The bottom line is that the Internal Revenue Code includes legal methods that you can use to avoid or minimize tax if you are investing outside the United States.

The U.S. estate and inheritance taxes are very complex if you own property in other countries.

A U.S. taxpayer or U.S. company can own 100 percent of the stock of a “qualified” foreign corporation and not be required to pay any U.S. income taxes on any profits of that foreign corporation.

When you invest in property outside the United States, you will likely need to establish an account in the local country to pay various expenses and to collect income.

Because the United States taxes you on your worldwide income, you may be double taxed.

If you are a U.S. resident or citizen, one way to reduce taxes is to permanently give up your citizenship and residency.

For some investors, tax—or the avoidance thereof—is the driving force behind going offshore, but for the great majority of well-off individuals considering offshore investment, tax is not the primary issue.

If you do not have ready cash to pay for your investment, you need to borrow money.

When dealing with real estate, it’s important to have a fundamental understanding of why some properties hold their value and others don’t.

If the country you are purchasing in desires your currency, you may get a better exchange rate.

With exchange rates, one day can make a difference, so know when the funds will be transferred and when they are to arrive.

With so much to take into account, you may wonder whether it’s even worth the trouble.

When you are ready to purchase a property, it’s time to open a local bank account and, if needed, explore options for obtaining a mortgage.

To make your real estate investment opportunities fare well in other countries and societies, consider the following.