SBA announces stricter residency requirements
February 05, 2026 / By ICBA
The Small Business Administration announced it will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals.
Details: In its policy notice, the SBA said:
Consistent with President Donald Trump’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order, the SBA is requiring that 100% of all direct and indirect owners of a small-business applicant be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals who have a principal residence in the United States.
The notice rescinds Procedural Notice 5000-872050, removing the exception that allowed a borrower to have up to 5% ownership held by foreign nationals, or U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or legal permanent residents whose principal residence was outside of the United States.
The policy becomes effective March 1.
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