E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows entrepreneurs and investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States by investing in a U.S. business. A flexible, renewable non-immigrant visa ideal for business owners, startup founders, and international families.
Key Advantages & Benefits
Fast processing — often within a few weeks or months at the consulate.
Renewable indefinitely as long as your business continues to operate.
Spouse receives U.S. work authorization automatically upon approval.
Children under 21 can live and study in the United States.
Lower investment threshold compared to EB-5 — typical ranges $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the industry.
Full ability to start, manage, or expand your own business in the U.S.
Qualification Requirements
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You must hold citizenship of a treaty country (a country with an E-2 investment treaty with the United States).
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Substantial investment in a U.S. business — no fixed minimum, but typically $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the industry and must be sufficient to operate the business.
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The business must be real, active, and commercial (not a passive investment), capable of generating income and supporting employees.
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You must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control.
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The business must not be marginal — it must have the capacity to generate more than minimal income and create jobs or contribute economically.
Roadmap & Timeline
Step 1 — Business Selection & Investment Preparation: Choose a qualifying U.S. business (startup, acquisition, or franchise), prepare the investment, and gather all documentation including a 5-year business plan and source of funds.
Step 2 — Filing the E-2 Petition: Your attorney prepares and submits the complete application package to the U.S. consulate in your country or to USCIS (for change of status inside the U.S.).
Step 3 — Interview at the U.S. Consulate: You attend a consular interview to confirm your business plans, investment commitment, and intent to operate the business.
Step 4 — Visa Issuance & Entry to the U.S.: Upon approval, you and your family receive E-2 visas. The visa is typically issued for 2-5 years depending on the treaty country and can be renewed indefinitely.
Securing Residency for Your Family
The E-2 visa covers your entire immediate family. Your spouse automatically receives U.S. work authorization (EAD), and your children under 21 can live and study in the United States for the duration of the visa.
Service FAQ
Answers to common questions about this residency pathway.
There is no fixed legal minimum, but the investment must be substantial relative to the business. Typical ranges are $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the industry. The investment must be sufficient to operate and develop the business.
Only citizens of countries that have a bilateral investment treaty with the United States qualify. This includes most of Europe, many Asian countries, and several Middle Eastern nations. Notable exceptions include China, India, Brazil, and Russia. Contact us to confirm your country eligibility.
Yes. You can invest in a new startup, purchase an existing U.S. business, or buy a franchise. All three options can qualify for the E-2 visa as long as the other requirements are met.
The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa and does not directly lead to a Green Card. However, E-2 holders can pursue other immigrant pathways simultaneously, such as EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or EB-5, while maintaining their E-2 status.
Consular processing typically takes 2-4 months. Change of status inside the U.S. takes 2-6 months. Premium Processing is available for change of status with a 15-day USCIS response window.
Ready to Begin Your Strategic Evaluation?
Request an initial assessment with our U.S. immigration advisory team based in Dubai to evaluate your eligibility and define the right U.S. immigration strategy.