The world has become far more connected than it once was. Buyers in one country routinely invest in homes halfway across the globe. In fact, foreign buyers have made residential purchases of around $56 billion in the US between 2024 and 2025. Similarly, US buyers are interested in purchasing properties abroad.
For US realtors who have spent years building expertise at home, the question arises: Can those skills translate into international practice? The answer is layered, so we’ll explain it in detail.
Licenses Stop at the Border
In the United States, real estate practice is regulated at the state level, and a license in one state does not automatically extend to another. That same principle applies internationally. A US real estate license does not carry legal authority abroad.
For example, if you want to work as a realtor in Australia, you cannot simply present your license and start transacting. Each country sets its own rules. These often include registration with local authorities and adherence to consumer protection laws.
International Certifications Open Doors
One way US realtors extend their influence is through certifications with global recognition. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation.
While it does not grant legal practice rights overseas, it does create credibility with foreign clients and brokerage partners. Such credentials signal a serious commitment to cross-border real estate. In certain countries, it may help you get seen as a trusted collaborator.
How Can US Realtors Work Internationally?
The most realistic pathway for US realtors abroad involves partnerships with local agencies. Since you have no experience in real estate handling in the country, you’ll need a partner. Many countries only allow licensed citizens or permanent residents to handle transactions.
When you align with an established brokerage, you can operate in an advisory or referral capacity. It also helps you connect clients to properties and offer negotiation insight. For example, realtors in Los Angeles or Miami can form referral agreements with firms in Dubai or London. Wealthy international clients often move assets between these hubs, and local laws demand that transactions pass through accredited agents. The American realtor’s role becomes one of guidance and client relationship management.
Understand Market Dynamics
Besides compliance, it’s also important to understand market dynamics abroad. Every country operates under its own economic drivers, cultural norms, and buyer expectations. For example, property laws in France emphasize the role of the notary for someone buying a home in Paris. Meanwhile, in, let’s say, Surrey Hills, Australia, the buyer will turn to a property advocate in Surrey Hills for purchasing support and reviewing property contracts.
Similarly, the norms are also different. A US realtor who thrives on aggressive marketing may find that markets like Japan value discretion and long-term trust building. In many parts of Latin America, personal relationships and community reputation often carry more weight than online branding. It’s as important to grasp these distinctions as it is to hold the right credentials.
Build Cultural Competence
Success in an international market sometimes depends on cultural awareness. Negotiation styles, decision-making processes, and communication etiquette vary widely across borders. Realtors who make the effort to learn about local customs have an advantage. The human connections often matter more than the technicalities of property law when clients decide whom to trust with major financial decisions.
Endnote
The US realtor’s license may not have direct authority outside American borders, but the skills it represents remain valuable in every corner of the world. International real estate practice requires legal awareness, compliance, flexibility, and the ability to work within systems that differ from those at home.
