Can I use an E-2 visa to buy a franchise in Orlando or Kissimmee?

Yes. A franchise is one of the strongest E-2 structures because it is a real, operating business with a documented model, defined investment, and a clear path to hiring local staff. You must be a national of a treaty country, irrevocably commit a substantial investment, and show the business is not marginal. The franchisor's FDD and franchise agreement supply much of the evidence USCIS or a consular officer needs. We review those documents as immigration filings, not just business contracts.

Does the franchise fee count toward my E-2 investment?

Generally yes. The initial franchise fee is capital irrevocably committed to launching the business, so it typically counts toward your qualifying investment, along with build-out, equipment, opening inventory, leasehold improvements, and working capital that is actually at risk. Ongoing royalties and advertising contributions are recurring operating expenses, not start-up capital, so they do not increase your investment figure — though they affect your projected income and marginality analysis. We build a ledger separating committed capital from recurring obligations and source every dollar.

What is the minimum investment for an E-2 franchise visa in Florida?

There is no fixed minimum. The "substantial" standard is proportional to the total cost of the business, and a sliding scale means lower-cost businesses must show a higher percentage of capital committed. A 90,000-dollar mobile-service franchise and a 350,000-dollar restaurant franchise face different expectations. For most Central Florida franchises we want the great majority of total project cost funded and at risk before filing. The right number depends on your specific concept, which we model in a strategy session.

Should I use E-2 or L-1A to bring my restaurant or hotel brand to Florida?

It depends on ownership and nationality. If you are a treaty-country national investing in a U.S. business, E-2 usually fits. If you already own a hospitality or restaurant company abroad and want to expand under common ownership, L-1A intracompany transfer may be better — and L-1A has no nationality treaty requirement, which helps owners from non-treaty countries. A new-office L-1A grants an initial year to launch the U.S. location. We compare both routes against your structure and goals.

Can I bring my manager or chef from abroad on an E-2 business?

Often yes, through an E-2 employee visa. Once a qualifying E-2 enterprise exists, it can sponsor employees who share the owning enterprise's treaty nationality and who serve in executive, supervisory, or essential-skills roles. A multi-unit franchise operator or growing hospitality company can bring a general manager, executive chef, or operations director to help launch and stabilize the business. Essential-skills cases require showing the skill is not readily available in the U.S. labor market. We document the role and build this into the original filing.

How much is the initial consultation?

The initial strategy session is a paid consultation — 200 dollars for 20 minutes — and that fee is credited toward your retainer if you engage our firm. In that session we review your franchise or hospitality concept, your FDD if you have one, your source of funds, and your timeline, then map out an E-2, L-1A, or E-2 employee strategy. To schedule, call (305) 315-3425, email fitenkolaw@gmail.com, or use our contact page. We serve clients in English and Russian.

The 2026 Guide to E-2 & Franchise Business Visas for Orlando & Kissimmee Entrepreneurs

How E-2 treaty investors buy franchises & hospitality businesses in Orlando & Kissimmee. FDD, multi-unit, L-1A. Call (305) 315-3425 for a strategy session.

Fitenko Law PLLC, 600 Three Islands Blvd, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Phone: (305) 315-3425. Email: fitenkolaw@gmail.com