SBA Rescinds Non-Citizen 5% Ownership Rule

February 3, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

SBA Rescinds Non-Citizen 5% Ownership Rule

Effective March 1, 2026, this Notice rescinds SBA Procedural Notice 5000-872050, removing the narrow 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 (LPRs) whose Principal Residents was outside of the United States, its territories, or possessions. 

Further, and beginning with the Effective Date of this Notice, Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) will not be eligible to own any percentage interest in an Applicant/Borrower, OC, or EPC.

Read the notice here. 

Note, all SBA 7(a) and 504 notices are posted on our website and can be accessed with Coleman’s public Google spreadsheet.