The United States is both the World's largest recipient of foreign direct investment, as well as the largest investor in other countries. Anyone can bring unlimited amounts of money into the United States and many foreign investors are happy to invest in the U.S. because of the stability of the government and the size of the economy, which makes investing in the U.S. a low risk option.
Ways to Bring Investment Money Into the United States
You can bring any amount of cash, checks, or other liquid monetary instruments into the U.S. but you must make sure to declare to Customs anything over $10,000 in value or you may have it confiscated and you may even find yourself in serious legal trouble.
A better way to bring investment money into the United States is by simply wiring the money to a bank or brokerage account. You should check with your bank or broker to find out if there will be any holds placed on the funds as money transfers from certain countries trigger special scrutiny.
Some governments impose their own restrictions on taking money out of their countries, so it is vital that you check with your own diplomatic agencies before you take steps to send money out of your country to the United States.
Some of the most popular investment vehicles for foreigners are Treasury Bonds, residential and commercial real estate, and publicly trading corporate shell companies.
Tips
Every major money center bank can advise you on the best way to bring investment funds into the United States. You should make sure to ask about tax consequences and any potential legal problems or benefits, for example, it is possible to receive an Investment Visa if you are bringing in a certain amount of money to be used for investment purposes. It is best to check with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if you have any questions about how to obtain an Investment Visa.
Warnings
Make sure to declare any monetary instruments with values of $10,000 or more with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection because the penalties for not declaring money you are bringing into the U.S. can range from confiscation to incarceration. If you are in doubt, you should contact the CBP, the Department of the Treasury, or the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.
Tips
- Every major money center bank can advise you on the best way to bring investment funds into the United States. You should make sure to ask about tax consequences and any potential legal problems or benefits, for example, it is possible to receive an Investment Visa if you are bringing in a certain amount of money to be used for investment purposes. It is best to check with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if you have any questions about how to obtain an Investment Visa.
Warnings
- Make sure to declare any monetary instruments with values of $10,000 or more with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection because the penalties for not declaring money you are bringing into the U.S. can range from confiscation to incarceration. If you are in doubt, you should contact the CBP, the Department of the Treasury, or the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.
Writer Bio
Victoria Duff specializes in entrepreneurial subjects, drawing on her experience as an acclaimed start-up facilitator, venture catalyst and investor relations manager. Since 1995 she has written many articles for e-zines and was a regular columnist for "Digital Coast Reporter" and "Developments Magazine." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public administration from the University of California at Berkeley.