SSN is not required to buy
Foreign nationals can buy Florida property without an SSN. The seller, title company and bank will usually ask for a valid passport and proof of the source of funds.
Requirements differ between a cash purchase and a mortgage, so confirm with your title company.
When an ITIN is useful
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is issued by the IRS to people who must file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for an SSN. It may be needed for filing returns on rental income or sale proceeds, and some lenders use it.
Apply through the IRS following its current procedures, or consult a tax professional.
Cash purchases
Cash buyers typically provide passport, proof of funds and the information for the title company's anti-money laundering checks. Funds come by wire transfer to the title company's escrow account.
Plan for bank questions about the origin of large international transfers.
Mortgages for foreign nationals
Some lenders offer foreign-national loans with larger down payments, higher rates and additional documentation such as foreign bank statements and credit references. Terms differ by lender.
See our mortgage guide for foreigners for details.
Buying through an entity
Some foreign buyers purchase through an LLC or trust for privacy, liability or estate planning. Structures have tax and compliance consequences, so take legal and tax advice before using one.
Reporting rules for entities buying real estate also exist.
Taxes after you buy
Rental income, sale gains and sometimes estate tax can create U.S. filing duties for non-resident owners. You may need a taxpayer number to file.
Speak with a U.S. tax professional about the first year.
Common mistakes
Assuming no ID is needed, sending money without checking instructions, forgetting tax filings and using a structure without advice.
Another mistake is leaving the paperwork until the last week.
Checklist
Passport valid for the process. Proof of funds. Source-of-funds explanation. Taxpayer number if needed. Title company instructions verified by phone.
Practical tip
Ask the title company early for its list of documents for foreign buyers. Their requirements, not general advice online, decide what you will actually need to provide.
One more point
Keep digital copies of your passport, proof of funds and every signed document in one folder. It makes later tax filings and any future sale much easier.
Next step
We will explain each step in Russian or English and connect you with a title company and tax professional. Lidiya Tretyak is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian; the first consultation is free.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
