Buying Property in the USA

Before delving into the fascinating subject of immigration and visas, we want to make some main points, the US welcomes and encourages investments from abroad. According to the US Department of State, annually there are about 65 million visitors in the US. Nowadays, the application process for many types of visas is quite fast and straightforward. The US Department of Commerce’s national travel and tourism strategy is to receive international visitors with 100 million a year by the end of 2021!

First, for our Dominium Consulting clients and readers, we would like to clarify some questions: “Do I need a visa to buy a property in the US?” To own real estate in Florida, you do not need any special documentation. From the moment you have your money in the United States, you can invest.

Second, if your goal is to spend time in Florida enjoying the sun, the sea and the mild winters, you can enjoy three (3) to six (6) months (the time period when most visitors are initially approved). That’s why we find many global buyers who opt for the temporary 6-month visa so they can settle in and / or visit more often and enjoy the Florida lifestyle and climate.

Third, a very popular strategy for many global buyers seeking to transfer their lives to the United States, whether for financial, educational, safety or environmental reasons, is to take the EB-5 Investment Visa route. With these points in mind, let’s talk a bit about US immigration.

1. No need for a visa? Up to 90 days

Some countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which means that citizens of these countries can enter the US for 90 days as tourists without having seen it.

For a list of the Visa Waiver Program Click here!

2. Visas for tourism – up to six months !!!

For many US visitors who are not eligible for the visa waiver program or who wish to stay in the US for more than 90 days, there are several tourist visas available. These allow you to stay in the US for the purpose of sightseeing, visiting friends and family or having business meetings, but the vast majority forbids actually working. For a list of these visas and how to sign up for them, click here.

3. Nonimmigrant visas or also called Temporary visas to live and work in the USA

For those who really want to establish themselves and their families more permanently in the US, temporary visas are available. There are many categories of eligibility for these visas, but most focus on working in the US.

In most cases, your company would have to transfer you or you would have to secure a US job before being eligible for these visas. See the Department of State website for more information.

4. Immigrant Visas – Live and Work in the USA!

If your goal is to obtain a long-term visa or permanent residence, Dominium Consulting really recommends working together with a US immigration lawyer.

From experience, we are sure that the help of a professional and their understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the process, offer the highest chances of approval, and save a lot of time and money in the process.

For most people, getting an Immigration Visa or “Green Card” – can only be achieved by marrying a US citizen or through an EB-5 Investor Visa. EB-5 investor visas require you to invest $ 500,000 to $ 1 million in an American company or a new company and create 5-10 new jobs.

When you are able to meet these requirements and prove that you actually created an unstable company that is generating jobs, you will be eligible for an investor’s Green Card. There are minimum requirements that the US expects you to meet, however, a US immigration lawyer will know if they are more or less stringent, depending on the prevailing economic conditions of the place where you want to establish your venture.

Diecson Vilarino
COO Dominium Consulting