Can I lease equipment or do I need to buy it?

Under EB-5, there is no rule requiring you to buy or lease equipment. Both options are acceptable, because what matters to the program is that the investment adds economic value and contributes to job creation in the United States. The choice between leasing and buying is, first and foremost, a business decision.

Leasing tends to preserve capital and makes sense when equipment is highly specialized or evolves quickly, providing access to updated models and, in many cases, including maintenance. Buying tends to pay off when usage is long-term and acquisition proves more advantageous over time. There is no single right answer: it depends on cash flow, industry, and the business plan.

• Preserve capital for hiring and expansion when doing so strengthens the business.
• Consider the useful life and technological evolution of the equipment.
• Ensure the chosen structure supports the job creation required by EB-5.

Since each project is evaluated individually, it is worth documenting the decision thoroughly and confirming updated requirements with USCIS and specialized professionals before defining your investment strategy.

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.