Buying Real Estate Overseas For Cash Flow (And A Better Life)

VIIIWhat Every Overseas Property Buyer Needs to Know About Transferring Money Across Borders in Our Post-FATCA, Anti-money-laundering Age

Key to buying a piece of real estate in another country is getting the cash required to close the sale where it needs to be when it needs to be there. In fact, as a would-be overseas property owner, you potentially face three international money management requirements. First when you buy; second if you renovate; and third when managing a property as a rental.

The most important thing to understand before wiring money to another country is whether that country imposes currency restrictions. Most don't, but, if the country where you intend to buy real estate does, you want to understand the restrictions before committing to a purchase. This is something to discuss and clarify with your local attorney. Colombia, for example, requires that any incoming funds be registered with the country's central bank. If the funds are for living expenses, for example, then you complete one form (Form 4). If the funds are for investment, then you complete a different form (Form 5), indicating what type of investment you're making. Complete the incorrect form or fail to file one at all, and you will have a difficult time repatriating your capital and any associated profits. Complete and file all the paperwork correctly, and you should have no problem taking your money back out of the country if and when you decide you'd like to.

Brazil imposes similar rules. ...