Financial benefits
Many Argentine families already keep savings in dollars and price property in dollars. A Florida rental turns idle dollars into an asset that earns rent, is legally recorded and is insured by a title policy. Miami, Aventura, Sunny Isles and Brickell have large Argentine communities and condo stock that rents well.
Political and practical benefits
Years of inflation and currency controls have made predictability valuable. U.S. property law doesn’t change with exchange policy, and owners can sell and move proceeds freely, subject to tax.
Tax considerations
- FIRPTA: when a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer generally withholds 15% of the gross sale price for the IRS. The withholding is a prepayment, and the actual tax is settled on the seller’s U.S. return.
- Rental income: by default, 30% of gross rent is withheld. Most investors elect to be taxed on net income instead, which lets them deduct expenses and depreciation and file a U.S. nonresident return each year (an ITIN is needed).
- Estate tax: nonresidents who aren’t U.S. citizens get only a $60,000 U.S. estate tax exemption on U.S. assets unless a treaty improves it. Ownership structure matters.
- Florida: no state personal income tax. Property taxes and insurance are the main carrying costs, and both should be budgeted before you buy.
- No income tax treaty: Argentina taxes residents on worldwide income, generally with a credit for foreign tax paid on the same income, within limits.
- Personal assets tax: Argentina’s Bienes Personales applies to foreign assets held by residents. A Florida property and the way it is owned affect that tax.
- Estate tax: without a treaty, directly held U.S. property is exposed to U.S. estate tax above $60,000. Plan the structure before closing.
Residency pathways
Buying property doesn’t give residency. Argentines are eligible for the E-2 treaty investor visa when they invest in and run an active U.S. business.
Next steps
Irina helps international investors choose the right Florida market and property, coordinates with your tax advisor and lawyer, and manages the purchase remotely if you can’t travel. Read the buying guide for foreign nationals, see financing options for non-residents, or run the rental numbers.
Not legal or tax advice. This article is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Tax rules, treaties and exchange rates change. Before you buy, talk to a cross-border tax advisor and a lawyer licensed in the relevant countries. Irina Manets is a licensed real estate sales associate with CENTURY 21 Stein Posner and does not provide tax or legal advice.