New Address: Chisholm Law Group, LLC – 4550 Montgomery Avenue – Suite 900N – Bethesda – Maryland 20814

Chisholm Law Group, LLC

Schedule Your Consultation: 844-991-1392

Chisholm Law Group, LLC
Schedule Your Consultation

International Real Estate Ownership for Non-Citizens and Non-Residents

Buying property in the U.S. from abroad? We help you make smart, secure, and legally sound decisions.

At Chisholm Law Group, LLC, we work with individuals around the world to simplify the complex legal and tax landscape of U.S. real estate ownership. Whether you’re purchasing a home, vacation property, or investment asset, we provide clear guidance at every step—so you can invest with confidence, regardless of your citizenship or residency status.

Our Legal Services for International Real Estate Buyers

  • Ownership Structures & Asset Protection: Choosing the right legal entity—such as an LLC, corporation, or trust—can help protect your personal assets, reduce tax exposure, and preserve privacy. We guide you in structuring your ownership to fit your long-term goals.
  • Tax Compliance: We help you understand how your U.S. real estate will be taxed and assist in preparing for both domestic and international reporting requirements. Our approach is proactive and customized to your situation.
  • Estate & Inheritance Planning: Non-citizens and non-residents with U.S. real estate need to consider how U.S. estate taxes will impact their property. U.S. estate tax laws treat foreign owners differently, which can lead to unexpected tax liabilities for heirs. We help you navigate these complexities, developing an estate plan that minimizes tax exposure and ensures a smooth transfer of your U.S. property to your loved ones.
  • Trust Planning: An irrevocable trust, either in the U.S. or a foreign country, can be an essential tool for managing U.S. real estate as a non-citizen or non-resident. It helps protect your assets, reduce estate tax burdens, and avoid probate. We work with you to set up the right trust—whether domestic or foreign —to meet your goals, safeguard your property, and comply with U.S. tax laws.
  • Cross-Border Coordination & Fund Transfers: We coordinate with your international advisors—accountants, legal counsel, and financial planners—to ensure your real estate investment fits within your broader financial picture. We also advise on the legal transfer of funds into the U.S. banking system.
  • Financing Support & Visa Considerations: You don’t need a visa to buy U.S. property. We work with experienced immigration counsel to help you understand how ownership may impact your immigration status and assist with financing options for non-residents, including working with U.S. lenders and meeting documentation requirements.

What Is FIRPTA And What Should Foreign Sellers Know?

The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) is a federal law enacted in 1980 that affects non-U.S. persons selling real estate in the United States. Under FIRPTA, when a foreign individual or entity sells U.S. property, the buyer is generally required to withhold 15% of the gross sales price and remit it to the IRS.

This law is designed to ensure that foreign sellers pay any capital gains tax owed to the U.S. government. However, with careful planning, you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption from withholding—especially if the actual tax owed is less than the amount withheld.

At Chisholm Law Group, LLC, we help clients navigate FIRPTA withholding rules, obtain withholding certificates when applicable, and avoid unnecessary overpayment. If you’re planning to sell or transfer ownership of U.S. real estate as a non-citizen, we’ll guide you through every step to stay compliant and protect your proceeds.

When Would I Need an International Tax Attorney?

U.S. tax laws are complex, and for foreign buyers they come with added layers of legal, tax, and financial challenges. While a real estate agent can assist with property searches and negotiations, they are not equipped to navigate the legal risks and international tax implications that come with cross-border ownership.

An international tax attorney ensures your transaction is fully compliant with U.S. law—at both the federal and state levels—while also protecting your interests throughout the process. From structuring ownership in a way that minimizes liability, to avoiding costly tax traps and understanding your reporting obligations, legal counsel is essential when buying property from abroad.

Why Work With Us

At Chisholm Law Group, LLC, we combine deep legal knowledge with a practical understanding of cross-border real estate transactions. Our commitment to clear communication, personalized service, and strategic guidance helps international buyers move forward with confidence in a complex U.S. market.

Let’s Make Your U.S. Real Estate Goals a Reality

Whether you’re buying your first property or expanding your international portfolio, Chisholm Law Group, LLC is here to help you every step of the way. Call us at 844-991-1392 or book a confidential consultation online today.