COMPLETE GUIDE TO INVESTING IN THE USA

Saying goodbye to the clichés about investing abroad is a bit like saying goodbye to post-holiday flab: it requires a plan, a little discipline, and, above all, the right partners. Whether you dream of rental profitability in Miami or a well-stocked portfolio of index ETFs , investing in the United States is more accessible than it seems. Discover our complete guide to investing in the USA.

Types of investments possible in the USA

The United States is a veritable playground for investors. And the best part? There's something for everyone.

Real estate investment: the star of the moment

At Investir.us, we talk about it every day: real estate investment in the United States remains one of the most powerful ways to grow your capital. Whether in residential , commercial , or even turnkey rental investment , the opportunities are numerous.

Investing in real estate in the United States allows you to benefit from a dynamic market, a transparent legal framework, and returns often higher than those in Europe. For example, in Florida, our clients observe an average net rental yield of 7 to 9%.

Testimonial: “I bought a duplex in Tampa with Investir.us. In 12 months, I doubled my rental income. All without ever having set foot in the United States!” – Jean-Baptiste L., Strasbourg

The American stock market: a classic that still works

It's hard to talk about investing in the US without mentioning the American stock market . This is where giants like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla make their mark. For French-speaking investors, this often involves ETFs .

Among the must-sees:

Amundi Nasdaq UCITS to bet on tech giants

MSCI World ETF for global diversification with a US bias

S&P UCITS ETF to track the 500 largest US companies

These products provide strategic exposure to the American markets with an often low entry ticket, passive management, and tax optimization depending on your country of residence.

And why not a mix?

More and more foreign investors are combining commercial real estate and stock market investments to smooth out risks and maximize their overall return. This is known as a hybrid wealth strategy , and it's clearly what I recommend to my most cautious… but ambitious… clients.

Investor Visas: How to Become More Than Just a Tourist

One of the biggest advantages of investing in the United States is the ability to access specific visas . Some even allow you to live on American soil.

The E-2 visa: the favorite of French speakers

The E-2 visa is available to citizens of countries that have signed a treaty with the United States (good news, France is one of them). It requires:

A substantial investment , often starting at $100,000

The creation or purchase of an operational company

A legal structure (often an LLC )

This visa is ideal for active investors. At Investir.us, we support applicants every step of the way: from creating an entity, developing a business plan, opening a bank account , and ultimately setting up a business.

The EB-5 visa: the royal (but demanding) road

The EB-5 visa is for large investors. It requires:

A minimum investment of $800,000

The creation of 10 full-time jobs

A project validated by the USCIS (the immigration service)

This visa grants access to permanent residency , but beware: the process is long, expensive, and requires a real strategy. It's a far cry from passive investing. But for families looking to establish themselves permanently, it's a choice worth considering.

Visa comparison:

US Visa Comparison

Risks to Know Before Investing in the United States

Let's face it, every investment carries some risk. The important thing is to anticipate these risks in order to better manage them.

Exchange rate risk

Investing in dollars means being exposed to fluctuations in the euro-dollar exchange rate. An unfavorable exchange rate can eat into your profits. To limit this, some investors choose to leave their property income in a dollar account and reinvest it locally.

Market variations

The US stock market is powerful, but it can be volatile. A correction in the Nasdaq or the S&P UCITS ETF can impact your portfolio. This is why MSCI World ETFs are ideal for better diversification.

When it comes to real estate, it all depends on the local market . Investing in high-growth areas (like Florida or Tennessee) significantly reduces the risk of vacancy or devaluation. This is precisely where we at Investir.us come in: to identify growth markets and properties with high potential .

Local taxation

Tax rules vary from state to state. You should anticipate:

Property taxes

Local taxes

International tax treaties

Our team helps each client structure their investments to optimize their tax situation , relying on Franco-American experts. Because investing in Memphis is not the same as investing in Los Angeles.

Gabriel's testimony:

“My very first acquisition in the United States was a somewhat tired building in Orlando. On paper, everything seemed perfect: good location, good price, good potential. But after digging deeper, our team and I discovered that there was a well-hidden tax trap—a specific local tax that I had never encountered anywhere else. Without this analysis, I would have seen a good portion of my profits disappear in taxes. Since that day, I no longer sign anything without a complete tax audit. It has become a golden rule that I recommend to all my clients.”

real estate investment in the USA

Current Opportunities in the US Market

The US real estate market is constantly evolving, regularly offering new investment opportunities for savvy investors. Here are some trends and areas to watch:

Booming areas

Florida : With sustained population growth and favorable tax rates, cities like Orlando and Tampa offer attractive rental yields .

Texas : Metropolises such as Dallas and Austin are experiencing rapid economic growth, attracting businesses and new residents, which is driving real estate demand .

North Carolina : Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh are experiencing strong growth, offering attractive opportunities for investors .

Stock Market and ETFs

For those who prefer the US stock market , ETFs remain a solid option:

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) : Tracking the S&P 500 index, it offers diversified exposure to large U.S. companies .

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQ) : Focused on the technology sector, it mirrors the performance of the NASDAQ-100 .

Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VNQ) : For exposure to the real estate sector through the stock market .

Investor Tip : Monitor economic and demographic trends in target regions to anticipate market changes .

Complete guide to investing in the USA: our advice

Investing in the USA can be very profitable, provided you follow a few key principles :

Surround yourself with competent professionals

Navigating the US real estate market requires a thorough understanding of local laws, business practices, and tax requirements. Enlisting the help of local experts, such as real estate agents, specialized attorneys, and tax advisors, is essential to securing your investment .

Testimony :

“Thanks to the Investir.us team, I was able to understand the intricacies of the American market and make a profitable investment with complete peace of mind.” – Sophie L., Paris

Diversify your investments

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying your investments across different property types (residential, commercial) and geographic areas, you reduce risk and maximize your chances of success.

Continuous training

The market is evolving, and staying informed about new trends, regulations, and opportunities is crucial. Attend seminars, read trade publications, and network with other investors to expand your knowledge.

How to invest in US real estate

Complete guide to investing in the USA: the risks you need to know

Every investment involves risks. The important thing is to identify and manage them .

Local market analysis

Carefully study the market in the region where you plan to invest:

Price Trends : Are Prices Rising or Falling ?

Vacancy rate : What is the rental demand?

Economic Development : Is the area attracting new businesses and residents ?

Profitability assessment

Calculate your expected income accurately and compare it to your planned expenses . Consider:

Acquisition costs : Purchase price, notary fees, taxes .

Management fees : If you delegate rental management .

Charges and maintenance : Insurance, repairs, property taxes .

Legal and tax considerations

Make sure you understand the tax implications of your investment, both in the United States and in your country of residence. International tax treaties may affect your net return.

Practical advice : Consult a tax expert to optimize your investment structure and avoid double taxation.

Investing in the USA: a profitable and exciting adventure

Investing in the United States is more than just an investment. It's a strategic opportunity to diversify your assets, boost your returns, and sometimes even change your life.

With over $50 million in completed projects , Investir.us has established itself as the leading partner for French speakers looking to take action. Our approach is simple: listening, expertise, transparency.

And between us, if you can turn an old duplex in Jacksonville into a cash machine while you sip a coffee in Bordeaux… why deprive yourself?

Get support

Getting started in real estate investing in the United States on your own is a bit like crossing a minefield in flip-flops. There are rules, local specificities, tax traps... and a lot of unknowns for a foreign investor. This is where Investir.us comes in. For more than 10 years, we have been supporting French speakers in every step of their project: property search, company creation (LLC), opening a bank account, taxation, financing, rental management . Whether you are aiming for a high-yield rental investment or a pied-à-terre to enhance, our team offers you turnkey, human and strategic support, based on a perfect knowledge of the American terrain. We don't just sell you a property, we build with you a sustainable, profitable, and serene heritage vision.