Investing in real estate in the United States as a foreigner is possible without being a resident or citizen: it requires available liquid capital starting at USD $130,000, a valid visa for the country, and a suitable legal and tax structure.
Miami and South Florida today concentrate one of the best-performing markets in the country, but like any investment it has requirements, risks, and a process worth understanding before you move the first dollar. At PFS Realty Group, we've spent 24 years guiding more than 2,000 Latin American families through this process.
What it means to invest in US real estate as a foreigner
Every month your wealth sits idle in local currency, it loses value against inflation. A devaluation can wipe out years of savings in weeks, and country risk doesn't warn you before it strikes. That's why more and more Latin American investors are adding US property: not to speculate, but to hold part of their wealth in dollars, backed by a stable legal system and a real asset.
Investing in the United States doesn't replace your other assets: it complements them, spreading risk across different currencies, jurisdictions, and economic cycles.
Requirements: capital and visa
You don't need to be a US resident or citizen to buy property in the country. The two concrete requirements are:
- 01Liquid capital starting at USD $130,000It varies with the type of property and the financing. If you're seeking a mortgage, banks typically require a larger down payment from foreign buyers than from residents.
- 02A valid visa for the United StatesAn investor visa isn't required, but a valid visa is needed for banking, legal, and notarial procedures, in person or through a power of attorney.
Anyone who doesn't meet these requirements today isn't disqualified forever: it simply isn't the right time yet. This is long-term wealth protection and growth, not speculation.
Legal and tax structure: the LLC and Florida's case
How the property is registered has a direct impact on asset protection, inheritance, and taxes.
- Why many use an LLCIt separates the property from your personal assets, limits your liability, and tends to simplify administration and inheritance. It isn't ideal for everyone: it's decided with legal and accounting advice before closing.
- Florida has no state income taxIt's one of the few states without this tax on individuals. It doesn't eliminate federal obligations or those in your home country, but it explains why Florida concentrates so much foreign investment.
Why Miami and South Florida
Available inventory has been shrinking for several months while sales keep growing: a sign of a market with sustained, non-speculative demand.
- 01DollarsYour capital stays in the world's reserve currency, not in one your central bank could devalue.
- 02Legal systemTitle protected by the US legal system, regardless of which government comes to power in your country.
- 03Rental incomeMonthly income in dollars from year one, residential or vacation rental, while it appreciates.
- 04AppreciationMiami-Dade has accumulated more than 14 years of sustained appreciation.
- 05International liquidityOne of the most liquid markets in the world, with buyers from more than 73 countries.
- 06Structure for foreignersFinancing and legal structures designed for international investors.
Someone who bought in Miami-Dade 15 years ago gained, on average, almost double the rest of the country, according to MIAMI Realtors. It's a historical data point, not a guarantee: cycles exist, and prices can also correct.
Real risks and how they're mitigated
No asset is risk-free. These are the concrete ones and how they're managed:
- RiskEstate tax for non-residentsHow it's mitigatedAn LLC or other legal structure is used to protect the asset and simplify inheritance, set up before buying.
- RiskRecurring carrying costsHow it's mitigatedProperty taxes, insurance (including hurricane coverage), and HOA fees are projected from the start to measure net returns.
- RiskLess favorable financing for foreignersHow it's mitigatedDifferent down payments and rates are offset by comparing several foreign-buyer financing options.
- RiskRemote managementHow it's mitigatedProfessional management covers maintenance, rent collection, and tenant support.
- RiskExchange rate when convertingHow it's mitigatedThe moment you convert rental income or profits into your local currency remains exposed to that day's volatility.
None of these risks is a reason not to invest: they're a reason to do it with the right structure and guidance from day one.
Exclusive resource
Miami Investment Guide 2026
The legal and financial step by step, in a PDF.
Download the free guideHave questions about your specific situation?
Every tax and wealth situation is different. Tell us about yours and we'll tell you what applies, at no cost.
The step-by-step process
- Initial assessmentAvailable capital, investment horizon, and real risk tolerance, no generic templates.
- Comparison of real propertiesBetween 3 and 5 properties with price, location, and rental projections.
- Legal structure and financingPersonal title or LLC, and foreign-buyer mortgage options if applicable.
- Offer and closingNegotiation, legal documentation, and closing with support at every step.
- Ongoing managementResidential or vacation rental, maintenance, and insurance after closing.
Market numbers
Concrete, verifiable figures from South Florida:
| Recommended minimum liquid capital | From USD $130,000 |
| Years of sustained appreciation in Miami-Dade | More than 14 years |
| Average gain for buyers 15 years ago | USD $560,790 |
| Countries of origin of active buyers | More than 73 |
| PFS experience with Latin American investors | 24 years |
| Latin American families advised | More than 2,000 |
Appreciation source: MIAMI Realtors.
How PFS Realty Group works with you
24 years and more than 2,000 families advised under a 360° model: five specialized affiliates working in coordination.
- Avanti LendingMortgage financing for foreign investors.
- PFS RealtyProperty identification and purchase.
- Avanti ManagementProfessional property management.
- Avanti StayVacation rental management.
- Mobile AssuranceInsurance coverage to protect the asset.
We don't just sell you a property: we tell you whether investing in the United States makes sense for your situation. If you don't qualify or it isn't the right time, we tell you from the very first conversation.
Video transcript: How to diversify your wealth with real estate in the United States?
How diversified is your wealth, really?
You've built your wealth over years of hard work, but how diversified is it, really? What would happen if a significant part of your wealth depended on a single economy or a single currency? More and more Latin American investors are looking for ways to diversify and protect part of their wealth outside local markets.
Why can investing in US real estate help diversify your wealth?
One of the strategies generating the most interest is real estate investment in the United States. Many investors entrust their wealth to a single economy or currency region, but this only increases risk and reduces diversification opportunities. That's why it's so important to incorporate international assets as part of a wealth strategy.
Why is the United States an attractive market for real estate investment?
Without a doubt, the United States has long established itself as one of the strongest and most attractive real estate markets for investors. The wide range of alternatives it offers in terms of properties, markets, and investment strategies is one of its biggest advantages, allowing each investor to find options aligned with their goals.
Real estate offers the chance to invest in real assets within one of the world's most important economies. That's why many people use it to diversify their wealth and build long-term riches.
How does PFS Realty help investors buy property in the United States?
Investing in another country means analyzing markets, opportunities, risks, and processes that can be complex for anyone unfamiliar with them. This is where PFS Realty makes the difference. More than helping you find a property, we help you identify opportunities aligned with your wealth goals.
We analyze the market, evaluate every option, and support you throughout the entire process so you can invest with peace of mind and a long-term vision.
What should you consider to build more diversified wealth?
The question isn't just where to invest — it's how to build wealth that's stronger, more diversified, and ready for the long term. If you want to find out which US real estate opportunities could align with your goals, schedule a meeting, get advice, and go over your options with us.
Schedule a personalized consultation.
To dive deeper into immigration and return-on-investment topics, also check out our articles on the EB-5 visa and its keys to investing in the United States and on how to calculate a property's return on investment. If you're looking for specific areas to buy in, explore the apartments for sale in Brickell and in Downtown Miami, or browse the complete list of new real estate developments in Miami.
Condos in Miami
Investor stories
Invest your capital
Living in Miami