For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders must obtain specific documentation such as U.S. passports, birth certificates, naturalization papers, or permanent resident alien cards to verify the citizenship or qualified non-citizen status of all principals.
SBA rules require that all individuals owning 20% or more of the applicant business must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens. Lenders must collect and retain documentation to verify this status for each relevant individual. Acceptable documents include government-issued identification proving citizenship or legal residency.
For a principal who is a naturalized citizen, the lender would require a copy of their Certificate of Naturalization. For a lawful permanent resident, a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) would be necessary.
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Policy Notice 5000-876441 - Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 - Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship and Residency
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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