Buying U.S. Property as a Foreigner: What You Need to Know
Buying U.S. property as a foreigner is not only possible — it’s increasingly popular among investors, retirees, and parents supporting children studying abroad. With no citizenship or visa requirement for ownership, the U.S. real estate market is wide open. However, if your documents are not in English, certified translations are essential, and knowing how to prepare both yourself and your paperwork can save you time, money, and legal trouble.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything foreign buyers need to know about document preparation and why ATA-certified translation is a must for a smooth purchase process.
🏡 Who Can Buy Property in the U.S.?
Foreign nationals can purchase residential or commercial real estate in the United States without being a U.S. citizen or resident. You don’t need a visa or green card — just a willing seller, proper documentation, and funding (cash or mortgage).
Popular reasons for buying include:
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Investment opportunities
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Vacation homes
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Children studying in the U.S.
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Long-term relocation or retirement planning
But while the purchase itself is legal and straightforward, the paperwork process is highly regulated, and that’s where translation becomes vital.
📄 The Role of Certified Translations
If your documents are not originally in English, you will likely be asked to provide certified translations when working with:
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Banks or mortgage lenders
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Title companies
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Real estate attorneys
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Government tax or legal offices
Certified translations are often required to verify your identity, financial standing, and legal authority to sign or manage contracts.
✍️ What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a complete and accurate translation of a document, accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company verifying its accuracy and completeness. This certification is critical for legal, financial, and real estate documents in the U.S.
Immi Translating Service provides ATA-certified translations, which are widely accepted across the United States by banks, real estate agencies, and legal authorities.
📌 Documents That Commonly Require Certified Translation
1. Personal Identification Documents
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Passport
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National ID
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Birth certificate
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Marriage certificate (if applicable to ownership or joint purchase)
2. Financial Records
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Bank statements
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Income verification documents
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Foreign tax returns
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Employment letters or contracts
3. Legal Documents
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Power of Attorney (if someone else is signing on your behalf)
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Articles of incorporation (if buying through a business)
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Trust documents
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Contracts or purchase agreements written in another language
Even if you’re paying in cash, a title company or closing attorney may still require English versions of these documents.
🛑 What Happens If You Don’t Use Certified Translations?
Without certified translations:
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Your mortgage application may be delayed or denied
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Closing on the property could be postponed
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Legal contracts may be rejected by authorities
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You may be asked to re-translate everything — often at higher cost and in a rush
Using a qualified translation provider from the beginning protects your investment and timeline.
💼 Preparing Yourself for the Purchase
Buying U.S. property as a foreigner requires not just money, but also preparation. Here’s a simple checklist to stay ahead:
✅ Step 1: Open a U.S. Bank Account
You’ll likely need a U.S.-based account to transfer funds or make mortgage payments.
✅ Step 2: Get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
This number is used for tax purposes and can be necessary when filing property-related taxes.
✅ Step 3: Work with Local Professionals
This includes a U.S. real estate agent, lawyer, and if financing is needed, a mortgage broker experienced with international clients.
✅ Step 4: Translate All Required Documents
Before submitting any non-English paperwork, make sure it is certified and complete.
🌐 Why Choose Immi Translating Service for Your Certified Translations?
At Immi Translating Service, we specialize in helping foreigners navigate international documentation. Our services are:
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ATA-Certified – recognized and accepted across the U.S.
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Accurate & Confidential – sensitive information handled with care
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Fast Turnaround – we meet urgent deadlines so you don’t lose out on opportunities
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Experience with Real Estate Documents – we know what banks, title companies, and legal teams need
Our team supports translations in over 50 languages, with guaranteed compliance for official U.S. use.
📞 Get Started Today
Whether you’re preparing to invest in a vacation home, rental property, or long-term residence, don’t let language barriers slow you down. Get your documents translated correctly the first time with Immi Translating Service.
✅ Ready to buy U.S. property? Let us help you prepare.
Visit www.immitranslatingservice.com.au for your certified translation today.
