Key Takeaways
- E-2 visa holders can own US commercial real estate both through their business and personally
- Bankable funds the down payment, renovation, and closing costs for owner-occupied commercial purchases
- Buying your business space reduces rent expense and builds equity over time
- Restaurant, auto repair, dental, and manufacturing E-2 businesses frequently buy their operating space
- Funding from $200K to $5M based on operating business revenue, not property appraisal alone
One of the most powerful wealth-building moves for an E-2 business owner is buying the commercial space where you operate. Instead of paying $6,000–15,000/month in rent to a landlord who builds equity on your stability, you pay a mortgage that builds your own equity. The business’s revenue services the mortgage, and over 10–20 years, you own a commercial property that may be worth as much as your business itself. E-2 visa holders are fully entitled to own US real property, both through their business entity and personally.
The challenge is the down payment. Commercial real estate typically requires 20–30% down on the purchase price. A $1.5M restaurant space requires $300K–$450K in cash at closing, plus closing costs and renovation. Even if your business is generating strong revenue, accumulating that cash while also reinvesting in operations is difficult. Bankable provides the capital bridge: we advance against your business revenue to fund the commercial purchase down payment.
Commercial Property Purchases: What Bankable Funds
- Down payment: The 20–30% required at closing on your commercial real estate purchase
- Closing costs: Legal, title, transfer tax, and inspection fees at purchase
- Renovation: Improvements needed to customize the space for your business operations
- Working capital reserve: Cash reserve during the transition from leased to owned space
E-2 Property Ownership: What You Need to Know
E-2 visa holders can own US property as individuals and through their business entities. There are no immigration restrictions on property ownership. However, passive rental income from investment properties — as opposed to owner-occupied commercial space — can create complications for E-2 visa purposes if it becomes the primary business rather than an active operating business. Owner-occupied commercial real estate for your active E-2 business is the clearest case. Consult your immigration attorney about specific structures.
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Capital for E-2 investors in real estate service businesses.
Learn More →SBA 7(a) Alternative
Since SBA is closed to E-2 holders, Bankable is the structured alternative for commercial purchases.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. E-2 visa holders can own US commercial real estate both personally and through their business entities. There are no immigration restrictions on property ownership.
Yes. Bankable can advance against your business revenue to fund the down payment on owner-occupied commercial real estate for your E-2 business.
For established E-2 businesses with strong revenue and a long-term horizon, owning your space builds equity and eliminates rent escalation risk. The decision depends on your specific market and business plan.
Buying owner-occupied commercial real estate for your active E-2 business generally has no negative effect on E-2 status. It may even strengthen your case by demonstrating deeper commitment to the US business. Consult your attorney for specifics.
Restaurant spaces, retail storefronts, office suites, warehouse and light industrial, and medical/dental office spaces for owner-occupied use.
Commercial properties typically require 20–30% down. SBA 504 required only 10% — that program is now closed to E-2 holders. Bankable can fund the full down payment based on operating revenue.
Bankable recommends getting a preliminary approval before signing a purchase agreement, so you know your funding capacity before committing to a price.
Property purchase funding requires more revenue than typical working capital advances. Most Bankable clients funding commercial property purchases have $600K+ in annual operating revenue.