Easiest Countries To Buy Property as a Foreigner

Buying property in another country is a good idea if you’re looking for a safe investment. Furthermore, it’s also practical if you have plans to stay outside your home country for a long time. Well, you’re in luck — there are several countries where you can buy property as a foreigner.

In this guide, we’ll list all the countries you should consider when searching for properties to purchase. We’ll also explain the steps to buy properties in several countries. Keep reading to learn about the easiest countries to buy property as a foreigner.

Best Countries To Buy Property as a Foreigner

The following countries rank high among foreigners as the best places to buy properties. 

Portugal

Portugal is a top destination if you’re looking for countries open to foreigners purchasing properties. You only need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT). This is necessary to pay all the taxes for buying and owning property in Portugal. It takes about two months or more to receive your VAT number. Use an online translation service to submit all the necessary documents quickly.

The country is popular because its cost of living is lower than France and Spain. It has diverse landscapes, including scenic coastlines and countryside. There is also a growing expat population, especially in Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto. 

The country’s real estate market value is on an upward growth trajectory. Moreover, it’s easy to travel from Portugal to other European countries. 

Turkey

Turkey is another country where you can buy property as a foreigner. You don’t have to be a citizen or a resident to invest in the country’s real estate market. In fact, the country provides renewable residence permits to foreign property buyers.

Expect the country’s real estate market to grow in the coming years. However, property prices are rising due to increased demand from foreign buyers. You will always feel at home because there’s a thriving expat community in several cities in Turkey.

You may need passport translation services to ensure your documents are usable in Turkey.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is popular among foreign investors because it is easy to purchase property there. The real estate market is experiencing growth and will continue to do so in the years to come. 

It’s an ideal destination if you’re in the U.S. because it is only a few hours away by flight. Moreover, it will make an excellent winter home, especially when you come from colder regions. However, the average price of houses is increasing year-over-year, and one reason is foreign buyers.

Greece

Greece offers an affordable lifestyle and a thriving real estate market. Even if you’re not a European Union (EU) citizen, you can purchase property in this country. First, you need a tax identification number (AFM), which makes you eligible to acquire property. You may need document translation services to ensure your records are in Greece’s official language. 

If you go through the Golden Visa program, you can get permanent residence permits for you and your family. Moreover, you won’t have to reside in the country, which means you can lease or rent the property. But if you stay in Greece for seven years, you can apply for citizenship.

Canada

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act came into effect in 2023. Furthermore, this act is active until January 1, 2027. As a result, it’s not easy for foreigners to buy property in Canada.

However, you can still acquire property in this country if one of the following situations applies to you:

• You are buying the property with your Canadian partner or spouse
• You have a work or study visa and want to invest in a property that’s not more than CA$500,000
• You want to immigrate or work in Canada within two years after buying property in the country
• The property you want to purchase isn’t in the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) or Census Agglomerations (CA)
• You are looking to invest in rural vacant land, recreational properties, cottages, or vacation villas

Remember to use IRCC translation services if you want to migrate to Canada.

How To Buy Property in Mexico as a Foreigner

As a foreigner, you won’t have problems buying property in Mexico. However, you must be aware of these restrictions:

• You cannot buy land if it is within 61 miles (100 km) of the international border.
• You can’t purchase land if it is within 31 (50 km) of the seacoast.

Here’s how to buy property in Mexico as a foreigner:

1. Make a list of properties you like: First, you need to create a list of properties you want to buy. You can go through different neighborhoods and cities to see which ones look appealing.
2. Hire a reliable real estate agent: Find a real estate agent who specializes in helping foreign buyers acquire property in Mexico. They will negotiate to ensure the final price is fair. Moreover, they’ll ensure the transfer of ownership is smooth. 
3. Submit your offer: You must prepare a formal offer containing the final price and terms and conditions. Ask the real estate agent to help you with this task.
4. Do the diligence checks: Make sure you do the diligence checks to ensure everything is in order. We recommend hiring an experienced lawyer to double-check the paperwork.
5. Close the deal: After you agree with the seller, you must sign the sales contract. Go through the contract and ask the real estate agent for their opinions before signing it. Depending on the contract, you may have to pay a deposit.
6. Sign the deed of sale and pay the fees and taxes: Sign the deed of sale or Escritura de Compraventa or Escritura Pública to become the property owner. Make sure you pay all the fees and taxes for your property.
7. Submit the documents to register your property: You must visit the registry office and submit the various documents to register the property in your name.

How To Buy Property in Japan as a Foreigner

In Japan, you won’t have any restrictions as a foreign buyer, so you can purchase buildings and land. Here are the steps you must follow:

1. Look for the property you want to buy: There are several online portals where you can find properties in Japan. If you’re already in the country, visit different regions to find a house you want to live in.
2. Contact a real estate agent: Make sure you hire a real estate agent who has tons of experience helping foreign buyers.
3. Hand over an official offer: Send the property owner an official offer. It must include details like when you want to buy the property and the final purchase price.
4. Perform the due diligence checks: Before signing the sales contract, ensure everything is okay with the property. To be on the safe side, do a comprehensive survey of the building.
5. Complete the deal: Review the sales contract and sign if you agree with the terms. You’ll also need to pay a deposit, which is a percentage of the property’s price.
6. Complete the registration process: Pay the remaining amount, i.e., the price without the deposit amount. You’ll have to sign documents like a transfer of ownership to become the owner legally. 

How To Buy Property in Spain as a Foreigner

Here is what you need to do to buy property in Spain as a foreigner:

1. Apply for NIE: First, you must get your foreign identity number or Número de identidad de extranjero (NIE). This is your tax ID, which you can obtain from your country’s consular office or Spain. You need this number to purchase property in Spain.
2. Start searching for properties: Start looking for properties in Spain based on your preferences. Contact a local real estate agent because they can find properties that may not be on online portals.
3. Ask the seller for a nota simple: A nota simple contains all the information you need about the land or property you want to buy. It includes details like the property’s boundaries, description, debts, and ownership.
4. Conduct due diligence: Conduct a survey to learn about the property’s boundaries and condition. Make sure it matches the information in the nota simple. Any issues you find with the property can help lower the selling price.
5. Hire a solicitor: A solicitor, especially a professional who speaks English and Spanish, will be of great help when buying property in Spain. They’ll also ensure the paperwork is in order.
6. Submit your offer: Make an offer and start negotiating with the seller. Once you find a figure that works for everyone, sign the purchase agreement and transfer the deposit.
7. Complete the deal: Sign the final paperwork, which you need to do before a notary public. After completing this process, transfer the remaining amount, and you’ll become the new owner.
8. Register with the Land Registry: Register your land or property with the Land Registry. Make sure you also transfer all the utilities to your name.

Make sure you use certified translation services to ensure the translated documents are accurate.

How To Buy Property in USA as a Foreigner

You can buy property in the USA as a foreigner by following these steps:

1. Obtain your tax identification number: Apply for your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). You can get this number from the IRS.
2. Work with a real estate agent: Hire an agent to look for properties within your budget. They’ll help you find your dream house and close the deal.
3. Negotiate with the seller: After you find a property you want to buy, submit your offer with the help of your real estate agent. 
4. Get a professional to survey the property: You must conduct due diligence to ensure the property is in good condition. 
5. Finalize the deal: Review the closing costs, such as title insurance, taxes, and legal fees. Sign the final paperwork and transfer the title to your name. 

If you’re applying for citizenship or immigrating to the USA, make sure you use USCIS-certified translation services for your documents.

How To Buy Property in Bali as a Foreigner

If you want to become a property owner in Bali as a foreigner, here’s what you must do:

1. Establish a Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing (PT PMA): As a foreigner, you must set up a PT PMA. This allows you to acquire properties in Bali and extend the length of ownership. Moreover, you can use the property for commercial or residential purposes.
2. Look for your dream property: Work with a local real estate agent to find a property that will be your next home.
3. Put forward your offer: Present your offer to the seller and start negotiating the sale price. 
4. Conduct your due diligence: Get a professional to inspect your property to ensure the wiring, plumbing, and structural integrity are up to code. You should also check if the owner has any dues to clear.
5. Finish the deal: Sign the documents, apply for the proper permit, and complete the payment to become the property owner. You must sign the sales contract at the Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah’s (PPAT) office.

What Are the Best Countries To Buy Property as an American?

Here are some of the best countries to buy property as an American:

• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Greece
• Mexico
• Portugal
• Spain
• Turkey

You must submit relevant documents when applying for your tax identification number or opening a bank account in another country. These records must be in the country’s official language so that you can legally use them. For example, you may need birth certificate translation services if this document is in another language.

Rapid Translate can translate all the documents you need to submit to be usable in other countries. We have professional translators with years of experience in providing accurate word-for-word translations. 

We also provide notarized translation services for your documents if this is mandatory in specific regions. 

Moreover, we can deliver the translated files in under 24 hours if necessary. 

FAQ

Do you have any questions regarding this topic? Go through this section because it answers all the questions we receive regularly.