Buy a US Business as a Foreigner
Acquire an existing business for immediate cash flow and E-2 visa eligibility
Why Buy an Existing Business?
$50K+
Entry Level
E-2
Visa Eligible
4,000+
Franchise Brands
60-90
Days to Close
Businesses with 5+ years history have 85%+ survival rates vs 80% failure for new startups in year 1
Three Paths to US Business Ownership
Buy a Franchise
Proven systems, training, marketing support. Ideal for first-time owners in new country.
$50K - $500K+
Acquire Existing Business
Independent business with customers and cash flow. More flexibility than franchises.
$100K - $5M+
Invest in Startup
Join as investor/co-founder. Higher risk but potential for significant returns.
$25K - $500K+
E-2 Visa Through Business Acquisition
If you are from a treaty country, buying a US business can qualify you for an E-2 investor visa.
Requirements
- Treaty country nationality
- Substantial investment ($100K+ typical)
- Active management role
- Business not marginal
- Investment at risk
Benefits
- Live and work in US
- Spouse can work (EAD)
- Children can study
- Renewable indefinitely
- No annual caps
I work with immigration attorneys to structure acquisitions that maximize E-2 approval chances
The Business Acquisition Process
1
Define Criteria
Industry, location, size
2
Search
Brokers, listings, direct
3
NDA + Review
Initial analysis
4
LOI
Non-binding offer
5
Due Diligence
30-60 day deep dive
6
Close
Finalize and transfer
Timeline: 3-6 months from search to close. Don't rush - thorough investigation protects your investment
Asset Purchase vs Stock Purchase
| Factor | Asset Purchase | Stock Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| What You Buy | Equipment, inventory, contracts | Shares of company |
| Liabilities | Generally don't transfer | All liabilities transfer |
| Tax Basis | Stepped up to price | Carry over seller's basis |
| Best For | Buyers (cleaner) | Sellers (simpler) |
I generally recommend asset purchases for foreign buyers - fresh start without unknown liabilities
Where to Find Businesses for Sale
Online Marketplaces
- BizBuySell - 45,000+ listings
- BusinessBroker.net
- LoopNet - commercial properties
- Franchise Direct
Other Channels
- Business brokers (8-12% seller commission)
- Search funds ($1M-$10M range)
- Direct outreach to owners
- Industry contacts
Special Considerations for Foreign Buyers
Financing
- Most SBA loans require US credit
- Seller financing common (30-50%)
- All-cash or international bank
- Prepare substantial down payment
Entity Structure
- Form LLC/Corp 30-60 days before close
- Obtain EIN
- Open US bank account early
- Shows commitment to seller
Visa Timing
- Coordinate with immigration attorney
- May close before visa application
- Process takes 2-6 months
- Consider contingencies
Wire Transfers
- Source-of-funds documentation
- Coordinate with banks both ends
- Avoid compliance holds at closing
- Plan transfer timing carefully