With all the news of south-south trade and the increasing shift in the Middle East business scene’s focus towards Asia, some would say the United States is becoming a less appealing investment market for MENA family businesses and individual investors. For sure, taxes, complicated laws and regulations, and even distance can discourage some from investing.  However, there is strength in stability and stability is a major part of the United States’ value proposition. So, if you have decided to take the plunge and invest your money in a business or property in the United States, here are some basics to consider:

1. Make sure you create the right legal entity.  Companies are created at the state leval, but they are generally taxed at the federal level as well.  The US’ federal tax administrator, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), maintains strict definitions on different types of entities (even those abroad) so it is essential that you set up an entity that gives you the tax treatment you need and qualify for. Broadly, there are corporations, which have shareholders, and then “pass-through” entities that are generally taxed only at the personal member  level. Examples include limited liability companies (LLCs), an increasingly popular option since their inception decades ago. Tax treatment is critical and a tax specialist can be an invaluable asset.

2. Know the Immigration Laws. It is not uncommon for foreign workers, particularly executives to come into the GCC region as tourists to work on short assignments, meaning they do not procure work visas. This is frowned upon in the United States. There are multiple types of business-related visas, from the B-visa to the H-visa to the L-visa. Make sure you have the right type – consult with an immigration law expert. If you are a private investor, make sure you pick the right vehicle for yourself – there are business visas such as the E-2 and EB5, the latter which can result in US Permanent Residency (or Green Card). Speaking of which, you may know that having a Green Card can make you subject to US taxation even on foreign income, right?

3. Document Everything. There are many reasons (including the strict tax laws) that effectively require you to keep very organized records as well as solid contracts. Litigation here is common, and it is critical that contracts be used and that they be drafted clearly, regardless of the size. If you are franchising or licensing your brand to a US company make sure the contract is tight and inclusive. 

4. Don’t forget your Intellectual Property Rights. This is critical if you have not considered it already, but you may find that registering your logo, trademarks, and other intellectual property will be critical to maintaining your branding.  This is especially important if you are granting a license or a franchise (even if you own the brand back home!). 

5. Various Other Regulations. Depending on your business, you may need to consider other issues beyond corporate, tax, and immigration law. Whether it’s environmental regulations or US trade compliance (such as Customs laws for bringing goods into the country or sanctions laws) it is critical to be in compliance as fines can be hefty.

Investing the United States offers unique opportunities still not seen in many places in the world. However, as with other more mature economies, it is generally very heavy on laws and regulations.  Being able to navigate the waters is challenging, but some help it will not be so hard and may be rewarding.