The cost of franchise ownership

Becoming a Franchisee doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, time, energy, and sometimes even cross-country moves. But a McDonald’s franchise isn’t just a business opportunity; it’s an investment in your future. See what it takes to franchise with McDonald’s.

Recommendations and requirements

By the numbers

While each situation is unique, we typically require that candidates have at least $750,000 (net) in non-borrowed unencumbered personal funds.* But keep in mind:

This minimum does not guarantee franchise ownership or the purchase of a restaurant(s) in certain geographies.

A higher investment may be needed if the goal is to become a Franchisee who own multiple restaurants and/or restaurant(s) in certain geographies.

Equity from an applicant’s primary residence will only be considered after the $750,000 (net) minimum has been met through other sources.

We recommend that each candidate also possess at least $100,000 in working capital per restaurant.*
To cover relocation expenses, at least $75,000 in additional funds is also recommended.*
Foreign-held funds will not be considered when determining whether you possess the financial resources described above.

*amount may vary.

Make a move

Because McDonald’s cannot predict which restaurants will be available when training is complete, candidates must be flexible and willing to relocate for a restaurant opportunity.

Although McDonald’s can’t guarantee where you would be placed if you became a Franchisee, we would ask you to rank your top 10 states in order of preference and work with you to find the right opportunity. While we understand life events, going through training, meeting other operators, etc., can impact your relocation preferences, we expect significant changes to preferences to be communicated.

McDonald’s, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to make exceptions to the above recommendations.

Set the foundation

Franchisee candidates must be willing to divest from any existing business interests, though the timing depends on the nature of those interests.

To ensure candidates can fully commit to McDonald’s and our operating standards, candidates who currently own or have a financial stake in another restaurant (quick service or otherwise, including competitors) must fully divest that interest before starting the McDonald’s Franchisee Training Program.

The restaurant cannot be transferred to a spouse, as it's typically considered a shared asset and could limit the flexibility needed for relocation during training and placement.

This requirement applies to all domestic Franchisee applicants and is intended to ensure full commitment to the McDonald’s system and its operating standards.

Get ready for franchise ownership

Be part of something bigger

Find out how our Franchisees are building meaningful careers and creating a lasting impact in the communities where they live and work.

Watch Franchisee stories

Training that works as hard as you do

Discover how McDonald’s trusted playbook and established framework can help set you up for success as a Franchisee.

Learn more

Ready to make your mark?

Fill out the application and take your first step toward becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee.

Apply now

Questions? We have answers.

For US franchising questions, please email us at franchising@us.mcd.com, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

For all other questions, check out our Contact Page.

*These estimates relate solely to the purchase and operation of an existing restaurant. Establishing a brand-new restaurant would require a greater investment (see our Franchise Disclosure Document). Possession of the above-stated amounts does not guarantee that you will be admitted to the training program or become a Franchisee.

McDonald’s USA, LLC, 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, Illinois 60607. Minnesota File No. 10. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. U.S. residents: Please note that the states of California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin regulate the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states, or seeking a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have qualified for an exemption, or have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. New York residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law.