• E-2 Investor Visa

For nationals of treaty countries (e.g., EU members, Japan)

Requirements:

• Substantial investment (typically USD 100,000 or more)

• Business must create U.S. jobs

• Renewable every 2–5 years

• L-1 Visa – For intra-company transferees expanding into the U.S.

• EB-5 Visa – For investors of USD 800,000+ (permanent residency path)

• Tourist visa (B1/B2) is not sufficient for running a business

Common structures:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company) – most flexible for small businesses

• Corporation (Inc.) – common if planning to attract investors

Steps (state-specific):

• Choose state and register with Secretary of State

• Apply for EIN (tax ID) with the IRS

• Open U.S. business bank account

• Obtain required local business licenses

Setup Time: 1–3 weeks (can be faster with legal support)

• Health department permits (local/county level)

• Food handler certifications and inspections

• Alcohol license (often separate from food license)

• Zoning and signage permits

Highly localized: compliance depends on city and state laws

• Federal income tax: 21% for corporations

• State corporate taxes: vary (0–12%)

• Sales tax: 0–10% depending on location (not federal)

• Self-employment and payroll taxes apply

A U.S.-based CPA or tax advisor is strongly recommended

• Minimum wage: varies by state (USD 7.25–17/hour in 2025)

• W-2 employees must be registered and taxed properly

• Common roles: servers, cooks, reception, cleaning

• Strict employment law—contracts, insurance, and fair labor compliance required

• Foreigners can freely buy or lease property

• Commercial leases typically 3–10 years

• Key markets: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Austin, Charleston, and tourism-heavy areas

• Leasehold improvements are common and can be capital-intensive

• Huge cultural variation by region

• Niche markets (vegan, fusion, farm-to-table) thrive in urban centers

• Tipping culture is vital (15–25%)

• Guests expect fast service and high hygiene standards

• SCORE – free business mentoring

• Small Business Administration (SBA) – resources, loan guidance

• State-level Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

• SBA loans available to U.S. residents or green card holders

• Angel investors and incubators active in food/hospitality

• Crowdfunding (e.g. Kickstarter) sometimes used for restaurants

• IRS – Business Tax Info

• SBA.gov

• SCORE.org

Location and legal compliance are everything. Partner with a local attorney and accountant before signing a lease or investing—every state is different.