Buying land in the United States as a foreign citizen or through a foreign-owned company has become far more complicated. Oklahoma, Texas, and many other states have tightened restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate, and Oklahoma now requires an affidavit with nearly every deed before the county clerk will record it. A mistake can stop a closing — or put title to the property at risk years later.

Reams Law advises buyers, sellers, investors, lenders, and real estate professionals on foreign investment and foreign ownership of land. Reams Law has Chinese speakers available for consultations. Call (405) 285-6878.

What we do

• Pre-purchase eligibility review. Whether a particular buyer — an individual or an entity with foreign owners — may lawfully acquire the property under Oklahoma or Texas law, before earnest money is at risk.
• Oklahoma land ownership affidavits. Oklahoma law (60 O.S. § 121) restricts ownership of land by non-citizens who are not bona fide residents, including indirect ownership through entities, and requires an affidavit of compliance to be recorded with deeds. We determine which affidavit applies, whether an exemption applies, and who must sign.
• Entity structuring. Forming and documenting U.S. companies for lawful investment, with ownership records that will stand up to scrutiny by a title company, lender, or regulator.
• Transaction support. Purchase contracts, title review, closings, leases, and financing documents for cross-border buyers and sellers.
• Federal review. Identifying when a transaction may trigger review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), including purchases near sensitive facilities, and federal reporting for foreign holdings of agricultural land.
• Existing owners. Advising current owners and their heirs on compliance, sales, and responses to government inquiries.

Who we help

• Foreign nationals, visa holders, and new residents buying a home, business location, or investment property;
• U.S. companies with foreign shareholders or members;
• Sellers, brokers, title companies, and lenders who need a transaction cleared to close;
• Farm, ranch, and commercial property owners approached by foreign buyers.

Why this needs attention early

These laws carry serious consequences, including potential forfeiture of the land and criminal exposure for false affidavits. They are also changing quickly and are being tested in court. Clearing eligibility at the start of a deal is inexpensive compared with unwinding one.

Related services

See our Real Estate, International Law, and Sanctions & Export Controls pages.

Talk to Reams Law

Call (405) 285-6878 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

This page provides general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not make anyone a client of this firm. Laws change, and the right approach depends on the specific facts.