Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a controversial new law that will restrict the purchase of real estate by certain foreign nationals. The law goes into effect September 1, 2025, and could have serious consequences for individuals from a list of specified countries – even those who are legally in the U.S.
This is a significant development for foreign nationals and immigrants living in or considering a move to Texas.
The new law prohibits individuals, companies, and government entities from the following countries from purchasing Texas real estate:
The law is aimed at concerns over foreign influence and national security. However, it also raises red flags about discrimination, real estate access, and immigration fairness.
Your immigration status will determine whether you’re allowed to purchase property – and under what conditions.
✅ U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
✅ Foreign Nationals with Valid U.S. Visas
🚫 All Other Foreign Nationals from the Listed Countries
These penalties are serious and could lead to financial ruin and potential immigration complications for violators.
If you are from one of the listed countries and are considering purchasing property in Texas:
Godoy Law Office helps immigrants nationwide make informed, strategic decisions to protect their legal rights and future in the U.S.
Learn More:
Q: Can I still buy a home in Texas if I am a green card holder from China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea?
A: Yes. The law allows U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) from these countries to buy property for both personal and investment use.
Q: I’m in the U.S. on a student visa from Iran. Can I buy a home?
A: Yes – but only for personal use. You cannot buy investment property.
Q: What happens if someone from a restricted country buys a home illegally?
A: They could face felony criminal charges. The Texas Attorney General may take legal action, including appointing a receiver to sell the property and imposing heavy civil fines.
Q: How will the state know if I’m breaking the law?
A: Real estate transactions typically involve public records and disclosures, and Texas authorities – including the Attorney General – can investigate transactions involving foreign nationals from restricted countries.
Q: I’m undocumented. Can I buy a house in Texas under this law?
A: If you are from one of the targeted countries and do not have legal immigration status or a valid visa, you will not be allowed to buy property in Texas once the law takes effect.
Q: Will this law affect other states?
A: Currently, the law only applies to Texas. However, similar legislation has been enacted in Florida and proposed in other states. This could signal a larger trend in real estate restrictions for foreign nationals.
If you’re unsure how this law affects you, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers for a consultation. We’re here to help you stay protected and informed.
📞 Call 855-908-3963
💻 Schedule a consultation online
📍 Serving all 50 states from 6 convenient Chicago locations:
Oak Brook • Waukegan • Elgin • Orland Park • Berwyn • Aurora
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
