Key Takeaways
- TN visa holders can legally purchase commercial real estate in the US
- SBA 504 commercial real estate loans are closed to TN holders since March 2026
- Bankable bridges with bridge capital and revenue-based financing for property acquisition
- Owning your commercial space builds equity that compounds over your TN tenure
- Consult an immigration attorney about property title structure for optimal compliance
Buying commercial property is one of the most financially significant decisions a business owner can make — and for TN visa holders, it comes with unique considerations. You can legally purchase commercial real estate in the United States regardless of immigration status, but the financing landscape changed dramatically in March 2026 when SBA 504 loans became unavailable to TN holders.
The SBA 504 Problem for TN Holders
SBA 504 loans were the gold standard for owner-occupied commercial real estate — 10-20% down, 25-year terms, and below-market fixed rates. As of March 2026, TN holders are excluded. This affects thousands of TN professionals who have been in the US for 5-15 years and are financially ready to purchase their business space.
Bankable provides bridge capital and revenue-based financing to fill this gap. While Bankable's products are not 25-year mortgage instruments, they serve as acquisition bridges while TN holders pursue conventional commercial mortgages through portfolio lenders who have no immigration restrictions.
Learn more about Bankable's alternatives to SBA 504 and 7(a).
How TN Holders Buy Commercial Property
The most common path: a TN holder's LLC purchases the commercial property using a combination of business equity (down payment), Bankable bridge capital, and a conventional commercial mortgage from a portfolio bank or credit union. Portfolio lenders — unlike SBA-backed lenders — set their own eligibility rules and many will lend to TN holders with strong business income and creditworthiness.
Key factors that portfolio lenders evaluate: business revenue and DSCR (debt service coverage ratio), personal credit score, down payment (typically 25-35% for commercial), property type and condition, and lease history if applicable.
Why TN Holders Should Consider Commercial Real Estate
For TN professionals who have been in the US for 5+ years with no immediate path to permanent residency, commercial real estate serves as a store of value that transcends visa status. The property is owned by the LLC, not the TN holder personally — meaning a visa interruption doesn't necessarily affect the asset. The business continues operating, the property continues appreciating, and the TN holder retains ownership through the entity.
Check your Bankability Score to understand your capital access before approaching property sellers.
Bankable's Role in Commercial Property Transactions
Bankable provides: acquisition bridge loans for time-sensitive property purchases, renovation capital for buildings requiring tenant improvements, working capital to supplement down payments, and equipment financing for property-specific buildouts. Our 48-hour decisions often mean the difference between securing a property and losing it to a faster buyer.