highly recommend you visit the property of find someone you trust who can do that for you and send you a video walk through so you know what you are getting.

 That's a great idea and I really appreciate it! but I think it's better to go there and check the property myself cause I don't know anyone who's living there and for that I think I really need citizenship.

 You can visit the U.S.A. on a 6 month Visa without being a citizen.

https://www.path2usa.com/usa-v...


USA Visitor Visa is a
non-immigrant US visa issued to people entering America temporarily for
business (B-1), or for pleasure/medical treatment (B-2). These are
generally issued for a period of six months, but an additional maximum
extension of 6 months can be granted based on the USCIS approval.

That's great1 But how many times can someone do this? I mean is there any limit? 

 Depending on the visa, you may stay for up to 6 months each visit over a period of 5 years.

I have personally invested in the US without citizenship nor visa status. I am eligible for ESTA. With that said, it is also possible to invest without visiting the US in person.

User Stats

295
Posts
56
Votes
Jasraj Singh
56
Votes |
295
Posts
Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Jordan Sinclair:
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @Account Closed:
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @Account Closed:
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @David M.:

@Jasraj Singh

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/091616/6-things-foreign-buyers-us-real-estate-need-know.asp
Try the above link for some basic info.  In short, if you need financing, it will be tough unless you have an appropriate visa to be in the country.  As cash being king, cash is fine.  Either way, you'll have US taxes to deal with when you go to sell or are even renting.  

As for staying in the property, certainly its your so you can do what you want.  However, without the appropriate documentation you won't be let into the country to stay there...

Perhaps... if you partnered with somebody and created a legal entity like a LLC (I forget if they allow foreign owners) or C Corp, you could more easily invest. Obviously, that gets much more complicated. But, I am guessing thats a way to have a US based legal entity make the purchases while its shareholders are foreign nationals. Again, discuss with a professional or two about your options.

 Thanks a lot for your advice! sure! I can defer taxes using 1031 but the main thing I want to figure out is about living there and you it may take 5-6 years for asians to get citizenship and after then he/she can start investing.

appreciate it!

 Lots of Canadians who are not US Citizens buy properties in the U.S.A. Asians are welcome too. Lots of Chinese buy in Seattle, San Francisco, L.A. and New York. The rules are in flux at this moment because of Covid-19 but they will relax again soon enough. I highly recommend you visit the property of find someone you trust who can do that for you and send you a video walk through so you know what you are getting.

 That's a great idea and I really appreciate it! but I think it's better to go there and check the property myself cause I don't know anyone who's living there and for that I think I really need citizenship.

 You can visit the U.S.A. on a 6 month Visa without being a citizen.

https://www.path2usa.com/usa-v...


USA Visitor Visa is a
non-immigrant US visa issued to people entering America temporarily for
business (B-1), or for pleasure/medical treatment (B-2). These are
generally issued for a period of six months, but an additional maximum
extension of 6 months can be granted based on the USCIS approval.

That's great1 But how many times can someone do this? I mean is there any limit? 

 Depending on the visa, you may stay for up to 6 months each visit over a period of 5 years.

I have personally invested in the US without citizenship nor visa status. I am eligible for ESTA. With that said, it is also possible to invest without visiting the US in person.

Alright! thanks man!

really appreciate it! 

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Charles Carillo
  • Rental Property Investor
  • North Palm Beach, FL
1,896
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Charles Carillo
  • Rental Property Investor
  • North Palm Beach, FL
Replied

@Jasraj Singh

There are several lenders that focus on lending to foreign investors. They usually require 25%-35% down but they will allow you to start investing with leverage and increasing your returns.

User Stats

653
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768
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Ryan Evans
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Cleveland, OH
768
Votes |
653
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Ryan Evans
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Cleveland, OH
Replied

You can buy properties without being a citizen, plain and simple. As far as citizenship and visas, you should be talking to an immigration specialist, not a bunch of random real estate investors. But there's no reason to wait and see properties in person, you just have to run things differently. People buy properties every day that they've never seen in person. 

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913
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Michael King
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Navarre, FL
640
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913
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Michael King
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Navarre, FL
Replied

I'm an immigrant. As others said, cash is King. You can buy with cash without being a citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). All you need to do is follow the law with respect to how you are legally allowed into the country (and how long you are permitted to stay each time you're allowed in). I used to know this Irish girl who had a house in Florida; she would leave to Mexico every 3 months, for the day then return. 

The path to citizenship is a longish one, but there are many different ones that you would need to investigate.

Once you have resident status (LPR), you can start building credit, once you have credit history, you can get a loan. I came on a student visa, then changed status to a fiance visa. That allowed me to get a work permit, then things just started falling into place - like a very slow, long, drawn out Tetris game. 

User Stats

295
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56
Votes
Jasraj Singh
56
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295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Charles Carillo:

@Jasraj Singh

There are several lenders that focus on lending to foreign investors. They usually require 25%-35% down but they will allow you to start investing with leverage and increasing your returns.

Thanks a lot! can you tell me how can I find them? and there is one more thing and that is if I apply for work visa and assume I got it still after 6 months I have to come back here and even I extended it for another 6 months eventually I have to come back here cause I think we can only do this once in 5 years so I wanted to ask is there any other option in which I can stay there for a longer period of time and work?

User Stats

295
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Votes
Jasraj Singh
56
Votes |
295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Ryan Evans:

You can buy properties without being a citizen, plain and simple. As far as citizenship and visas, you should be talking to an immigration specialist, not a bunch of random real estate investors. But there's no reason to wait and see properties in person, you just have to run things differently. People buy properties every day that they've never seen in person. 

 But I'm new to this don't you think I should go there check the neighbourhood, crowd, property etc myself cause otherwise how would I be able to learn the business and I don't know anyone there and it's a little difficult for me to trust someone I don't know so don't you think it's better for me if I move there and talk to the lender myself? let me know 

User Stats

295
Posts
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Votes
Jasraj Singh
56
Votes |
295
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Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Michael King:

I'm an immigrant. As others said, cash is King. You can buy with cash without being a citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). All you need to do is follow the law with respect to how you are legally allowed into the country (and how long you are permitted to stay each time you're allowed in). I used to know this Irish girl who had a house in Florida; she would leave to Mexico every 3 months, for the day then return. 

The path to citizenship is a longish one, but there are many different ones that you would need to investigate.

Once you have resident status (LPR), you can start building credit, once you have credit history, you can get a loan. I came on a student visa, then changed status to a fiance visa. That allowed me to get a work permit, then things just started falling into place - like a very slow, long, drawn out Tetris game. 

 Alright! but I'm new to the country and I don't know anyone there so it'll be a little difficult for me to trust someone ( lender, PM, contractor) I don't know and don't you think it's better for me to go there and check the properties and neighbourhood myself and move there before investing I know it'll take time but I'm still a little confused so do you have any suggestions? let me know

User Stats

653
Posts
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Ryan Evans
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Cleveland, OH
768
Votes |
653
Posts
Ryan Evans
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Cleveland, OH
Replied
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @Ryan Evans:

You can buy properties without being a citizen, plain and simple. As far as citizenship and visas, you should be talking to an immigration specialist, not a bunch of random real estate investors. But there's no reason to wait and see properties in person, you just have to run things differently. People buy properties every day that they've never seen in person. 

 But I'm new to this don't you think I should go there check the neighbourhood, crowd, property etc myself cause otherwise how would I be able to learn the business and I don't know anyone there and it's a little difficult for me to trust someone I don't know so don't you think it's better for me if I move there and talk to the lender myself? let me know 

 It's absolutely going to be more difficult for you. We would all prefer to be able to invest in our backyards, but that's not often possible so you just have to work around it. You have no choice but to trust people in this business, but you mitigate your risks by verifying and holding people accountable. For example, not paying contractors until the work is completed and verified by a third party. 

You don't have to move full-time, but it will definitely help if you can visit whatever market you're going to invest in, if just for a weekend. 

User Stats

295
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Votes
Jasraj Singh
56
Votes |
295
Posts
Jasraj Singh
Replied
Originally posted by @Ryan Evans:
Originally posted by @Jasraj Singh:
Originally posted by @Ryan Evans:

You can buy properties without being a citizen, plain and simple. As far as citizenship and visas, you should be talking to an immigration specialist, not a bunch of random real estate investors. But there's no reason to wait and see properties in person, you just have to run things differently. People buy properties every day that they've never seen in person. 

 But I'm new to this don't you think I should go there check the neighbourhood, crowd, property etc myself cause otherwise how would I be able to learn the business and I don't know anyone there and it's a little difficult for me to trust someone I don't know so don't you think it's better for me if I move there and talk to the lender myself? let me know 

 It's absolutely going to be more difficult for you. We would all prefer to be able to invest in our backyards, but that's not often possible so you just have to work around it. You have no choice but to trust people in this business, but you mitigate your risks by verifying and holding people accountable. For example, not paying contractors until the work is completed and verified by a third party. 

You don't have to move full-time, but it will definitely help if you can visit whatever market you're going to invest in, if just for a weekend. 

Right! Thanks a lot for your advice man!

really appreciate it!