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Guiding the world’s most accomplished individuals and enterprises through the complexities of U.S. immigration, tax, business compliance, and everyday life. We provide trusted, end-to-end expertise to help you achieve lasting success in the United States with clarity and confidence.
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E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Launch Your U.S.
Business and Build Your American Dream

For entrepreneurs and investors establishing or managing a U.S. business with end-to-end coordination, strategic planning, documentation support, and concierge assistance
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E-2 Visa Program: A Flexible Investment Pathway

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa provides a flexible, non-immigrant pathway for eligible foreign nationals to live in the United States through investment in and active management of a U.S. business. This visa is well suited for individuals and families seeking to acquire an existing enterprise or establish a new commercial venture, while maintaining long-term U.S. residency through renewable status. Applicants must hold nationality from a qualifying treaty country and demonstrate meaningful ownership and operational control of the business
  • Investment: Substantial investment in a U.S. business (typical range $100K-$250K)
  • Processing: Faster processing times compared to many U.S. visa categories
  • Visa Validity: Typically issued for 2 to 5 years, depending on treaty country
  • Renewability: Renewable indefinitely, subject to ongoing business compliance
  • Family Inclusion: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to be included as dependents in the E-2 visa application and qualify for derivative E-2 status to join the principal investor in the U.S.
  • Family Process & Rights: No separate petition is required for qualifying family members; once approved and lawfully admitted in E-2 status, spouses and children may reside in the U.S. and dependent spouses are authorized to work without employer sponsorship

Who Qualifies for the E-2 Visa

The E-2 Visa Program is designed for global entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking a fast and flexible pathway to live and operate in the United States. This visa supports individuals and families pursuing long-term residence through investment and active management of a U.S. business, for eligible applicants who meet treaty nationality and business participation requirements

Treaty Country Nationals

Entrepreneurs from E-2 treaty countries, including UAE, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, United Kingdom, and other eligible treaty nations, seeking to invest and actively operate a U.S. business

Business Owners

Entrepreneurs and business owners acquiring or launching U.S.-based enterprises, holding at least 50% ownership or demonstrating operational control, actively managing a real, non-marginal business with E-2 status renewable while the business remains compliant

Non-Treaty Country Nationals

Foreign nationals from non-treaty countries, including Indian nationals, pursuing U.S. residency by obtaining citizenship in an E-2 treaty country through approved citizenship-by-investment programs, enabling eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Investment Requirements: Pathway to the E-2 Visa

The E-2 Visa requires a substantial investment into a U.S.-based business, ensuring both financial risk and active commitment. Key requirements include the following :

  • Substantial Investment: No fixed minimum investment required; typical range from $100,000 to $250,000, investment levels proportionate to the business scale, depending on business type and structure
  • Active Business Operations: Investor must actively direct and develop the U.S. enterprise
  • At-Risk Capital: Funds must be actively invested or fully committed and subject to normal business risks
  • Lawful Source of Funds: Capital must be lawfully obtained and properly documented, personally secured loans are acceptable, and properly documented gifts are permitted
  • Ownership & Control: Investor must own at least 50% of the business or demonstrate operational control
  • Non-Marginal Enterprise: The business must be real, active, and operating, capable of generating more than minimum income, while requiring the investor’s active involvement in operations rather than passive ownership

Popular E-2 Business Categories

Explore popular E-2 business categories—including franchises, hospitality, tech startups, logistics, real estate, and retail—ideal for investors pursuing a flexible U.S. business model

Franchises

Subway, 7-Eleven, and other established franchise operations

Hospitality, Food & Beverage

Restaurants, cafes, bars, boutique food services

Logistics

Trucking companies, delivery services, supply chain operations

Tech Startups

SaaS platforms, consulting agencies, software businesses

Real Estate Services

Property management, real estate agencies, managed rental operations

Retail Operations

Boutiques, specialty stores, online retail businesses with active U.S. operations

E-2 Visa – FAQs

E-2 status is typically granted for up to two years per entry and may be renewed indefinitely, provided the business remains active, compliant, and continues to meet E-2 requirements.

There is no fixed minimum investment. E-2 investments are assessed based on proportionality—meaning the investment must be appropriate to the size, type, and scale of the business. Most qualifying cases typically fall within a $100,000–$250,000 range, depending on the business structure.

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the E-2 investor.
Spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, while children may attend school but are not permitted to work.

The business must be real, active, and operating in the United States.
While some models may include online or international components, the enterprise must demonstrate meaningful U.S. operations, management presence, and economic impact.

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant classification and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, many E-2 investors later transition to immigrant pathways through business growth, restructuring, or strategic planning.
Depending on the investor’s profile and long-term objectives, potential future options may include employment- or investment-based immigrant pathways such as EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB-5 (Investor Green Card), or other qualifying programs offered by GoGold USA. Each pathway is evaluated independently and requires separate eligibility.

Business growth is generally viewed positively, provided the enterprise remains compliant with E-2 regulations. Significant changes may require strategic review or updated filings, which is why ongoing planning and compliance oversight are important.

E-2 status is typically granted for up to two years per entry and may be renewed indefinitely, provided the business remains active, compliant, and continues to meet E-2 requirements.

There is no fixed minimum investment. E-2 investments are assessed based on proportionality—meaning the investment must be appropriate to the size, type, and scale of the business. Most qualifying cases typically fall within a $100,000–$250,000 range, depending on the business structure.

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the E-2 investor.
Spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, while children may attend school but are not permitted to work.

The business must be real, active, and operating in the United States.
While some models may include online or international components, the enterprise must demonstrate meaningful U.S. operations, management presence, and economic impact.

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant classification and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, many E-2 investors later transition to immigrant pathways through business growth, restructuring, or strategic planning.
Depending on the investor’s profile and long-term objectives, potential future options may include employment- or investment-based immigrant pathways such as EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB-5 (Investor Green Card), or other qualifying programs offered by GoGold USA. Each pathway is evaluated independently and requires separate eligibility.

Business growth is generally viewed positively, provided the enterprise remains compliant with E-2 regulations. Significant changes may require strategic review or updated filings, which is why ongoing planning and compliance oversight are important.

Why GoGold USA for Your E-2 Investor Visa

Luxury U.S. immigration and concierge services for global executives, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking seamless U.S. relocation

Investor-Focused Strategy

Tailored guidance for treaty-country investors navigating business ownership and U.S. residency

Business & Legal Coordination

Seamless collaboration with experienced U.S. immigration attorneys, business advisors, and compliance partners

End-to-End Concierge Support

Visa strategy, U.S. business setup, relocation & housing, banking, tax coordination, healthcare, and ongoing compliance—managed seamlessly by a dedicated concierge team

Long-Term
Planning

Support designed not just for approval—but for renewals, scalability, and future U.S. pathways

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