1. Can Russian citizens buy in Miami?
In most cases a Russian citizen can own US real estate, but the rules are stricter than for other buyers. Two things matter most: US sanctions, and Florida's SB 264, which applies to people domiciled in Russia (and six other countries) who are not US citizens or permanent residents. A Russian citizen who lives permanently in, say, the EU, Israel or the UAE is assessed differently from one domiciled in Russia. Every case starts with a Florida real estate attorney.
2. OFAC screening
Every party to a US real estate transaction is screened against the Treasury's OFAC sanctions lists, including the SDN list. No US title company, bank, attorney or realtor can close a deal involving a blocked person or an entity they own. Expect enhanced due diligence on identity, ownership and source of funds.
3. Moving funds legally
Many Russian banks are cut off from the US financial system, so transfers usually come from an account in the buyer's own name at a bank in a third country, with documented lawful origin (salary, business income, sale of assets). The title company will ask for this documentation. I do not — and no reputable professional will — help structure payments to get around sanctions or reporting rules.
4. Reporting for cash purchases
Federal rules (FinCEN) require the title company to identify the real beneficial owners in many all-cash purchases made through companies or trusts, and Miami-Dade has been covered by such requirements for years. Plan on disclosing who ultimately owns the entity.
5. Estate tax: no US–Russia treaty
There is no US estate tax treaty with Russia (or Ukraine). A non-resident, non-citizen owner can face US estate tax of up to 40% on US assets above $60,000. Structures such as a foreign corporation or a foreign grantor trust are commonly used to manage this — but only with advice from an international tax attorney, set up before closing.
6. Does buying give a visa?
No. Buying property does not grant a US visa or residency. Investor immigration (EB-5) is a separate process with its own investment thresholds; the E-2 treaty investor visa is not available to Russian citizens. An immigration attorney can advise on your options.
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.
