What licenses do I need to open a factory under EB-5?

Opening a factory can serve as the enterprise for an EB-5 project, but the required licenses do not come from the immigration program itself: they depend on the commercial, environmental, and labor regulations of the location where the factory will operate. EB-5 requires the business to be in full legal compliance, and each state and municipality has its own requirements.

In practice, setting up a factory typically involves several areas of authorization. The most common include:

• Business registration and commercial license to operate legally.
• Zoning and land-use permits, ensuring the area allows industrial activity.
• Building permits and inspections certifying compliance with construction codes.
• Environmental and pollution-control authorizations, when the operation affects the environment.
• Occupational safety and health licenses according to the industry.

Depending on the product, additional rules may apply regarding chemical handling, fire department requirements, and specific insurance coverage. Because each case involves its own set of licenses, and because success with EB-5 also depends on business compliance, it is worth verifying updated requirements with USCIS and local agencies, with support from immigration and business law professionals.

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.