Can I buy a fast food franchise with EB-5?

Yes, it is possible to use EB-5 to acquire a fast food franchise, provided the business fits the program’s requirements. EB-5 requires that capital go into a new commercial enterprise or an existing business undergoing significant restructuring, always with a focus on job creation.

In the case of a franchise, the central point is ensuring that the management and operational structure genuinely produces the required jobs, whether directly or indirectly. Not every franchise model fits easily, so this is the first filter to evaluate.

Pay close attention to the specifics of the franchise format, which typically imposes contractual obligations and control margins defined by the franchisor. Those terms must be compatible with EB-5 requirements, including how the investment is deployed and documented.

• The business must generate the jobs the program requires.
• The franchise must allow the investment structure EB-5 calls for.
• Contractual obligations must not conflict with program rules.

Since every franchise has its own design, it is worth structuring the operation with specialized support and confirming updated requirements with USCIS before closing the purchase.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.