The community of chileans in Miami found a stable financial haven in South Florida. They use this area, in fact, for investing actively. Therefore, they choose real estate to shield their wealth effectively. This action protects them against local economic uncertainty. Moreover, they also diversify their valuable assets in US dollars. Furthermore, this trend consequently solidifies. It owes to the legal security and high quality of life that the city offers.
Florida, to be sure, consequently remains an indisputable magnet for global buyers. In fact, global buyers acquire 52% of new construction units in South Florida (MIAMI REALTORS®, 2025). Significantly, the majority of these buyers are Latin Americans. Therefore, if you are considering taking this important step, keep reading this article. You will learn everything about it here.
Why has Miami become a key destination for Chileans?
First and foremost, the “City of the Sun” significantly offers a unique combination of stability and Latino culture. For the chileans in Miami, this destination represents much more than beaches. Clearly, moreover, it is a financial center expanding exponentially.
The Chilean community, specifically, values the geographic proximity and the ease of air connection available. In addition, the possibility to interact in their language while doing business in dollars is a determining factor.
To this, we must further add that the basic requirements for investing are accessible. This fact greatly facilitates their smooth entry into the market.
How is the lifestyle for Chileans in the city of Miami?
The lifestyle in this vibrant metropolis favorably promotes integral well-being. As a result, Chilean entrepreneurs usually seek environments for sports. They enjoy practicing outdoor sports, for example, such as golf or sailing. Among their most striking characteristics are:
- Health and wellness. The city promotes an active life. There are multiple parks and exclusive clubs readily available.
- Gastronomic offer. The culinary scene is vibrant. It allows one to enjoy world-class restaurants easily.
- Networking. Business events are constant. This facilitates the efficient creation of new contact networks.
What does a Chilean need to move to Miami legally?
To reside legally, consequently, you need to manage the appropriate visa effectively. The American government subsequently offers a broad spectrum of possibilities for all investors. Among them, we find the following:
- EB-5 Visa. Requires a significant capital investment in a commercial enterprise.
- E-2 Visa. Available for nationals of treaty countries, like Chile. It allows directing a substantial investment.
- L-1 Visa. Facilitates the transfer of executives from foreign companies to US subsidiaries.
What type of properties do they look for in Miami?
Undoubtedly, first of all, the profile of the chilean investor has evolved significantly. Previously, they sought only vacation properties. Today, however, the focus is on profitability and capital protection. Consequently, location is now the primary criterion when searching for properties in Miami.
The chileans in Miami lean towards real estate offering simple administration and high rental demand. This includes, naturally, luxury condos and homes in gated communities. The condo market, in particular, is currently intensifying its appeal to foreign buyers (The Real Deal, 2025).
Which zones do Chileans prefer to live or invest in Miami?
The choice of zone for chileans in Miami depends, certainly, on the investment objective. Nevertheless, some areas stand out. They are noted for their high appreciation and quality of life. Some of these areas are:
- Brickell. It is the financial heart. It attracts, mainly, those who seek corporate rents and urban life.
- Doral. This area is ideal for families. It offers, additionally, excellent schools and golf courses.
- Miami Beach. This zone is synonymous with luxury and tourism. It is perfect, then, for short-term and vacation rentals.
- Coral Gables. It stands out for its architecture and tranquility. It attracts investors seeking historical heritage and exclusivity.
What are the most profitable property types for Chileans?
Profitability naturally varies according to the asset type. In this regard, Chilean investors typically diversify their portfolio into three key categories:
- Luxury condos. These offer complete amenities. They are easy to rent, which consequently favors cash flow.
- Single-family homes. These have high appreciation. Families establishing themselves long-term generally seek them.
- Pre-construction properties. Allow entering the market with current prices. They effectively generate capital gain during the construction phase.
What is the return on investment that chileans in Miami seek?
The main objective is not quick speculation, as some might assume. Instead, on the contrary, chileans in Miami seek to preserve their money’s value in a strong currency.
Real estate investment in the US maintains its consistent appeal among Latin Americans due to its stability (AméricaEconomía, n.d.). As a result, they seek a return that combines two elements. These are the monthly cash flow from rents and long-term property appreciation.
The return on investment (ROI) greatly benefits, furthermore, from the constant demand for rentals. For this reason, Chileans, being strategic, always analyze the capitalization rate (cap rate) before buying. They look for assets that, eventually, pay for themselves through renting.
Frequently Asked Questions about chileans in Miami (FAQ)
Below, we resolve some of the most common doubts of investors regarding chileans in Miami:
- Is it easy for a Chilean to buy Properties in Miami? Yes, the process is totally transparent and accessible. Furthermore, you do not need a specific immigration status. You also do not need to travel to the US to close the purchase. Indeed, everything can be done conveniently and digitally.
- Can a Chilean obtain mortgage financing in Miami? Certainly. American banks offer loans to all foreigners. Current conditions include a 30-year term. They also require a minimum down payment of 30% of the property value.
- How many Chileans live in Miami currently? There has been no unified public figure recently for the city. However, recent estimates place around 12,221 residents of Chilean origin in Miami-Dade County. This approximation is based on available demographic data (Neilsberg, 2024). It is known, nonetheless, that chileans in Miami represented 6% of property purchases. These were made by foreigners in the city during the year 2021 (La Tercera, n.d.).
- How much money does a Chilean need to invest in Miami? It depends solely on the property value. You must have 30% for the initial payment (down payment). In short, consider closing costs as well. These oscillate between 6% and 7% if there is financing.
- Is it beneficial to invest in real estate in Miami as a foreigner? Yes, the United States offers solid legal security. The property title is protected through title insurance. This shield ultimately protects the foreign investor specifically against future claims regarding the property.
- What taxes must Chileans consider when investing in Miami? The principal concern is the property tax, which one pays annually. You must also consider income tax if the property generates rental income. Naturally, you must declare this, of course, to the IRS.
Why is PFS Realty the best ally for chileans in Miami?
At PFS Realty Group we understand deeply the specific needs of chileans in Miami. Our mission is to inspire and facilitate your investment desires effectively. Therefore, our service portfolio is designed to cover every angle of your investment completely:
- Purchase, sale, and rental of properties. Through PFS Realty, our expert team guides your search. Moreover, they also help with the negotiation and closing of the property. This property must align perfectly with your objectives.
- Mortgage financing for foreigners. At Avanti Lending, we readily facilitate your access to the best mortgage credit options. Specifically, we achieve this for international investors through our strategic ally.
- Property management (Traditional rent). If your goal is long-term rental, Avanti Management Services handles everything. This includes tenant selection, rent collection, and maintenance. You only focus on receiving your income.
- Vacation property management (Short rent). To maximize tourism rental potential, Avanti Stay manages your property. It uses digital platforms, thus optimizing occupancy and profitability daily.
- Property insurance. Protecting your asset is vital. Through our affiliate Mobile Assurance, we advise you. You obtain essential coverages that shield your investment securely.
- Accounting and legal services. In addition, we connect you with the necessary accounting services. These optimize the fiscal load of your investment, centralized at PFS Realty.
Investing in Miami is a great strategic move. Do it with the confidence of the 360-degree backing of PFS Realty Group.
References
- AméricaEconomía. (n.d.). Investment real estate in the United States maintains its appeal among Latin Americans.
- AméricaEconomía. (n.d.). Paola Bruzzone: BG Miami has become a financial center, and we foresee exponential growth.
- La Tercera. (n.d.). Sotheby’s: Chilenos realizaron en 2021 el 6% de las compras de propiedades de extranjeros en Miami.
- MIAMI REALTORS®. (2025, November 11). New International Report: Global Buyer Share Increases for Miami New Construction Units; Buyers from 73 Countries.
- Neilsberg. (2024). Chilean population in Miami-Dade County, FL by city.
- The Real Deal. (2025). In Miami’s condo market, the pitch to foreign buyers picks up.