The Complete 2025 Guide to E-2 Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs

Everything You Need to Know to Launch or Buy a U.S. Business with the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

What Is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows nationals of certain countries to enter the United States by investing in a bona fide U.S. business. Unlike other visa types, the E-2 is fast, flexible, and renewable indefinitely, making it ideal for international entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Who Is Eligible for the E-2 Visa in 2025?

To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You Must Be a Citizen of a Treaty Country

You must hold a passport from a country with an active E-2 treaty agreement with the U.S.
Popular treaty countries include but not limited to:

Canada
France
Japan
Germany
Philippines
United Kingdom

Note: China and India do not currently qualify, but citizens with dual nationality (e.g., Grenada, Turkey) may be eligible.

2. You Must Invest a “Substantial” Amount

There’s no fixed dollar threshold—but your investment must be large enough to ensure the business operates successfully.

Examples of qualifying investments:

$100,000–$150,000+ for service businesses, consultancies, online brands
$200,000+ for restaurants, franchises, physical retail

You must place the funds “at risk”—meaning they are committed and irrevocable before the visa is approved.

3. You Must Own and Control the Business

You must either:

Own at least 50% of the business, or
Possess operational control (e.g., sole signatory authority, managing partner)

4. The Business Must Be Real and Active

This means:

You must have a functioning business with a location, license, and staff
Shell companies, inactive LLCs, or passive investments do not qualify

5. The Business Must Not Be Marginal

The company must be designed to generate more than enough income to support you and your family—and ideally create U.S. jobs.

What Types of Businesses Qualify for E-2?

You can:

Start a business from scratch
Purchase an existing U.S. company
Buy into a franchise (a common and low-risk path)

Popular E-2 business categories:

E-commerce brands
Marketing agencies
Franchises (Subway, Tutor Doctor, etc.)
Restaurants and food trucks
Real estate property management firms

What’s the E-2 Visa Application Process in 2025?

Here’s a simplified timeline:

Business Setup (2–6 weeks)

Incorporate your U.S. entity
Lease a business space (if needed)
Open a U.S. business bank account
Fund your investment

Document Preparation (2–4 weeks)

E-2 compliant business plan
Proof of investment and source of funds
Detailed ownership structure

Filing & Interview (2–6 weeks)

Submit documents to the U.S. consulate
Attend your visa interview
Receive visa and enter the U.S.

How Long Is the E-2 Visa Valid?

Depends on your country’s treaty agreement—ranges from 3 months to 5 years
Renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains viable

What About My Family?

Spouse receives a work permit (EAD) and can work anywhere in the U.S.
Children (under 21) can attend school but cannot work

E-2 Visa Success Story

Carlos R. – Mexico
“Verdie helped me purchase a U.S. franchise and navigate the entire E-2 process. His clarity and responsiveness made everything smooth. I’m now running a thriving business in California.”

Common Mistakes That Get E-2 Visas Denied

Submitting an incomplete or vague business plan
Not placing enough capital at risk before the interview
Using funds that cannot be traced or proven
Applying without showing job creation potential
Applying from a non-treaty country

Why Work with Verdie Atienza, Esq.?

10+ years of E-2 visa experience
One-on-one attorney-led application process
Deep understanding of investor expectations
Transparent pricing and support beyond approval

Get Started with Your E-2 Visa in 2025

Your U.S. business dream starts with a strong legal foundation. Let Verdie Atienza Immigration Solutions help you turn your investment into an approved E-2 visa—backed by experience, precision, and personal attention.