The Best Way to Structure Real Estate Purchases for Non-U.S. Citizens — And How Realtors Benefit by Partnering With Us
By Jacqueline Salcines, Esq.
Florida real estate continues to attract buyers from across the globe — and for good reason. The weather, the investment potential, the lifestyle, and most importantly, the absence of a state income tax make it one of the most attractive markets in the world. But for non-U.S. citizens, buying or selling real estate in Florida comes with a unique set of legal and tax implications that, if ignored, can lead to costly mistakes.
At Salcines Law, we specialize in guiding foreign buyers, investors, and sellers through every step of the transaction — from contract to closing — while protecting their interests and preserving their wealth.
The Risks Foreign Buyers Face
Without the right structure, non-U.S. citizens can face:
- 30% estate tax exposure on the value of the property at death
- 15% FIRPTA withholding when they sell
- Capital gains tax complications
- Title issues that make transferring property to heirs expensive and time-consuming
And unfortunately, many realtors — and even title companies — are not equipped to guide buyers through these complex risks. That’s where we come in.
How We Structure Deals for Foreign Clients
At Salcines Law, we take a holistic approach by combining legal strategy with tax insight. As both a real estate attorney and certified public accountant, I evaluate every purchase or sale based on the client’s goals, nationality, risk profile, and intended use of the property.
Some of the common structures we recommend include:
- U.S. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Irrevocable or revocable trusts
- Florida land trusts for privacy and protection
- Holding title individually with proper tax planning in place
We also assist with:
- ITIN applications
- FIRPTA withholding certificate requests
- Cross-border tax planning with CPAs or advisors abroad
Our goal? To ensure that every client walks away with peace of mind, knowing their investment is protected and tax exposure minimized.
How Realtors Can Benefit From Partnering With Us
We know that your reputation is on the line with every transaction. When you partner with our firm, you’re not just protecting your client — you’re elevating your own brand.
Realtors who refer their foreign buyers and sellers to us enjoy:
- Fast legal guidance that keeps deals on track
- Support during contract drafting and negotiation
- Protection against last-minute title or FIRPTA issues
- Peace of mind that their client is in the hands of a seasoned professional
We also provide white-glove concierge closings, with multilingual support and full coordination across time zones — ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Let’s Close Smarter, Together
If you’re a Realtor working with global buyers or sellers, let’s talk. We’re more than a law firm — we’re your strategic partner in protecting and growing your business.
Jacqueline Salcines, Esq.
Real Estate Attorney | Accountant | Title Agent
📍 Coral Gables | Serving All of Florida
🌐 www.salcineslaw.com
📞 Schedule a Realtor Strategy Call Today
“Never Close Alone.”