Start or buy a business in the U.S. with a renewable investor visa available to treaty country nationals.
The E-2 treaty investor visa allows nationals of countries with a bilateral investment treaty with the United States to invest in and manage a U.S. business. It is one of the most popular visa options for entrepreneurs because it has no minimum investment threshold set by law, can be renewed indefinitely, and allows the investor to work exclusively for their own business.
The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign nationals from treaty countries to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise. Unlike the EB-5 immigrant investor visa, the E-2 does not require a specific dollar amount or job creation mandate — but the investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the business and must be at risk in a commercial sense.
To qualify for the E-2 visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
The initial E-2 visa is typically granted for 2 to 5 years depending on the treaty country. The visa can be renewed indefinitely in 2-year or 5-year increments as long as the business continues to operate and the investor maintains their qualifying investment. There is no maximum number of renewals.
The E-2 visa does not directly lead to a green card. Investors who want permanent residency must find a separate immigration pathway — such as an EB-5 investment, employer-sponsored green card, or EB-1A/EB-2 NIW if they qualify independently. Additionally, E-2 holders can only work for the treaty enterprise, not for other employers.
The E-2 is popular among startup founders from treaty countries because it allows them to control and operate their business with relatively modest capital compared to the EB-5. Founders typically invest in their own company, hire employees, and scale the business while renewing their E-2 status every few years.
E-2 applications are filed at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad (or via change of status if already in the U.S.). The application includes a detailed business plan, evidence of investment, proof of treaty country nationality, and documentation of the enterprise's operations. Processing times vary by consulate but typically range from 2 to 8 weeks.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →There is no fixed minimum investment amount. However, the investment must be 'substantial' relative to the business cost. In practice, investments below $100,000 face heavy scrutiny, and most successful E-2 applications involve $100,000 to $300,000 or more.
No. India and China do not have E-2 treaty agreements with the United States. Nationals of these countries must use alternative pathways such as the O-1A, H-1B, EB-5, or EB-2 NIW.
Not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa with no built-in path to permanent residency. E-2 holders who want a green card must pursue a separate immigration category such as EB-5, EB-1A, or employer sponsorship.
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you on E-2 dependent status. E-2 spouses are eligible for work authorization and can work for any employer in the U.S.