Any cross border property transaction is more than just the buying process. It entails many considerations that often are not part of any consideration when buying in one’s home market.
Law governing ownership of property by foreign nationals
The United States has no restrictions regarding the acquisition of property by foreign nationals. Regardless of the type of property (residential, resort or commercial), foreign nationals are treated just like an American citizen when buying. Any form of discrimination is against the law.
Currency issues
The United States has no limits on bringing foreign funds into the US. However, certain reporting requirements may apply depending on how funds are brought into the country.
Tax Issues
Like other countries, the United States of America (USA) and each state within the USA has a body of tax law that is also applicable to foreign buyers of US property. Considering the tax effects prior to purchase allow for an efficient tax structure to be put in place. For more information see our concierge service section.
Financing/Banking
The United States of America has a very sophisticated banking system. Major financial centers are on both coasts. Funds in most banks (up to certain limits) are guaranteed by the US Government ( FDIC). Foreigners, with some restrictions, can open bank accounts and finance property without a problem. For more information see our concierge service section.
Medical care
The United States healthcare system is among the best in the world. You can find good medical care in most large and midsize cities. There are also numerous centers of medical excellence across the USA that are world leaders in their fields. Medical care in the USA however is quite expensive.
Please visit below listed website which provides the 2010 ranking for the best hospitals in each specialty.
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings
Visa requirements
For more detailed and most recent visa updates, kindly visit your country’s US consular website!
If you cannot find your US consulate below or need additional information on embassy location and other information go t0 http://embassyinformation.com.
Germany – http://germany.usembassy.gov/
United Kingdom – http://london.usembassy.gov/
Sweden – http://stockholm.usembassy.gov/
Norway – http://norway.usembassy.gov/
China – http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/
France – http://france.usembassy.gov/
Australia – http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/
India – http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/
South- Korea – http://seoul.usembassy.gov/
Japan – http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/
Canada – http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/index.asp
Russia – http://moscow.usembassy.gov/
Singapore – http://singapore.usembassy.gov/
Thailand – http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/
There are various types of visa depending on reason for stay, length of stay and country of origin of applicant. Below, you will find two links that provide detailed US visa information. Contact your nearest US consulate or use our Concierge Service with help in obtaining visas for long term stay (retirement, business, work permit etc ).
Please visit the following website to get the latest information: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Citizens of 36 countries qualify to skip the task of applying for a tourist visa in advance by obtaining a visa on arrival into the USA (visa waiver program for short term visitor stay). All other countries require visas.
However, some passport and travel requirements have to be fulfilled by everyone coming to the USA.
Passport:
- must be valid for at least another 6 month
- have at least one unstamped visa page
- proof of air transit or return ticket