Can a foreign national get an SBA loan to buy a business?

Not under the rules in effect since March 1, 2026, which require every owner to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national living in the United States. Foreign buyers use cash, seller financing, conventional loans or private capital.

Can I buy a Florida business while living overseas?

Yes, with a plan for who will run it. Diligence can begin remotely, but visit before closing, and make sure the manager you rely on stays after the sale.

How to Buy a Business in Florida as a Foreign National

Yes. Foreign nationals can generally own a Florida business, subject to federal and state laws and the terms of the transaction. Owning a business, however, does not give you the right to live or work in the United States: that depends on your immigration status, which is a separate question for an immigration attorney.

Reviewed by Tyson E. Sam, Founder and Broker of Record, BreakThru Realty, Florida License 3565210

Last reviewed November 1, 2026

Ownership Is Not Immigration Status

Anyone can generally own shares of a Florida company or buy a business's assets. Working in the business, managing it on site or living in Florida needs a visa or status that allows it. Investor classifications such as E2 and EB5 have their own requirements; buying a business does not by itself satisfy them. Decide your immigration path with an attorney before you choose the business, because the path shapes the purchase.

Forming the Company and Opening Accounts

Most buyers form a Florida limited liability company or corporation to hold the business, obtain a federal employer identification number, and open a U.S. bank account, which can require an in person visit and documents on the source of funds. Tax treatment differs for nonresident owners; a U.S. tax adviser plans it before closing.

Financing Without an SBA Loan

Since March 1, 2026, SBA loans are available only to businesses owned entirely by U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals living in the United States, so foreign buyers, permanent residents and visa holders finance with cash, seller financing, conventional bank loans or private capital. Banks that lend to foreign owned companies usually ask for a larger down payment and U.S. credit history.

Buying From Abroad

Due diligence can be started remotely: financial statements, tax returns, the lease, licences and the customer list can be reviewed under a confidentiality agreement. Visit before you commit, meet the staff and the landlord, and plan who will run the business day to day, especially if your status does not let you work in it.

When Real Estate Is Included

If the purchase includes Florida real estate, two more rules apply. Florida's law on property owned by people domiciled in certain countries of concern limits purchases near military installations and critical infrastructure, and for people domiciled in China more broadly. When a foreign owner later sells U.S. real estate, the buyer generally withholds tax under FIRPTA. See the international buyer pages for both.

Treaty Countries and E2

The E2 treaty investor classification is open only to nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Japan and South Korea. Brazil, mainland China and India do not have one. Nationality, not residence, decides it. See the E2 guide.

BreakThru Realty represents buyers and sellers in real estate and business brokerage. It does not give immigration or legal advice. Whether an investment qualifies for E2 or EB5 is decided by U.S. immigration authorities on the investor's own facts; an independent, qualified immigration attorney should review any purchase made for that purpose before you commit funds.

Talk to a Business Broker

A licensed BreakThru Realty business broker can read the lease, the financials and the listing with you before you make an offer. Call or text (786) 914-1017, or start your acquisition plan: a broker reviews your budget, industry and timing and replies with the businesses that fit.

Your Buyer May Already Be Working With BreakThru Realty

Buyers come to BreakThru Realty looking for established businesses, and many have shared their industry, location, budget and financing with us. If you own a business and are weighing a sale, a broker can review it confidentially against those requirements, and if no buyer on file fits, explain how we would reach other qualified buyers without naming your business.

Over 300 business buyers are already working with BreakThru Realty, seeking acquisitions across Florida. Before you list, a broker reviews what you own, the market around it and whether an existing buyer's requirements match. If none does, you see how we would position it to reach other qualified buyers.

Find Out If We Have a Buyer · Discuss Selling With BreakThru Realty

A potential match is a conversation, not an offer, until the buyer sees your property and makes one. No buyer is named and nothing about your property or business is shared until you decide to proceed.

Questions Buyers Ask

Does buying a business in Florida give me a visa or residency?: No. Owning a business does not by itself give any immigration status. Investor classifications such as E2 and EB5 have their own requirements, and an immigration attorney decides whether a purchase can support one.
Can a foreign national get an SBA loan to buy a business?: Not under the rules in effect since March 1, 2026, which require every owner to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national living in the United States. Foreign buyers use cash, seller financing, conventional loans or private capital.
Can I buy a Florida business while living overseas?: Yes, with a plan for who will run it. Diligence can begin remotely, but visit before closing, and make sure the manager you rely on stays after the sale.