The E-2 is the most accessible way to live in the US by running your own business. It is open to nationals of treaty countries, has no fixed minimum investment, and is renewable indefinitely, but it is a non-immigrant visa, not a green card. Here is how it works.
You must be a national of a country that maintains a qualifying treaty of commerce with the US. Your business must also be at least 50% owned by treaty-country nationals.
There is no fixed statutory minimum, but the investment must be substantial relative to the business, typically $100,000 or more, and already committed and at risk.
The money must fund a real, operating enterprise, not a passive investment or idle capital. It cannot be marginal, it should generate more than a living for you.
E-2 status is granted in increments (often two years) and can be renewed indefinitely while the business runs, but it does not by itself lead to a green card.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you. E-2 spouses are authorised to work in the US.
Key employees who share your treaty nationality can also be sponsored for E-2 status to work in the enterprise.
The E-2 is only open to nationals of countries with a qualifying US treaty. The list below is illustrative, not exhaustive. Notably, China, India and Brazil are not E-2 treaty countries. Check the official list for the current position.
USA
There is no fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business and enough to make it operate. In practice most successful applications involve at least $100,000, and the funds must already be committed and at risk.
Only nationals of countries with a qualifying US treaty of commerce and navigation. That includes most of Western Europe, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico and many others. Notably China, India and Brazil are not E-2 treaty countries.
No, not directly. It is a non-immigrant visa that can be renewed indefinitely. Many holders later move to an immigrant category such as EB-5 or an employment-based green card to gain permanent residence.
Yes. E-2 dependent spouses are authorised to work in the United States. Children under 21 can live and study but cannot work on the dependent visa.