Below is a detailed guide on 10 countries where foreigners can legally buy property abroad, along with insights into their specific property ownership laws. It should be taken into consideration that not all places are equal when it comes to potential issues like scams, bad protection laws, rights to utilities and so much more. It is very critical to understand these things and potentially have a lawyer on your side to understand it depending on the country. Don’t just depend on the agent for your answers, there are a lot of bad stories even in the countries listed below for those that didn’t do their due diligence.
The United States has one of the most open real estate markets in the world. Foreigners can buy, own, and sell property with virtually no restrictions. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or agricultural land, foreign buyers enjoy the same property rights as U.S. citizens. However, purchasing farmland near military bases may face scrutiny under the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA). Additionally, property taxes apply regardless of nationality, and financing options for non-residents may be limited.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations to buy property, particularly for retirees and investors looking for vacation properties. Foreigners have the same rights as locals when purchasing land, except for properties within the Maritime Zone (200 meters from the coastline), where special concessions apply. The process is straightforward, and Costa Rica’s stable economy makes it an attractive place to own real estate. They even have agencies like ReMax and title insurance now.
Canada generally allows foreign ownership of real estate, but restrictions exist depending on the province. For example, British Columbia and Ontario have implemented foreign buyer taxes to curb speculative investments. As of lately, Canada placed a temporary two-year ban on foreign homebuyers to address housing affordability issues, but this does not apply to certain types of land or commercial properties.
Foreigners can buy property in Mexico, but restrictions apply to properties within 50 kilometers of the coastline or 100 kilometers from international borders. In these “restricted zones,” foreign buyers must use a bank trust (fideicomiso) or establish a Mexican corporation to hold the property title. Outside these zones, foreigners can directly own land with full property rights. A company called Wise has a good article on the process of buying property in Mexico, but they actually assist people all over the world buy abroad and considered a leader in moving money to different countries for such purposes using exchange rates. To learn more read Buying property in Mexico from Wise
Portugal offers one of the most foreigner friendly real estate markets in Europe. Non-residents can freely purchase property with no restrictions, and the country’s Golden Visa program has attracted many investors by offering residency to property buyers. Portugal also has low property taxes, making it a desirable location for land investment.
While foreigners cannot own land in Thailand outright, they can own condominiums. However, there are legal workarounds to buy property such as villas, long-term leases (up to 30 years) or setting up a Thai company where a local holds the majority share. Despite these restrictions, Thailand remains an attractive destination for property investment due to its affordability and strong rental market. It’s more common to buy nice condos or homes however, land can be a more risky or problematic legal workaround. Thailand is still a top destination as the homes are stunning at times, especially in Phuket where many Russians have invested. And, if you have the money, you can buy a long term residency card as well. So as far as owning a home, residency and even starting a business it has become a great destination for this. In Bangkok many foreign investors lock in the condo projects for passive income. The rental market is steady although they do have 30 day restrictions on some condos and using Airbnb you should look into first.
New Zealand has strict laws on foreign land ownership, primarily to protect local homebuyers. In 2018, the government banned most foreign buyers from purchasing residential property. However, foreigners can still buy land for commercial, industrial, or large-scale development purposes with government approval.
The UK allows foreigners to buy property without restrictions. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or agricultural land, non-residents enjoy full ownership rights. London, in particular, remains a hotspot for foreign real estate investments. However, property taxes and stamp duties may be higher for non-UK residents.
Germany has no restrictions on foreign land ownership, making it an attractive destination for investors looking for European property. The real estate market is stable, and Germany’s strong economy provides a secure investment environment. However, property transaction costs and taxes can be relatively high.
Foreigners can buy property in Australia, but they must get approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The government encourages foreign investment in new properties rather than existing homes to stimulate economic growth. Additional taxes and fees apply to non-residents, particularly in states like Victoria and New South Wales.
If you’re looking to invest in land abroad, understanding each country’s legal framework is essential. The U.S., Costa Rica, Portugal, and the UK offer some of the easiest pathways for foreign land ownership, while countries like Mexico and Thailand have specific workarounds for foreign buyers. Always research local laws, consult legal professionals, and consider tax implications before making a purchase.
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