Why Country-Specific Guidance Matters

The Capital Controls Challenge

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Most countries impose capital controls that limit how much money residents can move abroad annually. Understanding these limits and the legal pathways around them is essential for legitimate USA investment.

Common Restrictions

  • Annual outbound transfer limits
  • Currency conversion quotas
  • Central bank approval requirements
  • Mandatory documentation

Legal Pathways

  • Official remittance channels
  • Offshore company structures
  • Investment visa programs
  • Tax treaty optimization
Never use illegal channels. Structuring violations carry serious criminal penalties in both countries.

Tax Treaty Benefits

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The USA has tax treaties with many countries that can reduce withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties. Proper entity structuring is essential to claim these benefits.

Key Treaty Benefits

  • Reduced dividend withholding (often 10-15% vs 30%)
  • Reduced interest withholding
  • Royalty withholding reduction
  • Capital gains exemptions in some cases

Requirements

  • IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E
  • Tax residency certificate from home country
  • Limitation on Benefits (LOB) analysis
  • Proper entity ownership documentation

Select Your Country

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China (Mainland)

$50,000
Annual SAFE Quota Per Person

Navigate SAFE regulations, the $50K annual limit, and legitimate pathways for larger investments including QDII and offshore structures.

SAFE Quota QDII HK Routing WFOE
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Hong Kong SAR

No Limit
No Capital Controls

Hong Kong has no capital controls and serves as a key routing hub for Greater China investments. Full currency convertibility.

Offshore Hub HK Company US Tax Treaty Banking
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Taiwan

$5M
Annual Declaration Limit

Taiwan allows significant outbound investment with proper declaration. Special considerations for US-Taiwan investment flows.

CBC Declaration FSC Approval No Tax Treaty OBU Banking
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India

$250,000
Annual LRS Limit Per Person

The Liberalized Remittance Scheme allows $250K/year per resident. RBI regulations and tax implications for US investment.

LRS Limit RBI Approval DTAA Treaty FEMA Rules
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Brazil

0.38%
IOF Tax on Outbound Transfers

Brazilian investors face IOF tax and Central Bank reporting. Florida is the #1 destination for Brazilian real estate investment.

IOF Tax BCB Reporting CBE Declaration Florida RE
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Argentina

$200
Monthly Dollar Purchase Limit

Navigate the cepo cambiario (currency controls) and understand legal alternatives including MEP, CCL, and offshore structures.

Cepo Cambiario Blue Dollar MEP/CCL Miami Banking
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Mexico

$10,000
Cash Reporting Threshold

Mexico has no capital controls but requires reporting for large transfers. Close proximity makes US investment popular.

SAT Reporting Tax Treaty Texas RE Cross-Border

Common Cross-Border Issues

OFAC Sanctions Screening

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All international transfers to the USA are screened against OFAC sanctions lists. Understanding compliance requirements protects your transactions from being frozen or rejected.

Read our OFAC Sanctions Screening Guide for complete compliance information.

Wire Transfer Documentation

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US banks require extensive documentation for large incoming wires from foreign nationals. Being prepared speeds the process and prevents frozen funds.

Required Documents

  • Source of funds documentation
  • Passport and visa copies
  • Purpose of transfer letter
  • Supporting contracts (real estate, business)

Recommended Banks

  • Banks with international departments
  • Private banking for large transfers
  • Correspondent banking relationships
  • Experience with your home country

Scam Protection

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Foreign investors are prime targets for investment scams, wire fraud, and pig butchering schemes. Learn to protect yourself before sending money abroad.