Direct acquisition of U.S. land by foreign governments raises the problem of determining whether a foreign government qualifies as a legal entity capable of holding title to U.S. real property in the name of the foreign government.

State statutes either do not address this problem, defer its treatment to treaties between the two nations, or ban or limit foreign government ownership of real property. See Alien Land Ownership of Real Property.

If you are asked to insure a transaction wherein a foreign government is purchasing or mortgaging real property, consult the National Legal Department.