No. Buying property in the United States, at any price, doesn't give you a visa, residency or a green card, and it doesn't extend how long you can stay as a visitor either. The only investment path to a green card is EB-5, which requires at least $800,000 or $1,050,000 invested in a business that creates 10 jobs, and a home to live in or rent out doesn't qualify (USCIS).
Why this question comes up so often
In several countries, buying property above a certain price gets you residency (the old "golden visas"). The US has nothing like that for residential real estate. Even so, the idea shows up in ads and in conversations with salespeople who confuse "investment" with "real estate investment." If someone promises you a visa for buying a house or condo, be suspicious.
What a purchase does let you do is own, rent out and sell the property while living abroad, with foreign national financing subject to lender approval. See how it works in buying Florida real estate as a foreign national.
Immigration paths tied to investment
| Path | Leads to a green card? | Minimum investment | Open to Brazilians? | Does a home count? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buying a house or condo | No | — | — | — |
| EB-5 (immigrant investor) | Yes, conditional at first | $800,000 (targeted employment area or infrastructure) or $1,050,000 | Yes | No: it must be a business that creates 10 jobs |
| E-2 (treaty investor) | No, it's a temporary visa | No fixed amount, must be "substantial" | Only with another citizenship from a treaty country | Generally not |
| B-1/B-2 (business/tourism) | No | — | Yes | Owning property doesn't change the rules |
Sources: USCIS, EB-5; USCIS, E-2; State Department, 9 FAM 402.9, accessed Oct 2026.
EB-5: what it is and what it costs
EB-5 is the green card program for investors. Under the rules in effect since March 15, 2022, the minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) or an infrastructure project. The money goes into a new commercial enterprise that must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying workers (USCIS).
Three points few people mention:
- The amounts will go up. USCIS says the minimums will be adjusted for inflation every five years, with the first adjustment applying to petitions filed on or after January 1, 2027. Check the current figure before you plan.
- The green card starts out conditional. The investor later has to petition to remove the conditions (Form I-829), proving the investment and the jobs (USCIS).
- Your money is at risk. It's a business investment with no guaranteed return. The regional center program, through which much EB-5 investment flows, is authorized through September 30, 2027 (USCIS).
Buying a home to live in, or a property to rent out, is not a business that creates 10 jobs, so it doesn't count for EB-5.
E-2: why it generally isn't open to Brazilians
E-2 is a temporary visa for people who invest a "substantial" amount in a real US business and come to direct that business (USCIS). The investor must be a citizen of a country with a qualifying commerce treaty with the US. Brazil is not on the State Department's list (9 FAM 402.9).
If you also hold citizenship of a listed country, such as Portugal, you can apply on that passport. Even then, E-2:
- is not a green card: it's renewable but temporary (up to 2 years at a time, with unlimited extensions, according to USCIS);
- requires an active business that you run. Buying rental properties is generally not enough;
- depends on the country and the case, which is why you need an immigration attorney.
B-1/B-2: owning property doesn't buy you more time
Visitors entering for tourism or business are normally admitted for up to six months, and what counts is the date on your I-94, not your visa. You can ask USCIS for an extension on Form I-539, but you have to show you will leave (USCIS). Owning a home in Florida doesn't change that limit. Spending too much time here can cause immigration problems and can also make you a US resident for tax purposes. Talk to an attorney and a CPA before planning long stays.
What buying changes (and what it doesn't)
It changes: you now own a dollar asset that you can use, rent out and sell. You'll pay property tax, insurance and condo or HOA fees, and you'll report the property in both countries. Brazilian taxpayers can read our Portuguese guide on reporting US property on the Brazilian tax return.
It doesn't change: your immigration status, your right to work in the US, or how long you can stay.
If you already live in Florida on a work visa or another status, you can also buy a home, with an SSN or ITIN, always subject to lender approval. See buying a home in Florida and ITIN mortgages.
Rui Cunha is a real estate broker, not an attorney. He doesn't give immigration advice and refers clients to professionals when the subject comes up. For any visa or green card decision, consult an immigration attorney.
FAQ
If I buy a $1 million house, do I get a green card?
No. The value of the property doesn't matter. EB-5 requires investment in a business that creates at least 10 jobs, and a property to live in or rent out doesn't meet that.
What is the EB-5 minimum investment in 2026?
$1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) or an infrastructure project, according to USCIS. The amounts will be adjusted for inflation for petitions filed on or after January 1, 2027.
Can a Brazilian get an E-2 visa?
Not on a Brazilian passport alone: Brazil doesn't have the required treaty with the US. If you also hold citizenship of a country on the State Department's list, such as Portugal, you can apply on that passport. Talk to an immigration attorney.
Does owning property in Florida let me stay longer as a visitor?
No. Your permitted stay is what's on your I-94, normally up to six months. Owning property doesn't entitle you to stay longer, and spending a lot of time in the US can have immigration and tax consequences.
Do I need a visa to buy property in the US?
No. Foreigners can buy without a visa and without being in the US. Many buyers complete the purchase remotely. Find more answers in the FAQ.
Talk to Rui
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