The E-2 treaty investor visa lets nationals of certain countries live in the US while actively running a business they’ve invested in. It’s one of the more flexible US visa categories, but “flexible” also means there’s no simple checklist — the case has to be built to show a real, working business.
Eligibility starts with your passport
The E-2 is only available to nationals of countries that have a qualifying treaty of commerce with the United States. This list changes over time as treaties are negotiated or updated, so the first real question isn’t “how much do I need to invest” — it’s whether your nationality currently qualifies. We confirm this before discussing any other part of the plan.
Why there’s no fixed minimum
Unlike some investor visa categories, the E-2 doesn’t have a legal minimum dollar amount. What matters is whether the investment is “substantial” relative to the type of business — enough to establish a viable operation, not merely a token amount. This is assessed case by case, which is why generic numbers you see online are only a rough guide, not a rule.
Buy, or build?
Both paths work. Buying an existing, operating business gives you real financials from day one — revenue, expenses, a customer base — which is often easier to present to a consular officer than a new venture’s projections. Building your own business is possible too, but the file needs to show the business is genuinely active, not a shell. Our partners in Miami often structure applications through an existing operating business for exactly this reason.
What “actively directing” the business means
The visa isn’t for passive investors. You need to be meaningfully involved in running the business — day-to-day management, not just capital behind someone else’s operation. This is one of the more common reasons E-2 applications get extra scrutiny, so the business structure has to reflect real involvement from the start.
If E-2 doesn’t fit: the real estate alternative
Not everyone needs a visa to invest in the US. Foreign nationals can buy US real estate without holding any visa at all — it’s a straightforward way to hold a US asset, though it doesn’t by itself grant any residence right. Some clients do this alongside an E-2 application; others do it entirely independently, simply as an investment.
How we work
Real estate and the E-2 process run through our partner in Miami, who represents genuine operating businesses rather than paper structures. Company set-up, bookkeeping and tax filings run through a separate US-based finance partner. We coordinate both sides so your visa case, your property and your company stay consistent.
Want to know if the E-2 fits your plans? Our free pre-assessment asks about your goals, sector and budget, and tells you where you stand.
This page gives general orientation. The right route and the exact requirements are confirmed only after reviewing your file.