E-2 Investor Visa: How Foreign Entrepreneurs Can Start a Business in the U.S.

Learn how to apply for the E-2 Investor Visa and start your business in the U.S. as a foreign entrepreneur. Step-by-step guide for 2025

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💼 What is the Investor Visa or E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of certain treaty countries to enter the U.S. to invest in and run a business. It’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, but it comes with specific legal and financial requirements.

Key points:

• The investor must own at least 50% of the business

• The business must be active, not marginal

• The investment must be substantial

💵 Investment requirements

There’s no set minimum investment, but it should be:

• Sufficient to start and run the business

• At risk (meaning already invested or committed)

• Proportional to the total cost of the business

Typical range: $100,000 – $250,000+ depending on the type of business.

🏢 Business types that qualify for a E-2 Visa

Examples of E-2-eligible businesses:

• Restaurants

• Retail shops

• Tech startups

• Consulting agencies

• Real estate services

• Import/export businesses

The business must generate enough income to support more than just the investor’s family.

📋 Step-by-step application process

1. Register the business in the U.S.

2. Transfer investment funds

3. Prepare a detailed business plan

4. Complete Form DS-160 and schedule interview

5. Submit E-2 visa package with financial documentation

6. Attend interview at U.S. consulate (or change status in U.S.)

⚠️ Common issues & how to solve them

• Insufficient investment → Provide detailed budgets & bank transfers

• Lack of business activity → Submit contracts, leases, licenses

• No job creation → Include projections of hiring local workers

• Marginal business → Show growth potential and sustainability

❓ Preguntas frecuentes (FAQs)

1. How much money do I need to invest to qualify for an E-2 visa?

   There's no official minimum, but most successful applicants invest at least $100,000 USD.

2. Can I start a new business, or must I invest in an existing one?

   Both are possible. You can either start a new business or invest in an existing one.

3. Can I bring my family with me under the E-2 visa?

   Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you.

4. Is the E-2 visa a path to a Green Card?

   The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa and doesn’t lead directly to a Green Card, but you may explore other options later.

5. Can my spouse work in the U.S. with an E-2 visa?

   Yes, E-2 spouses can apply for work authorization once in the U.S.

6. How long does it take to process the E-2 visa?

   Processing times vary but typically range from a few weeks to a few months depending on the consulate.

💼 Ready to turn your dream into a business reality?

Launching a business in the U.S. is possible with the right legal guidance.

At De Maio Law, we help entrepreneurs navigate the E-2 visa process from start to finish.

📍 Miami-based | Multilingual team📲

Call (786) 232-9120 for a personalized consultation.