Gilberto, a seasoned entrepreneur and property manager in Rio de Janeiro, spent 47 years in his beloved hometown. As a graduate of the American School in Rio, he had a strong affinity for American culture and the English language, making his decision to move to the U.S. a natural step. However, as the business environment in Rio became increasingly challenging, Gilberto and his family sought a new opportunity abroad. This is his E-2 visa success story, highlighting their journey to Miami, Florida.

With family and friends already in the U.S. and a desire to give his children a multicultural experience, the decision to explore the E-2 visa—a U.S. investor visa—became the foundation of his E-2 visa success story.

The challenge: Navigating a complex visa process and business transition 

Despite his extensive experience in property management, Gilberto faced several challenges in making his American dream a reality. First, as a Brazilian citizen, he was not eligible for the E-2 visa. Luckily, his dual citizenship with Spain made him a qualified candidate. Still, navigating the U.S. immigration system, choosing the right business to invest in, and making a successful transition to life in a new country were significant hurdles.

Gilberto’s initial thoughts were to start his own property management business in the U.S., leveraging his 18 years of experience in the industry. However, he quickly realized that the business landscape in the U.S., particularly in terms of legal frameworks and market expectations, was quite different from Brazil. He needed expert guidance to ensure a smooth transition.

The solution: Visa Franchise’s expertise and franchise selection 

In 2017, Gilberto attended a conference in Rio de Janeiro, where he first met the Visa Franchise team. After learning about the E-2 visa process and exploring franchise investment opportunities, Gilberto chose to work with Visa Franchise to guide him through the process.

Visa Franchise’s team of experts helped Gilberto explore various franchise opportunities, ultimately recommending PMI (Property Management Inc.), the largest property management franchise in the U.S. With Visa Franchise’s help, Gilberto was able to analyze PMI’s business model and determine that it was the best fit for his experience and investment goals.

“I wasn’t even considering a franchise at first,” Gilberto said. “But Visa Franchise’s expertise in vetting franchises gave me the confidence that PMI was a solid choice, with a great reputation in the U.S. market.” 

The results: A smooth transition and business success 

Thanks to Visa Franchise’s guidance, Gilberto successfully applied for the E-2 visa using his Spanish citizenship and began his journey as a PMI franchisee in Miami. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilberto’s determination, combined with Visa Franchise’s ongoing support, helped him navigate the complex legal and business landscapes.

In 2021, as he was setting up his franchise, an opportunity to acquire an existing portfolio of properties from another PMI franchisee arose. This acquisition allowed Gilberto to scale his business rapidly, giving him a stronger foothold in the competitive Miami property management market.

“Visa Franchise was instrumental in guiding me through every step. From choosing the right franchise to helping me find the right attorney and navigate the business acquisition, they were there,” Gilberto noted. “Without their help, especially during the uncertainty of the pandemic, I might have given up on the whole process.”

Key takeaways 

• Comprehensive support: Visa Franchise provided Gilberto with a one-stop-shop solution, from franchise selection to legal guidance, which helped ensure a smooth transition to the U.S.

• Franchise success: Gilberto’s decision to invest in PMI, coupled with an acquisition of an existing portfolio, positioned him for rapid growth in the Miami property management market.

• Resilience in the face of challenges: Even during the pandemic, Visa Franchise’s expert support kept Gilberto’s dream on track, enabling him to overcome hurdles and build a successful business.

Conclusion: Gilberto’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 

For those considering a similar path, Gilberto offers the following advice: “Plan your personal life as carefully as your business life. It’s essential to be financially prepared not just for your business but for your family’s needs as well. And most importantly, trust the experts—Visa Franchise made all the difference for me.”

Visa Franchise helped Gilberto realize his dream of living in the U.S. while continuing his successful career in property management. His story is a testament to the value of expert guidance and resilience when pursuing new opportunities abroad.