Buy a Business in the U.S. & Get a Visa

More than half of the buyers negotiating on Florida Businesses are foreign buyers. Your South Florida Business Sales Broker is able to find and market to these people who are looking for a Visa!

People from around the globe want to immigrate to the US because of the limitless opportunities for individuals and families.

Among the most uncomplicated ways to move permanently to the US would be obtaining an investor visa.

There are two varieties of investor visas: E2 visas and L1 visas.

The E2 Visa

The E2 is the simplest and, therefore, the most popular of the 2 options. A minimum investment is required, which can vary by country of origin but is no less than $100,000 US dollars for British nationals. A minimum investment of $100,000 US is also required from Canadian nationals. The required investment could reach $500,000 US for various other countries.

The EB5 Visa

The EB5 visa or investor green card program requires an investment of $500K to $1MM and must hire at least 10 US residents within 2 years and survive more than 5 years. Leads to permanent residence after probation period.

E2 and L1 Visas are fairly easily obtained if you adhere to the standard procedure and stay on top of the issues involved. Denis Berger, a tenured Miami Business Broker and professional intermediary can guide you through all the steps, and in the proper order. Denis Berger can assist you in the critical decisions of where to live and what kind of businesses do well in any particular area.
Locating businesses that qualify for L1 Visas can be challenging; a visa qualifying business must have good tax returns and “properly documented” employees. These same businesses are also in demand by resident Americans, so you will need to be coached to assume a winning style of negotiating with the local business seller.

Summary of US Business Visas

B1 Visa

A short term business visa. Not allowed to sign contracts or perform work for hire.

Length: Temporary, up to 6 months
Limitations: Can negotiate but cannot sign contracts

B2 Visa

A short term tourist visa

Length: Temporary, up to 6 months
Limitations: Can negotiate but cannot sign contracts

E-1 Visa

Treaty trader visa. Good for setting up a business that will trade with the visa-holder’s home country. Must be with a country with an appropriate treaty with the US

Length: Temporary, can be renewed until the business is no longer in operation
Limitations: Is only valid as long as there is a business. Children under 21 cannot work and lose their status once they turn 21

E-2 Visa

Treaty investor visa. Allows a citizen of a treaty country to come to the US to start a business

Length: Temporary, can be renewed until the business is no longer in operation
Limitations: Is only valid as long as there is a business. Children under 21 cannot work and lose their status once they turn 21

EB5 Visa

Investor Green Card program. Requires an investment of $500k to $1MM, must hire at least 10 US residents within 2 years and survive more than 5 years

Length: Leads to permanent residence after probation period

L-1 Visa

Intercompany transfer visa. Allows the holder to transfer from a foreign company to a US company subject to restrictions

Length: One year, with up to 3 extensions
Limitations: Employee must have worked for a foreign, related company for more than one year in the last 3 years

H-1B Visa

Specialized labor visa

Length: Three years, extendable
Limitations: Annual quota restricts the number of visas available. Cannot be used for self-employment.

O-1 Visa

Extraordinary Ability visa

Length: Up to three years, extendable
Limitations: Must be able to document extraordinary ability

TN Visa

NAFTA temporary work visa

Length: Up to three years, extendable
Limitations: Cannot be used for self-employment