SBA rules · SOP 50 10 8.1
Can a Chinese citizen own part of a business that gets an SBA loan?
No, a citizen of the People's Republic of China cannot own any part of a business that receives an SBA loan.
Quoted from SBA SOP 50 10 8.1Every quote checked word for word
In detail
- 100% citizenship requirement: SBA financing is restricted to applicants where 100% of direct and indirect owners and SBA-required guarantors are U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals who have their Principal Residence in the United States, its territories, or possessions.
- Ineligible Person definition: The definition of an Ineligible Person explicitly includes an individual who is a citizen of the People's Republic of China, or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, as well as any individual who is not a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National, including Lawful Permanent Residents and visa holders.
- Ownership bar and divestiture: No loan may be made if any direct or indirect owner is an Ineligible Person, and the business remains ineligible unless that person completely divests all ownership prior to the issuance of the SBA loan number, subject to a 6-month lookback rule.
The source
What the SOP says
“SBA financing is limited to business Applicants with 100% direct and/or indirect owners and SBA-required guarantors, all of whom must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals who have their Principal Residence in the United States, its territories, or possessions.
“No loan may be made if any direct or indirect owner or SBA-required guarantor is an Ineligible Person.
“An individual who is a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong;
“An individual, including a visa holder, who is not a U.S. Citizen, or U.S. National (non-resident aliens);
“If a direct or indirect owner is an Ineligible Person, the business is ineligible unless the Ineligible Person completely divests their ownership prior to the date of issuance of the SBA loan number.
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Related reading
This page quotes the SBA's Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 8.1. Lenders can ask for more than the SBA minimum. It is general information, not a loan approval or legal advice.