Start or purchase a business in the United States with the E2 Treaty Investor Visa. No minimum investment amount, renewable indefinitely, and bring your family to live and work in America.
Key requirements for E2 Treaty Investor Visa.
Must be a citizen of a country with an E2 treaty with the US. Over 80 countries qualify, including UK, Germany, Japan, and many others. India is NOT an E2 treaty country.
Investment must be "substantial" relative to the business type. No set minimum - typically $100K+ for most businesses. Funds must be at risk and irrevocably committed.
Must own at least 50% of the enterprise or have operational control. Business must be real and active, not marginal (must generate more than just living expenses).
Unlike EB-5, E2 has no fixed minimum investment amount. The investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the business. Lower-cost businesses require investing a higher percentage.
$150K - $500K typical investment
$100K - $250K typical investment
$100K - $300K typical investment
$200K - $1M+ typical investment
Citizens of these 80+ countries can apply for E2 Investor Visa
United Kingdom
Germany
Japan
Australia
France
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
South Korea
Mexico
Turkey
Pakistan
Canada
Switzerland
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
Finland
Austria
Belgium
Ireland
Portugal
Greece
Poland
Czech Republic
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Croatia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Latvia
Lithuania
Estonia
New Zealand
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Philippines
Egypt
Jordan
Israel
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Ecuador
Panama
Costa Rica
Jamaica
Trinidad & Tobago
Ukraine
Georgia
Serbia
Moldova
Albania
N. Macedonia
Montenegro
Bosnia
Kosovo
Ethiopia
Kenya
Liberia
Senegal
Togo
Tunisia
MoroccoNote for Indian Citizens: India is NOT an E2 treaty country. However, Indians can qualify through citizenship of a treaty country (e.g., obtaining UK, Australian, or other treaty nation citizenship first).
Why entrepreneurs choose the E2 Treaty Investor Visa.
Can be renewed indefinitely as long as business operates
Spouse and children under 21 can accompany
E2 spouse eligible for work authorization (EAD)
Children can study at US schools and colleges
2-4 months typical processing time
No fixed dollar amount required
Not subject to annual caps or lottery
Control your own enterprise in America
Application process for E2 Treaty Investor Visa.
Develop a comprehensive business plan showing the enterprise will be more than marginal. Identify the business to start or purchase in the US.
1-2 monthsTransfer and invest funds into the US business. Funds must be irrevocably committed and at risk. Set up business entity and operations.
1-3 monthsCompile E2 visa application with business plan, investment evidence, source of funds documentation, and DS-160 form.
2-4 weeksAttend visa interview at US Embassy/Consulate. Present business plan and demonstrate substantial investment and control.
2-8 weeks waitUpon approval, receive E2 visa stamp (typically 5-year validity). Enter US and begin operating your business.
1-2 weeksGet expert guidance on E2 visa eligibility, investment structure, and business planning. Our entrepreneur immigration specialists are here to help.
Book Free ConsultationFind answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
There's no set minimum, but investment must be 'substantial' - typically $100,000 or more. The amount depends on the business type and must be proportional to establish a viable enterprise.
E2 is only available to citizens of treaty countries with the US. Countries include UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Canada, and many others. India and China are notably NOT treaty countries.
E2 visa validity depends on the treaty country's reciprocity schedule - typically 2-5 years. E2 status can be extended indefinitely in 2-year increments as long as the business remains operational.
E2 visa itself doesn't directly lead to Green Card. However, you can pursue Green Card through other categories like EB-5 investment, EB-1C if business grows, or employer sponsorship while on E2.
Yes, E2 dependent spouses (E-2S) can apply for work authorization (EAD) and work for any employer in the US. Children can study but cannot work.
Any legitimate business can qualify - restaurants, retail stores, franchises, tech startups, consulting firms. The business must be real, active, and not marginal (must generate more than just living expenses).
Yes, purchasing an existing business qualifies for E2. You must demonstrate the purchase funds are at risk and invested in the business operations.
A marginal enterprise is one that doesn't have the capacity to generate significant income beyond providing minimal living for the investor. E2 businesses must show potential for economic growth and job creation.
You can travel immediately after E2 visa is stamped in your passport. You can start operating your business as soon as you enter the US in E2 status.
Yes, E2 allows involvement in multiple businesses as long as your primary role is with the E2 business and you maintain executive/managerial control over the invested enterprise.
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