Migration Overseas
Migration Overseas
Treaty Investor Visa

E2 Investor Visa

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.

No Min
Investment Required
5 Years
Initial Stay
∞ Renewals
Indefinitely
Business owner in US startup
Entrepreneur Path
80+ Treaty Countries
E2 Spouse Can Work
No Cap Unlimited

E2 Visa Requirements

Key requirements for E2 Treaty Investor Visa.

Treaty Country Citizenship

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.

Substantial Investment

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.

Majority Ownership

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).

What Qualifies as Substantial Investment

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.

Restaurant/Franchise

$150K - $500K typical investment

Tech/Consulting

$100K - $250K typical investment

Retail Business

$100K - $300K typical investment

Manufacturing

$200K - $1M+ typical investment

Business planning and investment

E2 Treaty Countries

Citizens of these 80+ countries can apply for E2 Investor Visa

UKUnited Kingdom
GermanyGermany
JapanJapan
AustraliaAustralia
FranceFrance
ItalyItaly
NetherlandsNetherlands
SpainSpain
South KoreaSouth Korea
MexicoMexico
TurkeyTurkey
PakistanPakistan
CanadaCanada
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwedenSweden
NorwayNorway
DenmarkDenmark
FinlandFinland
AustriaAustria
BelgiumBelgium
IrelandIreland
PortugalPortugal
GreeceGreece
PolandPoland
Czech RepublicCzech Republic
HungaryHungary
RomaniaRomania
BulgariaBulgaria
CroatiaCroatia
SlovakiaSlovakia
SloveniaSlovenia
LatviaLatvia
LithuaniaLithuania
EstoniaEstonia
New ZealandNew Zealand
SingaporeSingapore
TaiwanTaiwan
ThailandThailand
PhilippinesPhilippines
EgyptEgypt
JordanJordan
IsraelIsrael
ArgentinaArgentina
ColombiaColombia
ChileChile
EcuadorEcuador
PanamaPanama
Costa RicaCosta Rica
JamaicaJamaica
TrinidadTrinidad & Tobago
UkraineUkraine
GeorgiaGeorgia
SerbiaSerbia
MoldovaMoldova
AlbaniaAlbania
N. MacedoniaN. Macedonia
MontenegroMontenegro
BosniaBosnia
KosovoKosovo
EthiopiaEthiopia
KenyaKenya
LiberiaLiberia
SenegalSenegal
TogoTogo
TunisiaTunisia
MoroccoMorocco

Note 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).

E2 Visa Benefits

Why entrepreneurs choose the E2 Treaty Investor Visa.

Unlimited Renewals

Can be renewed indefinitely as long as business operates

Bring Family

Spouse and children under 21 can accompany

Spouse Can Work

E2 spouse eligible for work authorization (EAD)

Children Study

Children can study at US schools and colleges

Fast Processing

2-4 months typical processing time

No Minimum

No fixed dollar amount required

No Lottery

Not subject to annual caps or lottery

Own Business

Control your own enterprise in America

E2 Visa Process

Application process for E2 Treaty Investor Visa.

1

Business Planning

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 months
2

Make Investment

Transfer and invest funds into the US business. Funds must be irrevocably committed and at risk. Set up business entity and operations.

1-3 months
3

Prepare Application

Compile E2 visa application with business plan, investment evidence, source of funds documentation, and DS-160 form.

2-4 weeks
4

Consular Interview

Attend visa interview at US Embassy/Consulate. Present business plan and demonstrate substantial investment and control.

2-8 weeks wait
5

Visa Issuance

Upon approval, receive E2 visa stamp (typically 5-year validity). Enter US and begin operating your business.

1-2 weeks

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E2 Treaty Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.

What is the minimum investment for E2 visa?

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.

Which countries qualify for E2 visa?

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.

How long is E2 visa valid?

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.

Can E2 lead to Green Card?

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.

Can my spouse work on E2 visa?

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.

What types of businesses qualify for E2?

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).

Can I buy an existing business for E2?

Yes, purchasing an existing business qualifies for E2. You must demonstrate the purchase funds are at risk and invested in the business operations.

What is the 'marginality' test?

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.

How soon can I travel to US after E2 approval?

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.

Can I have multiple businesses on E2?

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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