Can my Brazilian company open a U.S. branch for EB-5?

Yes, generally speaking. A company based in Brazil can expand its operations by establishing a branch in the United States and use that entity as the foundation for an EB-5 investment, provided that all program requirements are met.

To operate, the branch must be structured in accordance with local laws, either as a new company or as a formal extension of the Brazilian entity. It must satisfy the EB-5 criteria, which include contributing the capital required by the program (the threshold varies depending on the location and type of project, including in designated employment areas) and creating jobs for workers in the United States. The lawful source of the funds must be clearly documented.

It is worth noting that EB-5 procedures are complex and that whether a branch fits the program requirements depends on factors specific to each case. For this reason, it is important to follow immigration laws carefully, rely on trustworthy sources, and be cautious of any guarantees of a specific outcome.

Before setting up the structure, it is advisable to confirm the current requirements with USCIS and work with qualified professionals in U.S. business law and immigration, so that each step is carried out with care and transparency.

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.