franpassport.com

What It Is

FranPassport is a U.S. franchise brokerage service for investors from Brazil and Latin America. It is not positioned as a company formation agent or an immigration law firm. Its core role is to match U.S. franchise brands looking to expand with investors who want to invest in and operate a business in the United States, potentially in connection with E-2, L-1, or EB-5 visa plans.

Core Services and Coverage

The website states that it represents more than 400 franchise brands across 20 economic sectors. Its screening process considers investors’ capabilities, interests, target locations, business goals, and visa needs. Its forms also collect information such as passport details, place of residence, intended visa type, investment timeline, English proficiency, and available investment capital. This suggests the service is more focused on selecting franchise opportunities before an investment immigration process, rather than simply setting up a company. In terms of jurisdiction, it mainly centers on the U.S. market, with a particular focus on clients from Brazil and Latin America.

Pricing and Timeline

The pricing model is relatively clear: investors do not pay brokerage fees to FranPassport. Instead, FranPassport is paid a commission by the franchise brand when the client completes the franchise purchase negotiation, and it states that this does not increase the franchise fee. In terms of investment thresholds, service-based franchises start at around USD 150,000, while retail franchises start at around USD 250,000. As for timing, the consultation process can take as little as a few days; most clients find an opportunity within 1 to 3 months, and after purchase, launching the business may take around 2 weeks to 6 months.

Compliance Capabilities and Limitations

FranPassport clearly states that it is not an immigration law firm, but it can recommend immigration attorneys who have previously worked with its clients and coordinate with them to support visa objectives. It is important to note that the main site content does not disclose services such as company formation, registered agent service, virtual address, tax registration, bookkeeping, annual reports, or ongoing compliance. Investors who need a full U.S. operational setup will therefore need to find separate providers for company formation, tax, and accounting services.

Pros, Cons, and Who It Is For

The advantages are that it is free for investors, offers a broad range of industries, can pre-screen franchise projects based on visa needs, and appears friendly to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking clients. The drawbacks are that its commissions come from franchise brands, so users should independently assess the neutrality of its recommendations; it also does not disclose specific brands, success rates, or detailed legal service arrangements. It is best suited to Latin American investors with a clear plan to invest in the United States, a budget of USD 150,000 to USD 500,000 or more, and an interest in entering the U.S. market through a franchise model.

Access from China and Alternatives

The site does not provide information about access from China, payment methods, or Chinese-language support, so its accessibility from China is unknown. For Chinese investors whose main goal is U.S. company formation and tax compliance, FranPassport is not a direct substitute. It is better used alongside an immigration attorney, a U.S. registered agent, and CPA services.