Hi Primo,

First of all, you should definitely talk to an immigration attorney. Jim soda gave you the name of a very good one. Here are a few pointers. You don't need any permit to buy a property in the U.S. but you will be subjected to FIRPTA 10% withholding tax whenever you resell the property. Do not count on using property ownership as a way to get an extended visa in the U.S. These have nothing to do with one another. If you want to immigrate here, talk to Donna.

Michel

P.S. I too am from Europe. All I had to do to come over here was to let a beautiful American girl seduce me and ask me to become her husband. I can't say I regret. ;-)

Sun Jul 20 2008, 18:36

Dear Primo:

You should speak to an immigration attorney and I can certainly give you a couple of names. I work a lot with Europeans. As long as you can put down a minimum of 25-30% (usually 30%) you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting a Foreign National Loan.

However, owning a property here in the U.S. doesn't give you any advantage in obtaining a work visa. I think that your best and simplest choice would be to buy a business here that has the potential to offer employment to a minimum of 2 U.S. employees. You would apply for an E2 Visa. If granted, it is for 2-5 years. If you have a spouse, it allows your spouse to work anywhere. The Visa is renewable but will never lead to a green card. The key is that your business must be active with the POTENTIAL to hire employees. The usual investment is $100,000 but it depends on the business and 75% of that must be put down up front. One Visa covers spouse and children and a full-time specialized manager. You could buy franchises too! This by no means constitutes legal advice as I am not an attorney. Do please contact an immigration attorney in South Florida and they'll be able to work with you, based on your particular situation.

I know a little about this as I am originally from England and I work with lots of international clients. I wish you the very best for the future.

Angela

Sun Jul 20 2008, 18:05

This is a terrific Attorney we use for any foreign Buyer and/or Seller: She can answer alll your questions.
Donna Scarlatelli, Sarasota donna@greencards4u.com

Jim Soda, Realtor 941-809-7759
Prudential Palms Realty
JimSoda.com
Sarasota, Fl.

Sun Jul 20 2008, 17:33

Primo,
We recently wrote an article to help our foreign national customers that provides helpful information.
http://www.miamism.com/miami-real-estate-for-foreign-nationals

If I understand your question correctly, are you asking if you can increase your legal status from tourist to a working Visa if you own real estate? - the answer for that is very complicated and it is crucial for you to consult with an immigration attorney to design a plan for your Visa Status Change, if that's what you desire. But owning real estate in the US will not give special residential status.

Buona Fortuna!

Fri Jul 18 2008, 06:51

We have local banks here which deal specifically with foreign nationals. I can give you their info if you want to email me directly. ellen.mitchell@floridamoves.com. We are located on Miami Beach and South Beach is a great area. Please check our Web site....www.floridamoves.com/BayHarborMiamiBch

Fri Jul 18 2008, 06:16

Greetings from one European to another!
Buying property in the US and being a foreigner is not a problem. My family and I own several properties and do not have American citizenship. Some of my European friends also own condos on South Beach.
Regarding a work permit, that is different story. It depends on the kind of work you do, whether this is something the US would like to have. You need to speek to lawyer who specializes in work visa.
Please call me anytime if you have further quesions.

Fri Jul 18 2008, 06:14

John is right about the fact that you can purchase investment properties in the U.S. I have clients do that. It is also possible to get permit to work, but depending on the rules for certain profession. Also, I seriously doubt you can get permanent residency by owning properties here.

You wll need to talk to a lawyer about that.

My son's cross country coach (he volunteers) is an immigration lawyer in the Bay Area. If you are interested, I can give you his information.

Sylvia

Fri Jul 18 2008, 06:12

You should be able to purchase an apartment in South Beach. To be able to work legally in the U.S. you will need to speak with Poland and U.S. consulate to see what options are available to you. If you are not paying all cash for the property I would see what loan programs are available to you as a forgeiner, that might be your biggest obstacle. I hope this helps. If you need any additional information feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

John Palmisano
P.S. we do have some one in our office who speaks Polish.
Keller Williams Realty
Weston, Fl 33326
www.myfloridaagentonline.com

Fri Jul 18 2008, 06:04