Foreign Nationals Legal Services
From Another Country?
We can help you close with confidence
But it doesn’t have to be confusing.
Our team provides dedicated support for international buyers and sellers, guiding you through every step of the U.S. real estate closing process. We help ensure your transaction is handled smoothly, securely, and in full compliance with all legal and financial requirements—so you can move forward with confidence.
What Makes Us Different for International Clients
Dedicated Procedures for Cross-Border Closings
Real estate closings involving foreign nationals often involve additional steps, documents, and timing challenges. We don’t treat them like ordinary closings.
We have:
- Dedicated checklists for international buyers and sellers
- Specific timelines designed to prevent delays
- Customized forms for international clients
This extra structure helps us anticipate issues before they become problems and keeps your closing on track, even when multiple countries and time zones are involved.
Internationally Focused Estate Planning
For international clients, buying the property is just the beginning.
We offer dedicated estate planning services for foreign nationals, including:
- Wills that coordinate with your property ownership in the U.S.
- Trusts or other vehicles to help avoid lengthy or complicated probate
- Strategies to help protect your property for your heirs
We work to ensure your U.S. property doesn’t get “stuck” in the probate system or lost in the complexity of cross-border estates.
Strategic International Partnerships
Successful closings for foreign buyers and sellers often require more than just a lawyer. Over time, we’ve built a network of trusted international partners, including:
- Accountants familiar with cross-border tax issues
- Real estate agents experienced with foreign national clients
- Certified translators
- Insurance professionals
- Reliable international courier/overnight mail services
Our partners speak multiple languages and understand a variety of legal systems, cultures, and customs. These long-term relationships allow us to respond quickly when unexpected issues arise—and help keep your transaction moving.
Expertise in FIRPTA
Foreign sellers must comply with the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), and most Florida contracts require the seller to hire their own FIRPTA representative.
We guide clients through withholding requirements, exemptions, certifications, and IRS filings — ensuring compliance with minimal disruption.
How We Can Help
Our Foreign National Services
Our multilingual partners and trusted network understand the cultural, legal, and financial nuances that matter most.
We work with clients from all over the world, including:
- International buyers purchasing U.S. investment or vacation properties
- Foreign sellers navigating closing, tax withholding, and FIRPTA requirements
- Non-residents who already own property and need updated planning
- Global families with cross-border assets
- International corporations or investors acquiring U.S. real estate
Estate Planning for Foreign Nationals
How to protect U.S. property, avoid unnecessary taxes, and ensure your heirs are secure.
Real Estate Transactions for Foreign Nationals
End-to-end support for buyers and sellers unfamiliar with U.S. closing procedures.
FIRPTA Compliance & Representation
Guidance on withholding certificates, exemptions, timelines, and IRS filings.
Ongoing Support for International Owners
Annual reviews, document updates, and long-term asset planning.
Planning to purchase U.S. real estate?
For International Buyers
Buying property in the U.S. from abroad
Purchasing a home, condo, or investment property in the U.S. raises important questions, including:
- How should you take title to the property?
- Should you own it individually, jointly, through a company, or a trust?
- How might your ownership structure affect taxes, liability, and estate planning in the future?
The way you take title as a foreign national can make a significant difference in:
- What happens if you pass away
- How your heirs inherit the property
- What taxes may be due later
- How easily the property can be sold or transferred
We help international buyers choose the most appropriate way to hold title—which is often not the way they initially expect—with an eye toward both current goals and long-term protection.
Selling U.S. property as a foreign national?
For International Sellers
Selling U.S. property as a foreign national
If you are a foreign seller, U.S. tax law—specifically FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act)—can significantly affect your sale.
Most local real estate contracts require a foreign seller to:
- Address FIRPTA withholding at closing
- Pay for FIRPTA representation
- Provide certain tax and residency certifications
We assist international sellers with:
- FIRPTA analysis and coordination
- Communication with closing agents and real estate agents
- Helping minimize surprises, delays, or unnecessary withholding
Selling U.S. property as a foreign national? We can guide you through the FIRPTA process.
Already own real estate in the U.S.? Let us ensure everything is protected.
Current U.S. property owners
Time for a Legal “Check-Up”
If you already own U.S. real estate as a foreign national, it may be time to review how your property is structured and how it fits into your overall estate plan.
We can:
- Review how your property is currently titled
- Identify potential issues for inheritance, probate, and taxes
- Coordinate updates to your will, trust, or other estate planning documents
- Help ensure that your family or chosen beneficiaries can inherit your property efficiently and according to your wishes
Schedule an estate and title review to make sure you’re protected.
FAQs for Foreign Nationals Attorneys
Do foreign nationals need special legal support when buying or selling U.S. real estate?
Yes. International transactions involve additional requirements such as remote notarization, identity verification, banking restrictions, and tax rules like FIRPTA. Having an attorney with international experience prevents delays, penalties, and title issues.
What is FIRPTA and when does it apply?
FIRPTA is a federal law that requires withholding a percentage of the sales price when a foreign person sells U.S. real estate. Most contracts require the foreign seller to hire their own FIRPTA representative. We guide clients through exemptions, certificates, and IRS filings.
How should a foreign buyer take title to U.S. property?
It depends on your goals. Some clients benefit from owning property individually, while others need an LLC, trust, or international estate planning structure. We evaluate your residency, assets, tax exposure, and long-term needs to recommend the best option.
I already own property in the U.S. — should I update anything?
Often, yes. Many international owners need updated estate documents, revised ownership structures, or probate protection. We provide a full “property and estate checkup” to ensure your assets and heirs are protected.
Can you help if I don’t live in the United States?
Absolutely. We work with clients worldwide. Our team manages closings, notarizations, document exchanges, translations, and communication across time zones so you can complete your transaction remotely.
Do you offer estate planning specifically for foreign nationals?
Yes. We create cross-border wills, trusts, and ownership structures tailored to non-U.S. residents. The goal is to protect your property, avoid probate issues, and plan for heirs across jurisdictions.
What documents do foreign buyers or sellers need for a closing?
Requirements vary by country, but typically include a valid passport, proof of funds, tax identification numbers (if applicable), certified translations, and notarized documentation. We provide a checklist customized to your situation.
Can you work with my accountant or international advisor?
Yes. We coordinate with accountants, translators, insurance specialists, and real estate agents — domestic or international — to ensure all pieces of your transaction align smoothly.
How do time zones and international travel affect the closing timeline?
We create customized closing schedules for international clients. This includes early document preparation, allowance for international mail delays, and flexible signing options to avoid last-minute issues.
What makes Willis & Davidow different for foreign nationals?
We’ve built dedicated workflows, checklists, partner networks, and timelines specifically for international clients. Our experience helps foreign nationals complete smooth, compliant, and stress-free transactions.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it
“I have known Christina Davidow professionally for almost 3 years now, and she is the best international attorney for my Real Estate Customers. She always places others ahead of herself and is incredibly committed to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients. Very professional, quick and efficient, always maintained communication, and made a very stressful time seamless for my clients! I recommend her without reservation and feel privileged to know her. One of the top-notch international attorneys in Naples, Florida.” – Astrid Lorenz, REALTOR®, Naples, Florida
