McDonald’s

There is no single published investment figure for a U.S. McDonald’s franchise because the typical opportunity for a new franchisee involves acquiring an existing restaurant. The purchase price and required investment vary according to the specific restaurant and market. McDonald’s states that actual costs are determined when a qualified candidate is offered a particular restaurant.

McDonald’s requires candidates to have at least $750,000 in non-borrowed, unencumbered personal funds, plus at least $100,000 in working capital for each restaurant. A recommended $75,000 relocation reserve is additional.

McDonald’s currently recommends that candidates demonstrate at least $750,000 in net, non-borrowed and unencumbered personal funds. The company does not count foreign-held funds toward this requirement, and home equity is only considered after the $750,000 threshold has been met through other sources.

McDonald’s also says it does not allow partnerships or investors under its standard franchise process. The applicant is expected to have the financial resources personally and to be actively involved in operating the business.

McDonald’s current franchise materials list a 4% service/royalty fee based on gross sales. Franchisees also contribute at least 4% of gross sales to advertising and promotion.

In addition to these fees, franchisees have occupancy costs, including rent, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. McDonald’s conventional franchise agreements generally have a 20-year term, although terms can vary according to the FDD and specific arrangement.

At the end of 2025, McDonald’s had 13,706 restaurants in the United States, of which approximately 95% were franchised. The U.S. is McDonald’s largest individual market.

Worldwide, McDonald’s had 45,356 restaurants across more than 100 countries at the end of 2025, with approximately 95% of the system franchised.

McDonald’s does not require every applicant to have previously owned a McDonald’s, but it looks for candidates with business and financial-management experience, leadership skills and experience managing teams. Candidates must also complete a comprehensive 6–12 month training program before purchasing a restaurant.

The system is particularly oriented toward multi-unit operators. McDonald’s says more than 90% of its franchise owners operate two or more restaurants, and it seeks individuals capable of operating multiple locations. This makes the opportunity substantially more demanding than a typical single-unit franchise.