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Can an L-2 spouse buy a McDonald”s franchise?

The L-2 spouse with work authorization can buy a McDonald''s franchise, provided they follow all legal rules and have specialized professional guidance.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on January 29, 2026
2 min read
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Let”s start by briefly explaining the overview of the L visa and its accessory category L-2, which is granted to the spouse of the L visa holder (usually an executive or specialist transferred within a multinational company). This status allows, among other benefits, that the spouse is authorized to work in the United States, provided they obtain the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

In response to the question of whether the L-2 spouse can buy a McDonald”s franchise, the answer is: yes, in principle, the L-2 visa holder who has the EAD can invest in and even buy a franchise, including McDonald”s. However, it is essential to ensure that all business-related activities comply with American laws, both immigration and business regulations.

It is important to emphasize that, although the work authorization granted to the L-2 spouse allows them to conduct business activities and invest in companies, this does not change or waive the need to comply with all rules established by local and federal regulatory agencies. Those wishing to pursue this path need to pay attention to the bureaucratic procedures involved in purchasing and operating a franchise, such as license verification, tax classification, and, of course, the contractual conditions imposed by the franchise network.

Furthermore, it is always prudent to reinforce the importance of acting according to United States immigration legislation, avoiding practices that may be interpreted as violations of the immigration status. In such situations, seeking specific guidance from professionals specialized in immigration and business law is a fundamental step to avoid unpleasant surprises, scams, or false promises promoted by marketing campaigns.

In short, the L-2 spouse, duly authorized to work, can indeed invest in a McDonald”s franchise, but this must be done with the utmost care and proper guidance from specialized professionals, ensuring full compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements governing both immigration and the commercial sector in the United States.

Learn more about L-1 Visa

Type
Intracompany transfer
Duration
1-3 years
Extension
Up to 5-7 years
Processing
2-5 months
All about L-1 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Can an L-2 spouse buy a McDonald”s franchise?

The L-2 spouse with work authorization can buy a McDonald''s franchise, provided they follow all legal rules and have specialized professional guidance.

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