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For entrepreneurs and investors looking to live and work in the United States, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers a powerful opportunity. Designed for nationals of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., this non-immigrant visa allows individuals to invest in a U.S.-based business and manage its operations directly. Whether you're launching a startup, buying an existing company, or expanding a foreign enterprise into the U.S. market, the E-2 visa provides a flexible and renewable path for investors and their immediate family members to live and thrive in America.
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The E-2 visa enables nationals from eligible countries to enter the United States based on a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. The visa is temporary but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and meets all E-2 requirements.
While the E-2 does not directly lead to a green card, it can be used as a strategic stepping stone toward permanent residency.
To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must meet the following conditions:
You must be a citizen of a country that has a valid E-2 treaty with the United States.
You must invest a significant amount in a real, operating U.S. business. There's no set minimum, but the amount should be enough to show your commitment and support the business's success.
The business must actively offer goods or services. Passive investments like land or stock holdings don't qualify.
You must own at least 50% of the enterprise or hold a key managerial or executive role with operational control.
The company must have the capacity to generate significantly more income than just covering the investor's living expenses.
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Grenada, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia.
A comprehensive, professional business plan is critical. It should detail investment breakdown, job creation, and financial projections.
Your funds must be committed and at risk. This means the capital has already been spent or is irrevocably committed to the business.
You'll need proof of your nationality, source of funds, business incorporation, lease agreements, payroll plans, and more.
These are core parts of your visa application and must be submitted electronically before your interview.
Interviews take place at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Some applicants may be eligible for a change of status within the U.S.
If approved, you'll receive your E-2 visa, which typically allows stays of up to two years per entry, with unlimited extensions.
Many applications are processed in weeks, not months.
As long as the business meets requirements, you can renew your E-2 visa indefinitely.
E-2 spouses may apply for work authorization and take employment anywhere in the U.S.
Children under 21 can attend U.S. schools and universities without needing a separate student visa.
E-2 visas are often used in a range of sectors:
Whether you're investing $100,000 or $1 million, what matters most is that the investment is active, at-risk, and part of a long-term commercial enterprise.
However, some E-2 visa holders later transition to EB-5 investor visas or employment-based green cards.
Dependent children must change their visa status or leave the U.S. when they turn 21.
Unlike H-1B or L-1 visas, the E-2 does not permit immigrant intent, which can affect green card planning.
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