Can a non US citizen be a personal representative?

Asked by: Jacinthe Padberg  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (25 votes)

In addition, Probate Code section 8402(b) currently permits a non- resident of the United States to serve as personal representative if named as executor in the decedent's will.

Does a personal representative have to be a US citizen?

Executors & Personal Representatives

In many states, there are few restrictions on whom you can appoint as your executor or personal representative under your will. If you have a noncitizen child or spouse and you trust that person above anyone else to handle your affairs after your death, you can name that person.

Can a non-US citizen be on a deed?

Yes, non-US citizens can buy property in the United States without any restrictions. Foreign buyers have all the same ownership rights as US citizens.

Can a foreign person be a trustee of a US trust?

Non-US Citizen Trustees

The designation of a foreign trust can cause increased income tax liability for the trust and increased income tax exposure. The process for naming a non-US citizen trustee and a US citizen trustee is the same; however, the consequences may be different.

Can I name a non-US citizen as my beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person or entity that you designate to receive the proceeds from your Life insurance policy. You can designate anyone to be your beneficiary. The beneficiary does not have to be a U.S. citizen.

Does a Personal Representative Have to Be a US Citizen?

16 related questions found

Can a non-US resident be an executor?

executor or successor executor in the decedent's will. Section 8402(b) therefore permits a person who is not a resident of the United States to serve as personal representative if named as executor in the decedent's will.

Can a non-US citizen be a power of attorney?

Powers of attorney allow other people to act for you in an emergency. Non-citizens can sign powers of attorney in California to protect loved ones in the state and elsewhere. These legal documents allow another person (called an agent) to take actions for you and in your place.

Can a non-U.S. citizen be a beneficiary of a will?

It is perfectly legal to leave assets to non-citizen beneficiaries the same way you can leave them to U.S. citizens. There are, however, certain details you will want to address as you work with an attorney to make sure your affairs are in order according to your wishes.

Can a non-resident be a beneficiary of a trust?

By subsection 128A(3), a non-resident beneficiary who is presently entitled to a dividend or to interest included in the income of a trust estate is deemed to have derived the dividend or interest when the beneficiary became presently entitled to that income.

Who is considered an owner of a foreign trust?

IRC section 679 applies specifically in the context of foreign trusts and will treat as an owner of a foreign trust a U.S. person who transfers assets to a foreign trust which has or is presumed to have a U.S. beneficiary.

Can you buy a house if you are not a US citizen?

Non-U.S. citizens are allowed to buy property in the U.S. regardless of whether or not they have legal documentation permitting them to be here. This means that foreign nationals, visa and green-card holders, and even those who have entered the country unlawfully can buy a home in the U.S.

What is a non citizen who has been authorized to live permanently within the US?

Lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as “green card” holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States.

Can someone put your name on a deed without your permission?

For instance, even if you co-owned your property with another tenant, they can't record a new deed and transfer your share of interest without your knowing about it.

Who is prohibited from being a personal representative?

The following people cannot be the personal representative: a minor, a person subject to a conservatorship or otherwise incapable of performing the duties of personal representative, a surviving business partner of the decedent, if an interested person objects (unless the Will names the partner as executor), or.

Do you need to be a US citizen to be a representative?

To be elected, a representative must be at least 25 years old, a United States citizen for at least seven years and an inhabitant of the state he or she represents.

Can a nonresident be a personal representative in Florida?

A non-Florida personal representative can qualify, via Florida Statute §733.304, if they are: A legally adopted child of the decedent. A legally adopted parent of the decedent. A relative related by lineal consanguinity.

Can a non-citizen be a trustee of a trust?

While you can choose a non-citizen trustee, you should look for someone who is, at minimum, a resident of the United States to be your trust's fiduciary. You want to avoid the risk of your trust being classified as a foreign trust for federal or California tax purposes.

Can you have an executor who lives overseas?

If you are a UK executor who lives overseas, you can still deal with an estate administration, including applying for a Grant of Probate. However, the job of executor involves a lot of correspondence, and you will need to sign many documents.

What is a nonresident beneficiary?

Beneficiaries who live in another country and are deemed to be a non-resident for tax purposes, are an important factor in driving an estate trustee to retain the services of a qualified accountant at the earliest opportunity.

Can a non-U.S. citizen serve as executor?

In many states, there are few restrictions on whom you can appoint as your executor or personal representative under your will. If you have a non-citizen child or spouse and you trust that person above anyone else to handle your affairs after your death, you can name that person.

Is inheritance from non-U.S. citizen taxable?

Do I have to pay taxes on foreign inheritance to the IRS? Do I have to pay taxes on foreign inheritance to the IRS? No, the IRS does not impose taxes on foreign inheritance or gifts if the recipient is a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

Can a bank account beneficiary be a non-U.S. citizen?

Almost anyone, whether residing in the U.S. or internationally, can be a beneficiary. This includes friends and family, but also entities like nonprofits, companies, trusts and other organizations.

Can a non-US citizen be a beneficiary in a will?

Spouses, children and grandchildren are Class A beneficiaries and not subject to inheritance tax regardless of whether or not they are U.S. citizens. More distant family members and non family members are subject to inheritance tax. The particular tax rate is dependent on what “class” they fall into.

Do non US citizens have a right to a lawyer?

If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you. You can ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.

How do you give power of attorney to someone in another country?

3) Get the Required authentications
  1. Sign the Power of Attorney before a Notary Public in California. ...
  2. Certify your document from the California Secretary of State Office. ...
  3. Get the US Department of State authentication in Washington DC. ...
  4. Get The Embassy Legalization.