Information page for Out of Country Investors.

Non-Resident Aliens can own property in the US.

People who are not income tax residents of the Unites States are commonly called non-resident aliens (NRAs). These individuals often buy US Real Estate without the proper advise. We can help you with your US real estate investments. We have helped people purchase property in San Diego from all over the world.

Individuals, who are not residents of the United States, can buy real property in the US. Many non-resident aliens have income producing property, such as rental income or commerical properties. In fact, many non-resident aliens own real property in California. Traditionally, California Real Estate has been a good investment and a great place to live. Now with the depressed US Real Estate, yields are good, even in California. Presently, inventory, prices and interest rates are low. However, prices are going up. Now is a good time to buy or sell. Due to the stable economic and political climate individual from all over the world are investing in the United States.

Individuals can buy the property in their name or in the name of a entity suchs as a corporation, limited liability company, trust, etc. There are advantages to holding property in theses entities.

Financing my be available. This may require a large downpayment for Non-Resident Aliens.

Visiting and Immigrating to the US

Most foreign Investor come to the US with a Visitor Visa. These visas are non-immigrant visa. The visas are issues for a short stays and the visitor must leave. However, these visa open the door for investor to invest and can change their status to an immigrant and possiblely becoming a US citizen along with their family menbers.

For more information on on US Visa Click here: US Visas.

Non-Resident must Pay taxes on Monies earned in the US.

People who are not income tax residents of the Unites States are commonly called non-resident aliens. Non-residents aliens are subjected to the same tax as US residents on their holding in the US. In many cases, a non-resident alien must file a tax return. There are certain diffierences as to income earned and gain on the sale of a long term investment. A long-term investment is one held for over a year.

Non-Resident Aliens owing real estate should be aware of Foreign Investment in Real Prlperty Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA), Estate Tax, Income Tax, 1031 Exchanges, Capital Gains Tax, State and Local Taxes. Foreign persons can transfer their US real estate to a proper structure. By do so, they may be able to reduce or even eliminate US Income taxes on the ultimate sale of that property and shelter their assets from US estate taxes. A proper tax advisor should be consulted.

Non-Resident Mortgage Financing.

It is hard for many Americans to qualify for mortgages these days, the obstacles facing foreign buyers are even steeper. U.S. credit reporting bureas do not collect credit histories on people out side of the United States, some banks won't even consider lending to such buyers. There are some banks wiling to lend with a large down payment. We have used several and rates are higher. In fact, most buyers from out side of the United States pay cash.

The best advice to international client who want to obtain mortgage financing is to get their funds into a U.S. institution and "season the money" for at least six months. Another option is to open an account with one of the large international banks, such as HSBC, UBS, Stardard Chartered, RBS, or Citi. It makes the verification of accounts simple, if the client goes to the same bank for a mortgage.

We can Help. If you have any question or comments, please contact me. My direct line in the U.S. is 858-272-1958

Arthur J. Riddle, Esq.

Email: info@artriddle.com

**This page is for discussion and eductional purposes only, and is not intended to be advice. Each situation is unique and should be discussed with a proper professional.