Can a US citizen own property in another country?

Asked by: Freeman DuBuque  |  Last update: September 11, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)

There are many countries where US citizens can buy property to retire, rent out, or live in. International real estate is a great investment because it opens up new income streams, appreciates in value, and, in many cases, allows you to have a better lifestyle with a lower cost of living.

Do I pay US taxes on foreign property?

Key Takeaways

Buying property overseas doesn't automatically trigger a US tax reporting requirement. Selling foreign property will result in a capital gain or loss that is reportable on your US tax return. Buying or selling foreign property may create tax obligations in your country of residence.

Can you own property in another country without being a citizen?

Yes, you can buy a house in another country without citizenship. Many countries allow foreign nationals to purchase property, though some may impose restrictions or require special permissions. Additional taxes and legal requirements may apply based on the country.

What is the best country for US citizens to buy property?

Costa Rica. “With clear property rights, a legal system that respects foreign ownership, and a warm, welcoming environment, Costa Rica is a top choice for foreign investors and a simple place to buy property,” says Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency, which has offices around the world.

Can I buy a house in another country and rent it out?

In most cases, yes. If you operate your home abroad as a rental property, you will often pay foreign taxes on your foreign rental property income, while the same income is subject to tax here in the US. Luckily, taxes paid or accrued to a foreign country can be used to offset US taxes through the Foreign Tax Credit.

Top 20 Countries Where US Citizens Can Own Property!!! Exiting The Matrix Series

41 related questions found

Can US citizens buy property overseas?

There are many countries where US citizens can buy property to retire, rent out, or live in. International real estate is a great investment because it opens up new income streams, appreciates in value, and, in many cases, allows you to have a better lifestyle with a lower cost of living.

Which country is easiest to buy property in?

15 Best Countries To Buy Property as an American
  • UAE. US investors can buy property with absolute ownership rights in designated areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the first emirate where the concept of freehold ownership took root. ...
  • Dominican Republic. ...
  • Spain. ...
  • Mexico. ...
  • Greece. ...
  • Panama. ...
  • Portugal. ...
  • Italy.

What is the easiest country for an American to move to?

Canada is one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to with plenty of immigration pathways for skilled workers and those with close family ties. As the closest neighbour to the US, there are more opportunities for cross-border employment from US-based companies, making transfer a possibility.

What foreign country owns the most US real estate?

Which countries own the most land in the U.S.?
  • CANADA. 31%
  • Other. 28%
  • NETHERLANDS. 12%
  • ITALY. 7%
  • UNITED KINGDOM. 6%
  • GERMANY. 6%
  • PORTUGAL. 3.6%
  • FRANCE. 3.2%

Where is the cheapest property in the country?

Iowa. Iowa ranks as the most affordable state to buy a house in the U.S., with a median home price of just $147,800. Known for its vast farmlands, Iowa is the leading corn producer in the country, but it also offers urban living in cities like Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids.

In what countries can you not own property?

Policies
  • Belarus. According to the legislation of Belarus, a foreign citizen cannot own land, and only has the right to rent it.
  • Cambodia. ...
  • China. ...
  • Georgia. ...
  • Indonesia. ...
  • Israel. ...
  • Indonesia. ...
  • Kazakhstan.

Do US banks offer mortgages on foreign property?

You can get a mortgage for an overseas property, as long as the lender works internationally and the country allows noncitizens to buy property there. Most U.S. banks won't give you a mortgage to buy a foreign property, so figuring out how to borrow money to buy a house overseas can be a challenge.

Does buying a house in Spain give you residency?

Yes, you can get residency in Spain after buying a house, and that is thanks to the golden visa scheme. Since 2013, non-EU citizens who purchase a property in the Spanish territory can get a 2-year residence permit (that can be renewed) as long as the property investment is at least € 500.000.

Do US citizens living abroad pay taxes twice?

The US is one of the few countries that taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live or earn their income. This means that American expats are potentially subject to double taxation – once by the country where they earn their income, and again by the United States. NOTE!

Can you claim a US citizen child that lives in another country?

An individual claimed as a dependent must be a citizen, national, or resident of the United States, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.

Do I owe US taxes if I live abroad?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien living outside the United States, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live.

Does China own any American land?

According to a 2021 report by the Department of Agriculture, China owns 384,000 acres of American agricultural land; ownership which jumped by 30% from 2019 to 2020.

What is the most expensive country to own property in?

The 5 most expensive countries
  • Hong Kong: $2,731,651.
  • Singapore: $2,104,153.
  • Switzerland: $1,660,409.
  • South Korea: $1,134,030.
  • Luxembourg: $1,101,395.

Does the US own land in Canada?

Other than the site of their embassy in Ottawa, the US government owns no land in Canada.

What is the best country for older Americans to move to?

Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement
  • Switzerland.
  • New Zealand.
  • Portugal.
  • Australia.
  • Spain.
  • Canada.

What is the number 1 country people want to move to?

While the United States is seeing soaring levels of immigration, it turns out that most people would actually prefer to live amongst our northern neighbors. New research has revealed that Canada is the country that most people around the world want to relocate to.

What countries give you citizenship if you buy property?

St. Kitts and Nevis has long been considered a reliable option for individuals seeking citizenship by investment. With a real estate investment of at least $200,000, investors can apply for citizenship in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Which country has the best quality houses?

Conclusion. Countries like Germany, Japan, and the United States are renowned for having some of the best builders in the world, thanks to their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and strong emphasis on quality and safety.

What is the cheapest house in the world?

The home was previously sold for $4,092 in 2022 as per the New York Post. World's cheapest home in Michigan. With the expenses involved in purchasing a house hitting the roof, a ramshackle house was recently set down for only $1 in the United States, making it "Worlds Cheapest Home" in the heart of Pontiac, Michigan.