OFAC's Venezuela-related sanctions program remains in force. During 2026 OFAC has issued and amended Venezuela general licenses; the most recent amendment listed on its page is dated September 28, 2026. Whether a specific purchase, payment or business activity is allowed depends on who you are and what you are doing, so read OFAC's current general licenses and FAQs and talk to a qualified lawyer before you commit money. Source: U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC): Venezuela-Related Sanctions. Last checked October 1, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
U.S.–Venezuela rules changed significantly in 2026. OFAC's Venezuela-related sanctions program remains in force and has been amended through general licenses; check the current rules on OFAC's Venezuela page and talk to a qualified lawyer. This is general information, not legal advice.
We don't summarize what is or isn't permitted for a property purchase, because that depends on who you are, who the seller is, how the money moves, and which licenses are in effect on the day you transact. What we can do is list the practical checks buyers should work through before committing money.
1. Read the primary sources yourself
Start with OFAC's Venezuela-related sanctions page. Read the general licenses currently in effect and the related FAQs, and note their dates: general licenses can be issued, amended, or revoked. Do not rely on news summaries, social media posts, or a seller's or agent's description of the rules.
2. Get a qualified lawyer — ideally two
A U.S. lawyer familiar with OFAC sanctions can tell you whether your specific transaction is covered by a general license, needs a specific license, or should be avoided. A Venezuelan property lawyer handles the local side: title, notary, registry, and tax requirements. Ask each of them to put their advice in writing.
3. Questions to ask your bank and payment provider
Before you sign anything, ask your bank or transfer service directly:
- Will you send funds to this recipient, in this country, for a property purchase?
- What documentation will you need (purchase contract, seller identity, proof of source of funds)?
- Do you screen recipients against sanctions lists, and what happens if a payment is held?
- How long do transfers to this destination actually take, and what are the fees?
Banks and payment providers set their own policies, which can be stricter than what the rules require. Get answers in writing where possible.
4. Check who you are dealing with
Ask your U.S. lawyer to check the seller, any company involved, and any intermediary against OFAC's sanctions lists. Ownership and control matter, not just the name on the contract.
5. Verify title independently
Your Venezuelan lawyer should confirm the seller's ownership at the local property registry, check for liens, encumbrances, or legal claims, and confirm the property's boundaries and permits. Do not rely on documents supplied only by the seller or an agent.
6. Understand the local process
A purchase in Venezuela generally involves a tax ID (RIF), due diligence and a title search, a purchase or reservation contract, signing the deed at a notary, and registering it. Your lawyer can tell you the current requirements, timelines, and costs.
Risks to keep in mind
Rules can change again. Payment routes can close. Infrastructure, currency, and legal procedures in Venezuela can be unpredictable. Budget for delays, keep records of every payment and document, and do not send money you cannot afford to have held up.
The bottom line
Treat any claim that "the sanctions are gone" or that a purchase is "fully legal" as something to verify, not something to accept. Check the current rules on OFAC's Venezuela page, get written advice from a qualified lawyer, and confirm the banking route before you commit. This article is general information, not legal advice.