How to Buy an Apartment in Caracas as a Foreigner or a Venezuelan Abroad

Can foreigners buy property in Venezuela?

Yes. Venezuelan law allows foreigners to acquire real estate in the country. The process calls for some additional paperwork but is entirely workable.

Documents You Will Need

For foreigners:

Valid passport

Foreign resident ID card (if you live in Venezuela) or an apostilled passport

Certificate of residence or domicile

RIF (Registro de Información Fiscal), the tax ID, obtainable from SENIAT

For Venezuelans abroad:

Valid Venezuelan ID card (cédula)

Venezuelan passport

Apostilled notarized power of attorney, if you are buying through a representative

Proof of income or funds

The Buying Process Step by Step

1. Selection and offer: Find the property on Propiedash, contact the agent and submit a formal offer.

2. Option to purchase: You sign an option contract (a bilateral promise of sale) and pay a deposit of 10-30% of the price.

3. Due diligence: Verify the title at the corresponding Registro Inmobiliario. Confirm the property is free of liens and mortgages.

4. Deed of sale: Drawn up before a Notaría Pública and then recorded at the Registro Inmobiliario.

5. Registration: The deed is registered in your name. This takes 30 to 90 days.

Payment Methods

Zelle: The most common method for payments from the United States

USDT / crypto: Increasingly accepted for international transactions

Wire transfer: For larger amounts, via a correspondent bank

Payment in Venezuela: A mix of bolívares and cash dollars

Additional Costs to Budget For

Item	Approximate
Notary fees	1-2% of value
Property registry	0.5-1% of value
Lawyer's fees	1-3% of value
Transfer tax	Varies by municipality

Final Advice

Always work with a verified agent on Propiedash

Hire an independent local real estate lawyer

Check the seller's clearances (condominium, INCE, LPH)

Visit the property in person or through a representative you trust