Yes—a foreign national can open a nail salon in the United States. But if your goal is to not just invest in the business, but also live in the U.S. and be actively involved in its operations, there’s much more to consider than renting a space and hiring nail techs.
The U.S. beauty industry—especially personal grooming services like nail salons—is thriving. And many foreign investors see salons as attractive opportunities because of their relatively low startup costs, high service demand, and potential for steady revenue. But while owning a nail salon can support a visa application, success depends on how the business is structured, staffed, and scaled—not just how pretty the branding looks.
Here’s what matters most if you’re considering this path.
Can a Foreigner Own a Nail Salon in the U.S.?
Yes. Foreign nationals can legally own a nail salon—or any business in the U.S.—even without living in the country. But if you want to work in or manage the salon on-site, you’ll need a visa that permits active involvement in the business.
The most common visa options for salon owners include:
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa – For nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business and play an active role in its management
- L-1A Visa – For foreign business owners expanding to the U.S. by opening a new salon branch or affiliate and transferring themselves in as executives or managers
- EB-5 Visa – For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs through a qualifying investment (minimum $800,000)
Simply forming an LLC or buying a nail salon isn’t enough. U.S. immigration wants to see that your business is real, well-organized, and sustainable in the long run.
What Kind of Nail Salon Can Support a Visa?
Visa officers aren’t evaluating your salon based on how trendy your nail art is—they want to see that your business makes sense from an operational and economic standpoint.
To support a visa petition, your nail salon must demonstrate:
- Legitimate operations – Proper business licenses, a lease agreement, payroll records, appointment scheduling systems, and a functioning website or booking platform
- Active involvement by the investor – Especially for E-2 and L-1A visas, you’ll need to show you’re doing more than just collecting profits—you’re managing daily operations or overseeing staff
- Job creation – W-2 employees (not independent contractors) strengthen your petition, especially for EB-5 or E-2 renewals
- Financial sustainability – The business should cover all its operating expenses while providing a living for the investor and the team
- Growth potential – Whether it’s expanding to multiple chairs, offering new services (like waxing or brow shaping), or opening a second location, USCIS wants to see a clear plan for growth
An undercapitalized salon with one employee and inconsistent revenue won’t hold up during visa scrutiny. But a nail salon with a clear management structure, strong marketing plan, full-time staff, and documented growth? That’s a strong candidate.
What You’ll Need for Visa Renewal
Getting a visa approved is one thing. Keeping it renewed is another—and it depends on your performance.
To renew your visa, you’ll need to prove that your salon:
- Continues to operate as outlined in the original or updated business plan
- Maintains regular income and sound bookkeeping practices
- Employs U.S.-based W-2 workers, not just freelancers
- Contributes economically through tax filings, payroll, and community presence
Visa renewals often bring a closer look. USCIS will want to see real proof that your salon is successful—not just breaking even or keeping you employed, but contributing to the local economy in a measurable way.
How We Support You—Before and After Visa Approval
Before your visa petition is filed, we:
- Help you assess the feasibility of salon concepts or acquisitions from a visa compliance perspective
- Build detailed, immigration-standard business plans that go beyond surface-level branding
- Structure your business with smart operational systems such as payroll from day one
- Offer bookkeeping setup so you can demonstrate that your salon is serious and well-organized
- Once bookkeeping is setup, provide your attorney with financial documentation that strengthens your case
Once your visa is approved, we help you:
- Conduct quarterly check-ups to ensure your salon remains compliant and visa-ready
- Offer business-savvy advice when hiring, expanding services, or opening new locations
- Provide bookkeeping services to help you prepare for visa renewal with confidence while taking control and fully understanding your finances
- Adjust your business plan when necessary to align with market realities and USCIS expectations
Why Work With Us?
We’ve helped foreign entrepreneurs launch and sustain successful salon businesses across the U.S., even under the toughest immigration climates. We understand the unique challenges of service-based industries and how to structure nail salons in a way that makes sense for investors and visa officers.
We never use templates when creating our business plans—instead, we build customized, credible projects based on sound strategies that highlight what matters most to U.S. immigration.
Final Thoughts
Yes, a foreigner can open a nail salon in the U.S.—but only the right kind of salon will support a visa. And only a well-run, well-documented business will support your long-term stay.
Your success isn’t about polish colors or seasonal trends—it’s about compliance, structure, and business credibility.
We provide the tools and insight to help you open and operate a visa-compliant salon—before and after approval.
Contact us today to build a salon business that doesn’t just look good—it works.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
If you are looking for any of the following, we can help you!
EB-5 Visa Business Plans
EB5 Business Plans
L1A Business Plans
L Visa Business Plans
L-1 Visa Business Plans
E2 Business Plans
E2 Visa Business Plans
E1 Business Plans
E1 Visa Business Plans
Business Plan for Investor Visa
Business Plans for Immigration
Business Plan for Visa Application
Market Analysis
Feasibility Studies
Investor Visas Business Plans
NIW Business Plans
NIW Personal Endeavor Plan
NIW Personal Statement
EB-2 Visa Business Plans
Visa Business Plans
[56].png)
[78].png)