Why Miami?
Tax Advantages
Florida has no state income tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. This makes Miami particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals relocating from high-tax states (New York, California, Illinois) or countries with significant tax burdens.
Global Connectivity
Miami International Airport (MIA) offers direct flights to over 160 destinations, including major cities across Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Private aviation facilities at Opa-Locka and Fort Lauderdale Executive provide seamless travel for frequent flyers.
Business Environment
Miami has emerged as a major tech and finance hub. The "Silicon Beach" movement has attracted companies like Citadel, Blackstone, and numerous crypto/fintech firms. The city's time zone bridges US and Latin American business hours.
Lifestyle
Year-round warm weather, world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, professional sports (Miami Heat, Inter Miami, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins), and proximity to the Caribbean and Bahamas create an unmatched quality of life.
Cultural Diversity
Over 60% of Miami-Dade County's population is Hispanic or Latino, creating a rich multicultural environment. The city is truly bilingual, with Spanish spoken as widely as English.
Residency & Visas
US Citizens
No visa required. Simply establish Florida residency by obtaining a Florida driver's license, registering to vote, and filing a Declaration of Domicile with the county.
International Residents — Common Visa Paths
- EB-5 Investor Visa: Invest $800,000–$1,050,000 in a qualifying US business to obtain permanent residency (green card). Processing time: 18–36 months. - E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: For citizens of treaty countries. Invest a "substantial" amount in a US business. Renewable indefinitely but does not lead directly to a green card. - L-1 Intracompany Transfer: For executives/managers transferring to a US office. Valid 1–7 years. - O-1 Extraordinary Ability: For individuals with extraordinary achievement in their field. Valid 3 years, renewable. - B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: For stays up to 6 months. Does not permit employment.
Important
Immigration law is complex and frequently changes. We recommend working with a qualified immigration attorney. Our concierge can connect you with trusted legal professionals.
Property & Real Estate
Buying Property
Foreign nationals can purchase property in the US without restrictions. The process typically takes 30–60 days from offer to closing.
Key Neighborhoods for Buyers
- Fisher Island: America's wealthiest zip code. Private island accessible only by ferry. Condos from $3M–$30M+. - Star Island / Palm Island / Hibiscus Island: Gated waterfront mansions. $15M–$75M+. - Coral Gables: Family-friendly with top schools. Homes from $2M–$25M. - Key Biscayne: Island living with resort amenities. Condos from $1M, homes from $3M–$30M. - Surfside / Bal Harbour: Oceanfront branded residences (Porsche Design, Armani Casa, Ritz-Carlton). Condos from $2M–$50M+. - Brickell / Downtown: Urban luxury towers. Condos from $500K–$10M. - Coconut Grove: Bohemian-chic with waterfront access. Homes from $2M–$20M.
Costs to Consider
- Property tax: ~2% of assessed value annually - HOA fees: $500–$5,000+/month for condos - Insurance: Higher than national average due to hurricane risk - No state income tax on rental income
Rental Market
For those not ready to buy, luxury rentals are available across all neighborhoods. Monthly rates range from $5,000 for a Brickell condo to $50,000+ for a waterfront estate.
Schools & Education
Top Private Schools
- Ransom Everglades (Coconut Grove): Grades 6–12. One of Florida's top-ranked schools. Waterfront campus, strong college placement. - Gulliver Preparatory (Coral Gables): Pre-K–12. Two campuses. Diverse student body, strong STEM and arts programs. - Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (Coconut Grove): All-girls, Pre-K–12. Part of the global Sacred Heart network. Bayfront campus. - Palmer Trinity School (Palmetto Bay): Grades 6–12. Episcopal school with a focus on character development and academics. - Miami Country Day School (Miami Shores): Pre-K–12. Progressive education with a focus on innovation and global citizenship.
International Schools
- International School of Florida (Coral Gables): French-English bilingual education. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education. - Archimedean Academy: Greek-English bilingual public charter school. Strong math and science focus.
University Access
University of Miami (Coral Gables), Florida International University, and Barry University are all located in the Miami area. Proximity to major research universities adds educational depth.
Lifestyle & Community
Healthcare
Mount Sinai Medical Center (Miami Beach), Baptist Health South Florida, and University of Miami Health System provide world-class medical care. Concierge medicine practices are popular among HNWI residents.
Fitness & Wellness
Miami's outdoor lifestyle supports year-round fitness. Popular activities include paddleboarding on Biscayne Bay, cycling along the Rickenbacker Causeway, running on the beach, and yoga at numerous studios. Equinox, Life Time, and boutique fitness studios are abundant.
Social Clubs
Casa Tua (South Beach), Soho Beach House (Miami Beach), The Bath Club (Miami Beach), Indian Creek Country Club (Indian Creek Island), and Fisher Island Club offer exclusive social environments.
Arts & Culture
Beyond Art Basel, Miami offers year-round cultural programming at PAMM, ICA Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and the New World Symphony (designed by Frank Gehry).
Quality of Life
The combination of climate, safety, healthcare, education, and lifestyle consistently ranks Miami among the most desirable places to live in the US. The pace of life is vibrant yet connected to major cities worldwide.