Buying an EB-5 Business for Sale:
Motels & Direct Investment Guide
Many investors search for an "EB 5 visa business for sale" or an "EB 5 motel for sale" hoping to secure a Green Card by buying a turnkey operation. However, buying an existing business under the Direct EB-5 route is one of the most complex paths in U.S. immigration. Here is the reality of Direct EB-5.
The Reality Check
Can You Just Buy a Motel for an EB-5 Visa?
The short answer is no — simply buying an existing, profitable motel and keeping its current staff will not qualify you for an EB-5 visa. The EB-5 program is fundamentally a job creation program, not just an investment purchase program.
The "New Commercial Enterprise" Rule
EB-5 investments must be made into a "New Commercial Enterprise" (NCE). An existing business (like a motel built before 1990) only qualifies if you restructure it to such a degree that a new enterprise results, or if you expand its net worth or employee count by 40%.
The 10 W-2 Employee Mandate
Direct EB-5 requires you to prove that your investment directly created 10 new, full-time W-2 jobs for U.S. workers. If you buy a motel with 15 employees, you usually cannot count those existing jobs. You must create 10 additional jobs (unless the business is officially designated a "Troubled Business").
Active Management
Unlike Regional Center investments where you are a passive limited partner, Direct EB-5 requires you to actively manage the business. You must be involved in day-to-day operations and policy formulation.
Comparison
Direct EB-5 vs. Regional Center EB-5
Before searching for an EB-5 business for sale, understand why over 95% of investors choose the Regional Center route instead of Direct EB-5.
Common Questions