Investing in the U.S. in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide for French Investors
Updated: June 2026, by Thibaut Guéant, co-founder of Landquire.
Investing in the U.S. is attracting a growing number of French investors seeking to diversify their portfolios outside the eurozone. As the world’s leading economic power, the world’s largest stock market, and an economy driven by innovation, the United States offers a concentration of growth drivers that few other markets can match. This guide reviews practical ways to invest in the United States in 2026—from publicly traded stocks to real estate—including their returns, legal requirements, and tax implications for French residents.
Why Invest in the U.S. in 2026?
The United States remains the world’s leading economic power and the world’s largest stock market. The U.S. stock market alone accounts for nearly half of global market capitalization, driven by tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Meta, and Nvidia. The return on investment in the United States depends on the risk-return profile of the chosen asset class, but the depth of the U.S. market offers a rare opportunity for portfolio diversification.
The macroeconomic outlook for 2026 remains strong. After growing by 2.8% in 2024, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. economy saw some quarters of 2025 post an annualized growth rate of more than 4%. The unemployment rate stood at around 4.4% at the end of 2025, and inflation was 2.7% year-over-year as of the same date, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These indicators point to an economy growing faster than that of the eurozone, driven by the booming technology, healthcare, and energy sectors.
The strength of the dollar and the euro/dollar exchange rate are just as important as the performance of the assets themselves. A French investor is automatically exposed to exchange rate fluctuations: a strengthening dollar boosts returns converted into euros, while a weakening dollar reduces them. The benchmark indices, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, serve as barometers for these dynamics. Recently, the euro appreciated significantly against the dollar in early 2026, which automatically weighed on returns converted into euros: the exchange rate is a key factor in any investment in the United States.
The political landscape also plays a role in the decision. In 2025 and 2026, the Trump administration implemented a policy of corporate tax cuts and sector-specific deregulation that favored companies based in the United States, while raising tariffs on several trading partners—a move that is reshaping supply chains and the foreign investment environment. These trends should be monitored without treating them as a forecast. The challenge for a French investor is to tap into this market while taking its constraints into account.
Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Asset Classes for Investing in the United States
Investing in the United States isn't just about the stock market. There are several asset classes, ranging from the most liquid to the most capital-intensive.
U.S. Stock Market, Stocks, and ETFs
The simplest approach is still to invest in the U.S. stock market through index ETFs that track the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, the Dow Jones, or the MSCI World, or through direct investments in U.S. stocks. UCITS ETFs listed in Europe are often the least expensive and most accessible option, such as the iShares Core S&P 500, the BNP Paribas Easy S&P 500, or the Amundi MSCI World. Over the long term, the U.S. stock market has delivered high real returns, albeit at the cost of high volatility and a very real risk of capital loss in the short term.
In terms of investment options, the PEA does not allow direct investment in U.S. securities: exposure must be gained through a standard securities account (CTO), a unit-linked life insurance policy, or certain PEA-eligible synthetic ETFs that track the S&P 500 or the MSCI World Index via swaps.
U.S. Real Estate (Residential and Rental)
Real estate investment in the U.S. allows investors to purchase single-family homes or rental properties in markets where prices remain lower than those in major European cities. Rental yields can be attractive, but investors must factor in acquisition costs, local taxes (property tax, levied by each county), and remote property management, which requires a reliable property manager. Listings are posted through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which ensures transparency, and a significant portion of transaction costs is generally borne by the seller: closing costs often range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price, compared to 7% to 8% in France, while rental management fees typically amount to 8% to 12% of the rent collected. To gain exposure to the U.S. real estate market without buying directly, investors can also invest in publicly traded REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) through a real estate ETF—these companies distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to their shareholders—or through SCPIs with U.S. exposure.
SCPI with exposure to the U.S. market
To spread risk without managing properties, some SCPIs invest a portion of their portfolio in the United States. The average distribution yield for the SCPI market stood at 4.92% in 2025, according toASPIM; past performance is not indicative of future results. The advantage lies in risk pooling and the affordability of the investment, though this comes at the cost of limited liquidity and specific tax treatment for foreign-source income.
U.S. Land Rights and Land Entitlement
Direct land acquisition in the United States falls under the category of land arbitrage: buying undervalued parcels, developing them, and then reselling them to developers or builders. Value creation often involves the land entitlement process, which includes rezoning, subdivision, and obtaining planning permits. The cycle is short—18 to 36 months—and the potential return is high, but the investment is illiquid during the transaction and is reserved for savvy investors. This is the approach taken by Landquire, which operates in 31 of the 50 U.S. states. This type of real estate investment in the United States offers a means of diversification that is uncorrelated with financial markets.
For example, in early 2025, Landquire acquired a 205-acre parcel of land on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas, a rapidly growing metropolis with a population of over 1.7 million. The transaction aims to subdivide the property into approximately 100 buildable lots for resale to homebuilders or institutional developers such as Terra Firma Capital Partners, and is already the subject of a purchase agreement, subject to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in the contract and with no guarantee of completion. This example illustrates the mechanism of land value creation, with the understanding that an ongoing transaction does not prejudge any future results. Details of completed transactions can be found on the page listing projects already sold.
Real Estate Crowdfunding and U.S. Private Equity
Real estate crowdfunding platforms are opening their operations to non-residents, with investment horizons ranging from 12 to 36 months and target returns often advertised between 8 and 10%. U.S. private equity funds finance unlisted companies over a longer time horizon, sometimes in partnership with major managers such as Starwood Capital Group or Investcorp. These two categories offer high potential in exchange for default risk and low liquidity, and fall under the umbrella of alternative investments. Many of these platforms are aimed at accredited investors, and selecting the right one requires careful comparison.
| Asset Class | Benchmark Return | Risk | Liquidity | Admission ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs and U.S. Stocks | ~7% annualized on average over the long term | High | Good | Low |
| U.S. Rental Real Estate | variable rental yield | Medium | Low | High |
| Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with U.S. exposure | 4.92% (2025, ASPIM) | Moderate | Low | Accessible |
| U.S. Real Estate (For Experienced Investors) | target return over 18 to 36 months | High | Void upon resale | High |
| Crowdfunding / Private Equity | 8 to 10% target | High | Very low | Variable |
Past performance is not indicative of future results; this investment is intended only for investors with experience in real estate.
Sources: ASPIM, SCPI distribution rates.
Where to Invest in the United States? Target Cities and States
Geographic location is just as important as asset class. Population growth, job market vitality, and tax incentives by state determine which areas are the most sought-after.
Texas accounts for a significant portion of this growth. Its population grew by 1.2% between July 2024 and July 2025—more than double the national average, according to the Census Bureau—and its GDP grew by 6.8% on an annualized basis in the second quarter of 2025. Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio are attracting the bulk of the influx, while outlying cities such as Seguin and Abilene offer entry points into the real estate market at prices that remain reasonable. Texas does not levy any state income tax, a major factor in its appeal.
Florida follows the same pattern: Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are experiencing strong population growth and benefit from the absence of a state income tax, though this comes at the cost of climate-related risks (hurricanes) that must be factored in. Our real estate opportunities in Florida provide an in-depth look at this market. North Carolina, Tennessee, andArizona round out the list of expanding markets, driven by the influx of businesses and new residents. Beyond Texas and Florida, cities such as Atlanta, Memphis, Tampa, Orlando, and Cape Coral offer more affordable entry points and often high gross rental yields—though these must be weighed against local risks—whereas New York and Miami are more suited to a long-term capital appreciation strategy. Local data from the Texas Real Estate Research Center helps compare vacancy rates and market momentum across different markets.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Texas Real Estate Research Center (TRERC).
Steps for Investing in the U.S. from France
Investing in the United States from France involves a few key steps. Opening a U.S. bank account facilitates financial transactions and local management. For real estate and property, ownership typically involves forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company), a flexible structure that protects personal assets; it is recommended to seek the assistance of an attorney and, depending on the state, a title company or a local notary.
Financing and fund transfers are handled via international wire transfer (SWIFT), with careful attention paid to the euro/dollar exchange rate and bank fees. Obtaining credit remains challenging for non-residents: U.S. banks often require a 25% to 30% down payment, charge higher interest rates than those for residents, and the lack of a credit history (credit score) makes it difficult to secure a loan. Many foreign investors therefore prefer to purchase properties with cash, often through an LLC. From a tax perspective, the LLC obtains an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is essential for opening a bank account, while individual investors obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to report their rental income using Form 1040-NR, which is reserved for non-residents. This income is then reported in France, where the existence of accounts held abroad must be disclosed annually (Form 3916). Investors who wish to relocate and operate a business may apply for an E-2 visa, which is reserved for nationals of countries that have a trade treaty with the United States and is contingent upon a substantial investment. For a simple financial investment or a managed investment, no visa is required: one can invest while remaining a French resident.
Tax Implications of Investing in the United States for a French Citizen
Taxation affects the net return. Data current as of 2026, subject to change: it is advisable to consult a tax attorney or a certified public accountant before making any decisions.
The tax treaty between France and the United States (signed on August 31, 1994) aims to eliminate double taxation: income from U.S. sources that is taxed in the United States generally entitles the taxpayer to a tax credit in France, thereby preventing it from being taxed twice. Income and capital gains may be subject to federal tax and, depending on the state, to state tax (which is zero in Texas and Florida).
As for the stock market, dividends paid by U.S. companies are subject to IRS withholding tax, which has been reduced from 30% to 15% for French residents thanks to Form W-8BEN and the tax treaty; France then grants a tax credit. Capital gains on U.S. stocks, on the other hand, are not taxed in the United States for non-residents: they are subject solely to French taxation. For real estate, a mechanism such as the 1031 Exchange allows, under certain conditions, for the deferral of capital gains tax by reinvesting in a property of the same type.
For real estate, the FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) provides for a withholding tax when a nonresident sells a property, which is then settled through a tax return filed with the IRS. In France, properties held abroad must be reported, and global net real estate assets may be included in the IFI tax base if they exceed 1.3 million euros, with acquisition-related debts being deductible under general tax law. The tax treatment of an LLC owned by a French resident warrants a case-by-case analysis, as its classification may vary. The FIRPTA mechanism warrants a detailed case-by-case analysis with a tax specialist.
Sources: service-public.fr, Taxation and International Affairs; IRS, FIRPTA, and nonresident tax returns; the Franco-American Tax Treaty of August 31, 1994.
Risks and Points to Watch For
Investing in the United States involves risks that must be weighed carefully. The euro/dollar exchange rate risk can erode returns that are otherwise positive in dollars. Market risk relates to the stock market, which is subject to volatility. Real estate risk includes rental vacancies, property damage, and, in Florida, exposure to hurricanes. Added to this are local legal risk, significant liquidity risk for real estate and private equity, and political and regulatory risk linked to decisions made by the current administration. All investments carry the risk of partial or total capital loss.
Investment Strategies in the U.S. Based on Investment Profile
No asset allocation is universally correct: it depends on your profile and investment horizon. Here are three suggested allocations, which should be adjusted in consultation with a professional and are not intended as personalized recommendations.
| Profile | ETFs and U.S. Stocks | U.S. SCPIs and Real Estate | Real Estate and Alternative Investments in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prudent | 30 % | 60 % | 10 % |
| Balanced | 40 % | 35 % | 25 % |
| Dynamic | 50 % | 20 % | 30 % |
The conservative profile prioritizes steady real estate income and moderate market exposure. The balanced profile combines growth drivers with income-generating assets. The dynamic profile accepts higher levels of volatility and illiquidity to target higher potential returns, while incorporating a real estate component.
To learn more, visit our page about real estate investment in the United States and current real estate listings.
FAQ: Investing in the U.S.
Can you invest in the U.S. without being a U.S. resident?
Yes. A non-resident can invest in the U.S. stock market through a brokerage account, purchase real estate or land—most often through an LLC—without holding a visa. Only operating a business on-site requires appropriate legal status.
What are the best regions to invest in the United States in 2026?
Texas (Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio), Florida (Miami, Orlando, Tampa), North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arizona are among the most dynamic markets, driven by population growth and—in the case of Texas and Florida—the absence of state income tax.
How do I get an E-2 visa to invest in the U.S.?
The E-2 visa is intended for nationals of countries that have a trade treaty with the United States and who make a substantial investment in an active business that they manage. It requires a strong application and the assistance of an immigration attorney.
What are the costs associated with investing in real estate in the U.S.?
In addition to the purchase price, there are closing costs, annual property tax, insurance, rental management fees, and—upon resale—the FIRPTA withholding tax for nonresidents.
What are the risks of investing in the U.S. stock market from France?
Market volatility and euro/dollar exchange rate risk are the two main factors. These can be managed through diversification, a long-term investment horizon, and an equity allocation consistent with the investor’s profile.
Should you form an LLC to invest in the U.S.?
While it is not mandatory for financial investments, this is the most common structure for real estate and land, as it protects personal assets and simplifies management. French residents should consult a financial advisor to confirm the tax implications.
What are the tax implications of a real estate investment in the U.S. for a French citizen?
Income is taxed in the United States, and the Franco-American tax treaty prevents double taxation on the French side. The sale is subject to the FIRPTA rules, and the property may be included in the IFI tax base.
How much money do you need to start investing in the United States?
Just a few hundred euros is enough to invest in a U.S. ETF. Real estate, land, and private equity require higher investment amounts—ranging from several tens of thousands of euros, depending on the transaction.
- View current real estate opportunities
- Explore Projects That Have Already Been Sold
- Talk with the team
Article written and updated in June 2026 by Thibaut Guéant, co-founder of Landquire and a licensed real estate agent in Florida, with over 12 years of experience in the U.S. real estate market. Meet the team, our property valuation process and the projects already sold.