It costs more than $1 million to open a McDonald's, Taco Bell, Burger King, or Wendy's restaurant.

Opening a Chick-fil-A restaurant costs just $10,000.

We compiled a list of basic financial requirements to become a franchisee for 12 major fast-food chains.

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Owning a fast food franchise can be a lucrative business, but it requires a lot of cash.

You must have at least $500,000 in liquid assets to open a McDonald's, $750,000 to open a Taco Bell, and $2 million to open a Wendy's, for example.

Potential franchisees need a lot of cash available to help fund startup costs, which exceed $1 million for most major fast food chains in the US.

In addition to startup costs, franchisees have to pay ongoing monthly fees for royalties, advertising, and other services that can add up to more than 10% of gross sales.

We compiled a list of some basic financial requirements for becoming a franchise owner of 12 of the biggest fast-food chains in the US.

Following the name of each restaurant chain is the average total startup costs to open one new restaurant in the US.