Can International Buyers Purchase Property in Atlanta?

One of the most common questions international buyers ask when considering a move to Atlanta is also one of the simplest:

Can I legally purchase property in the United States if I’m not a citizen or permanent resident?

The short answer is yes.
But the longer answer benefits from context.

International Buyers Can Purchase Property in the U.S.

In the United States, there are no citizenship or residency requirements to purchase real estate.

International buyers can legally:

  • purchase residential or investment property,

  • hold title in their own name or through entities,

  • and buy with or without U.S. residency status.

Atlanta is no exception.

Where complexity arises is not whether you can buy — but how the process works in practice.

Ownership Is Allowed — Financing Is Where Questions Arise

Many international buyers assume ownership restrictions exist.

In reality, the primary differences appear in:

  • financing options,

  • documentation requirements,

  • and timelines.

Some buyers purchase with cash.
Others finance through U.S. or international lenders that specialize in non-resident buyers.

Each path is viable — but preparation matters.

Documentation Feels Different (And Often More Detailed)

One of the biggest adjustments for international buyers is documentation.

U.S. institutions often require:

  • clear proof of funds,

  • source-of-funds documentation,

  • identity verification,

  • and compliance with federal regulations.

This can feel unusually detailed if you’re coming from a system that relies more heavily on relationship-based verification.

Having navigated this process personally — relocating to the U.S. as an adult after growing up in France — I understand how unfamiliar and opaque these requirements can feel at first. That perspective shapes how I help international buyers anticipate steps rather than react to them.

Tax and Reporting Considerations Exist — But They’re Manageable

International buyers should also be aware of:

  • U.S. tax reporting requirements,

  • potential withholding rules when selling,

  • and how ownership structure can affect long-term planning.

These considerations don’t prevent ownership — they simply require coordination with the right professionals.

Clarity upfront almost always leads to smoother outcomes later.

Timing and Expectations Matter

Purchasing property in Atlanta as an international buyer often takes slightly longer — not because it’s more difficult, but because additional coordination is involved.

Buyers who allow:

  • realistic timelines,

  • flexibility in closing dates,

  • and room for due diligence

tend to feel far more confident throughout the process.

A More Grounded Way to Think About Ownership

Rather than asking:

Am I allowed to buy property in Atlanta?

A more useful question is:

What structure and preparation will make this purchase feel clear and sustainable?

Atlanta welcomes international buyers — especially those who approach the process thoughtfully.

What’s Next

In the next article, we’ll explore banking, financing, and credit considerations for international buyers, and how to prepare before beginning a purchase.

Matthieu Clavé — REALTOR®
Founder, Claventure Ventures at eXp Realty

For a broader overview of moving to Atlanta, visit Moving to Atlanta: A Practical, Human Guide for Families, Seniors & International Buyers.