How to buy stocks of US companies?
Citizenship is not required for owning stocks that are regulated by US law. There are not any specific requirements that forbid individuals from participating in the US stock market. However, even if a non-US citizen can buy stocks of US companies, here are some extra loops that they may have to jump through before investing in US stocks. Non-US citizens who are holders of US stocks are subject to the order of US laws to protect the country’s interests. An international stockbroker helps the investors to ensure that they are complying with ordinances that govern US stocks and bonds.
Identity Requirements
The main goal of the Patriot Act (2001) was to prevent individuals from funding their illegal activities through American capital markets. The Act started to brokerage firms for verifying customer identities, particularly for non-US citizens. Part of this law requires stockbrokers to report any suspicious account activity to the government. However, these regulations obviously do not impact the bulk of international investors as they don’t have any illegal associations. Some brokerage firms may require non-US citizens to produce additional identification documents in order to comply with their individual policies. This can include visa information, a valid Social Security number, or a Status of Beneficial Owner for US Tax Withholding. Some brokerages may require non-US citizens to submit paper statements to open trading accounts.
Opening a Brokerage Account
An international stockbroker can help non-US citizens to buy stocks of US companies. Ensure that the investments comply with all laws on how to navigate the American stock market. Some brokerage firms even concentrate on working with non-US citizen investors. However, it is advisable that non-US citizens research whether the brokerage firm accepts investors from their specific country. There are some firms that restrict what geographical regions they work with, and the great thing is that a lot of brokerage firms maintain online portals. Investors can monitor their investments 24×7 from any location. (For non-US citizens that have a hard time finding a stockbroker that gives them access to US stock exchanges. For investors that really want to buy stocks in the US Company) There are some US companies that list their stocks on foreign exchanges.
Tax Implications
There are tax implications for trading to buy stocks in US companies for non-US citizens. Investors that qualify for tax purposes are not liable for capital gains on the earnings from their investments. This means that the brokerage firm will not withhold any taxes to pay money earned in foreign markets. Investors could also be responsible for those taxes within the countries where they’re residents or where they pay taxes. If you are non-US citizens and you buy stocks of a US Company that pays dividends, they are usually taxed as income at a flat rate of 30%. However, there are some exceptions that the investor’s country is involved in a deal with the US for a lower tax rate. International taxation rules are very difficult to work with an international broker regarding the tax implications of investing in foreign markets.
