If you want to open a business in USA as a foreigner, you must have $1million. Is that true?

Question

If not, then how much?

Answer 1

Not exactly. It depends on whether you want to live in the U.S. and if so, in what status.

If you are content with remote ownership (i.e., the business is in the U.S., while you continue to live in another country), there are no limits. In fact, quite a few people from all over the world use the U.S. (and, more specifically, the state of Delaware) as a domicile, although the actual businesses are located outside the U.S.

The $1 million requirement comes into play if you want to apply for an E-2 (treaty investor) visa. If you want an E-2 visa, you must invest at least $1 million into a business with at least 10 employees, all of whom are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Note that you can only apply for an E-2 visa if there is a commercial treaty between your home country and the U.S. Also, there are locations within the U.S., for which thresholds are lowered to $500,000 and five employees.

If you already own a business in your home country, you may start your U.S. business as a subsidiary of your existing business, in which case you would apply for an L-1 (intra-company transfer) visa and capital and employee headcount requirements would not apply.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if you visit often, or if you are in USA or not...But either way, that's not true. Ofcourse I've heard that rumor before but the amount I heard wasn't a million. Anyway, the only problem you might run into is running your business while you are not in the country of your choice i.e USA. I began my business as a foreign student here in US before I became a permanent resident. My family is in UK and I also wish to start another business there... so my point is if you would have access to your business often or have a reliable partner, family or friends that can help you at least get started that would work. You don't need a million but you will need some capital for yourself though. Honestly, there is not much you can open remotely. Hmm, I hope I helped some!

Answer 3

Tai,
Whoever told you that knew that you would be a successful business person and they didn't want you as their competition? That is nonsense!
America is the land of opportunity my friend! To be in business you only two things, inspiration and perspiration. Find a market and go for it. Pick something that you can do better at than your competition. The only limits you will have are the self imposed. Have no money? Borrow $50 from a friend and start a window washing business. Spend wisely and save all you can. Talk to other business owner who are foreigners for advice (talk to many because the truth is hard to come by these days). Good luck!

Answer 4

lol, no