Can Foreign Nationals Buy Real Estate in Miami, Florida in 2026?
By Roman Ivanov, REALTOR® at REAL | 786-909-4892 | MiamiFineLiving.net
The short answer is yes — and the process is more straightforward than most international buyers expect. The United States places no general restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing residential real estate, and Florida is one of the most welcoming states in the country for international buyers. If you have the funds, you have the right to buy. Here is how it actually works in Miami FL real estate 2026.
No Visa or Green Card Required to Purchase
One of the most common misconceptions I hear from international clients is that they need U.S. residency, a visa, or some form of legal status to buy real estate here. That is simply not true. Foreign nationals — regardless of their immigration status — are legally permitted to purchase, own, and sell residential real estate in Florida. You do not need a Social Security number to buy. You do not need to be physically present in the United States at closing if you have proper legal authorization set up in advance.
What you do need is a reliable U.S.-based team: a real estate attorney who handles international transactions, a REALTOR who understands the specific needs of international buyers, and a title company experienced with foreign national closings. Roman Ivanov, a 1-year veteran REALTOR at REAL, has guided international buyers from Latin America, Europe, Canada, and beyond through the Miami purchase process from start to close — often managing significant portions of the process remotely.
What International Buyers Are Actually Purchasing in Miami
Miami's international buyer base is one of the most diverse in the world, and the product they purchase reflects that diversity. Brazilian, Argentine, Colombian, and Venezuelan buyers are heavily concentrated in the Brickell and Aventura corridors. European buyers — particularly from Spain, France, and the UK — gravitate toward Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach. Canadian buyers are active across the Hallandale Beach and Aventura $1M to $2M market.
One Important Exception: CFIUS and Restricted Buyers
In 2023, Florida passed legislation — SB 264 — that restricts property purchases by nationals of certain countries designated as "foreign countries of concern," including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. These restrictions apply specifically to purchases within ten miles of military installations and critical infrastructure. For the vast majority of international buyers in Miami, this legislation has no practical impact. But buyers from the listed countries should consult with a U.S. real estate attorney before beginning their search to understand how these rules apply to their specific situation.
"The international buyers I work with are often surprised at how straightforward the process is on the ownership side. The complexity comes on the tax, financing, and ownership structure side — not on whether you can buy. That distinction matters, because it means we can focus the planning where it actually counts." — Roman Ivanov, REALTOR at REAL
The Role of an ITIN for International Buyers
While a Social Security number is not required to purchase real estate, international buyers typically need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to manage U.S. tax obligations related to property ownership — including filing annual returns if the property generates rental income and complying with FIRPTA withholding requirements at the time of sale. An ITIN application is straightforward and can be processed through the IRS with the help of a U.S. tax professional.
Cash vs. Financed Purchases for International Buyers
A significant portion of international buyers in Miami purchase in cash — which simplifies the transaction considerably and eliminates the building-level lender approval issues that can complicate financed condo purchases. Bal Harbour properties between $2M and $4M and Sunny Isles Beach properties in the same range see heavy cash buyer activity from international purchasers.
Financing is available for foreign nationals through specialized lenders — typically at higher down payment requirements and interest rates than domestic buyers face — but the option exists. Roman Ivanov real estate REAL Miami FL connects international buyers with lenders who specifically serve this market and understand its documentation requirements.
Start Your Miami Property Search Here
Browse Miami FL homes between $1M and $2M, gated communities in Brickell, and Aventura direct ocean-view properties to start understanding what your budget delivers across Miami's most internationally active corridors. With over 160 homes sold and 50 Google 5-star reviews, Roman Ivanov at REAL is the buyers guide Miami FL 2026 international buyers trust to navigate every step of the process.