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Many foreign investors looking to secure residency in the United States wonder if purchasing real estate can qualify them for a U.S. visa. While the idea of buying property to gain residency is common in some countries, the U.S. does not offer a visa or Green Card simply for purchasing real estate.

No Visa for Property Owners

Unlike some countries that offer “golden visas” in exchange for real estate investment, the U.S. does not have a program that grants visas or permanent residency solely based on property ownership. For instance, the United Arab Emirates offers residency to real estate investors. In the UAE, a property investor who owns real estate worth at least AED 2 million at the time of purchase can apply for a 10-year renewable residence permit, known as the UAE golden visa, which allows them to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents.

If you buy a house, condo, or commercial property in the U.S., you may be able to visit on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or through the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) if your country qualifies, but this does not provide the right to live or work in the U.S. long-term.

The EB-5 Program: A Path to a Green Card Through Investment

While buying property alone won’t grant you a visa, foreign investors who are interested in U.S. residency have an option to acquire the U.S. Green Card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The EB-5 program allows investors and their families to obtain a U.S. Green Card by making a qualifying investment in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers.

EB-5 Investment Requirements

• Minimum Investment: $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). Investors can benefit from flexible payment plans.
• Job Creation: The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• At-Risk Investment: The funds must be at risk for investment purposes, meaning they cannot simply be used to purchase real estate for personal use.

Many EB-5 projects involve real estate developments, such as hotels, commercial buildings, and mixed-use properties. However, these investments are structured as job-creating business ventures rather than personal property purchases.

If you are considering U.S. residency, purchasing property alone will not qualify you for a visa. However, the EB-5 program offers a legitimate path to a U.S. Green Card through job-creating investments, often linked to real estate developments.

Take the First Step Toward Your U.S. Green Card

At The American Legal Center, we specialize in guiding investors through the EB-5 process, providing a smooth path to securing a U.S. Green Card. With a proven track record and over a decade of EB-5 expertise, our team is ready to help you navigate this opportunity with confidence.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how the EB-5 program can work for you. Don’t let misinformation hold you back—your future in the U.S. can start now.