Foreigner buying a gas station
Asked by: Tuan Trinh - 10 October, 2012
I am a foreign citizen in Vietnam. I have B1/B2 visa. I want to buy and operate a gas station in US. What can I do?

Answered by: Robert Kowalski - 12 October, 2012
Dear Tuan,
You can certainly own a gas station in the U.S., not being a U.S. citizen or resident. Keep in mind, however, that without proper work authorization it would be illegal for you to be employed directly by this business. So I presume you would need to find a manager (or a management company) to handle the day to day operations of the business.
We have prepared a few articles and other resources to help international clients open business in the US, and I invite you to check them here:
- U.S. Companies for Foreigners
- Opening a Bank Account in the United States
- Free tax webinar for Non-U.S. entrepreneurs doing business in the U.S.

You can certainly own a gas station in the U.S., not being a U.S. citizen or resident. Keep in mind, however, that without proper work authorization it would be illegal for you to be employed directly by this business. So I presume you would need to find a manager (or a management company) to handle the day to day operations of the business.
We have prepared a few articles and other resources to help international clients open business in the US, and I invite you to check them here:
- U.S. Companies for Foreigners
- Opening a Bank Account in the United States
- Free tax webinar for Non-U.S. entrepreneurs doing business in the U.S.