How to Send Large Sums of Money to the U.S. for Real Estate Investment

Transferring money across borders can be stressful and costly.

From international wire transfers to foreign exchange rates and U.S. compliance rules, just moving funds can feel like a project of its own. This guide breaks down what foreign investors need to know about transferring money into the U.S. for real estate investments. We’ll cover what makes the process complex and how integrated solutions as well as certain U.S. mortgage options can make it more straightforward.

Key takeaways

• Transferring funds into the U.S. is legal, but subject to strict reporting and compliance requirements. Being prepared with documentation can prevent costly delays.
  
  
• International wire transfers remain the most common method—but they come with fees, foreign exchange risk, and regulatory hurdles.
  
  
• The Waltz Investor Kit simplifies the process with LLC formation, multi-currency support, and more—all tailored for foreign investors.

Why foreign nationals need a plan for moving funds

Unlike domestic investors, foreign nationals often have to deal with multiple currencies, banking jurisdictions, and disclosure rules just to transfer money. The U.S. does not restrict how much you can send for property investment, but it does monitor large transfers. 

This added scrutiny can lead to delays or complications—especially if you're unfamiliar with U.S. compliance rules. Many investors find this stage unexpectedly challenging.

From navigating SWIFT codes to completing IRS Form 3520 or FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR), improper handling can lead to delays or penalties. That’s why it pays to set things up right from the start.

Learn more: Critical Mortgage Compliance Tips for International Property Buyers

Common challenges with cross-border transfers to the U.S.

Moving large sums of money across borders isn't just a matter of clicking "send." Here are some of the most common challenges foreign investors face when transferring funds into the United States:

• Currency conversion losses: Foreign exchange spreads and poor conversion rates can hurt your purchasing power if not managed carefully.
  
  
• Delays due to compliance checks: U.S. banks often require detailed documentation to process inbound wires, especially when the sender is overseas.
  
  
• Confusion about entity structure: Depending on the loan type, U.S. lenders may require that your investment property be held in a U.S. limited liability company (LLC). This adds complexity to where and how funds are sent.
  
  
• Banking friction: Setting up a U.S. bank account² as a non-resident can be difficult without an ITIN, U.S. address, or in-person verification.
  
  
• Inconsistent regulations by state and federal authorities: Some reporting requirements vary depending on how and where funds are sent, the agency involved, and the specific forms required.

Navigating these hurdles can be time-consuming and risky without guidance. That’s why using an integrated platform designed specifically for foreign nationals, helps ensure your funds move efficiently and in compliance with U.S. law.

Learn more: Setting Up an LLC for Real Estate Investing: a Quick Guide

How to wire money internationally for U.S. real estate

The most secure and common method to move large sums is through a bank-to-bank wire transfer. However, there are still several obstacles that foreign nationals should be aware of.

• Transfer fees: Both the sending and receiving banks may charge fees, and intermediary banks (often used in SWIFT transfers) can deduct additional costs.
  
  
• Scrutiny and source of funds documentation: Due to anti-money laundering laws like the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act, U.S. banks are required to verify the origin of large sums. This can trigger compliance checks, document requests, or delays. This is obviously not ideal when trying to close on a property quickly.
  
  
• Difficulty opening a U.S. bank account: In many cases, opening a U.S. account requires an in-person visit, which can be a major barrier when living thousands of miles away. This adds time, cost, and complexity to an already challenging process.

Here’s how a typical wire transfer works:

With Waltz, this process is even more straightforward. The Investor Kit includes a U.S. business bank account through Regent Bank² with wire transfer capabilities and competitive foreign exchange rates.

What about reporting requirements?

If you're transferring more than $10,000 into the U.S., financial institutions are required to report it to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires disclosure if you physically bring more than $10,000 into the U.S.
  
  
• Banks handle most reporting automatically if funds are wired electronically.
  
  
• The IRS and FinCEN may require annual disclosures for foreign-held accounts.

To be safe, always keep documentation of your transfer and investment activity.

The Waltz Investor Kit simplifies the process

When you get a loan with Waltz, you’re able to add-on an Investor Kit. Designed specifically for foreign nationals, it streamlines the setup of your U.S. legal entity, banking, and financial operations. The purchase of an Investor Kit helps you get started and includes key features such as:

• U.S. LLC formation with an operating agreement, so you don’t have to find a local attorney or complete the process with the state you operate in on your own.
  
  
• Employee Identification Number (EIN) for tax and banking purposes.
  
  
• FDIC-insured business bank account with Regent Bank²–no in-person visit required.
  
  
• Foreign exchange and wire transfer capabilities with multi-currency support.

By bundling these services, the Investor Kit helps eliminate costly delays and third-party coordination.

Learn more: Waltz Investor Kit

Linna from Canada purchased an Investor Kit with her loan

From across the border, figuring out how to move money, form a U.S. LLC, and opening a bank account felt like a nightmare. She looked into several service providers but ran into steep fees, confusing processes, or both. Using the Waltz Investor Kit, Linna set up her U.S. LLC, got her EIN, and opened a U.S. business bank account—all from Canada. It was "significantly less costly to create an entity with an EIN– in less time than it would take otherwise,” Linna shared.

See Linna’s full story: Linna’s Success Story

Get set up to move funds efficiently

Transferring large sums of money into the U.S. for real estate investment presents unique challenges that often cause delays and introduce hidden fees that you weren’t accounting for.

Waltz simplifies this process by offering an end-to-end solution specifically designed for non-U.S. residents. From forming your LLC to foreign exchange capabilities, the Waltz Investor Kit puts all the essentials in one place.

Get started with confidence.