ResidencyUnited States (E-2)
Live and run a business in the United States as a treaty investor
The US E-2 Treaty Investor visa lets nationals of countries that hold a qualifying treaty with the United States move to America to develop and direct a real, active business. Unlike passive investment schemes, the E-2 is built around genuine entrepreneurship: you commit substantial capital to a bona fide enterprise and take an active role in running it.
The visa is a renewable non-immigrant status, which means it can be extended indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate and meet the requirements. It also allows your spouse and children under 21 to join you, with spouses typically able to work in the United States.
A key point for many clients is eligibility: the E-2 is only open to nationals of treaty countries. Investors from non-treaty nations frequently first obtain a qualifying second citizenship, such as Grenada or Turkey, which then unlocks access to the E-2 route. CBIProgram advises on both halves of this strategy, from securing an enabling citizenship to structuring and filing the E-2 investment itself.
- Residence requirement: Maintain active business
Program law
The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a non-immigrant classification under United States immigration law, available to nationals of countries maintaining a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States and adjudicated under the applicable federal regulations and Department of State guidance.
Key benefits
Run an active US business
The E-2 is designed for entrepreneurs who invest in and actively direct a real operating business, not passive or speculative holdings.
Indefinitely renewable
As a non-immigrant status the E-2 can be renewed again and again, for as long as the qualifying business continues to trade and meet the rules.
Family can join
A spouse and children under 21 can accompany the investor, and spouses are generally able to work in the United States.
Citizenship as an enabler
Investors from non-treaty countries can first acquire a qualifying citizenship such as Grenada or Turkey, opening the door to the E-2 route.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Substantial active business investment — Must be a real, operating enterprise; the amount must be substantial relative to the cost of the business | Substantial and proportionate |
| Enabling citizenship (if required) — Non-treaty nationals often first obtain a qualifying citizenship such as Grenada or Turkey | Varies by programme |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application and related fees — US government filing and consular fees are quoted according to the applicant's situation | Varies |
Process & timeline
We confirm treaty-country eligibility and, where needed, arrange a qualifying citizenship such as Grenada or Turkey to unlock the route.
You identify or form a bona fide US business and commit the substantial capital required to make it operational.
We assemble the business plan, source-of-funds evidence and supporting documentation for the E-2 filing.
The E-2 application is filed and, for consular cases, you attend the visa interview.
The status is renewed as long as the business keeps operating and the E-2 requirements continue to be met.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a national of a country with a qualifying E-2 treaty with the United States
- A substantial capital investment committed to a real, active US enterprise
- The investment must be at risk and the business must be more than marginal
- The investor must develop and direct the business
- Clear source-of-funds evidence showing lawful origin of the capital
- Non-treaty nationals may first obtain a qualifying citizenship, such as Grenada or Turkey, to become eligible
Required documents
All applicants
- Valid passport, including any qualifying treaty-country passport
- Completed visa application forms
- Passport-size photographs
- Evidence of lawful source of the invested funds
Main applicant
- Detailed business plan for the US enterprise
- Proof of the substantial investment and that funds are at risk
- Company registration, premises and operational documents
- Evidence the business is active and more than marginal
Married couples
- Marriage certificate for an accompanying spouse
- Birth certificates for children under 21
- Supporting documents for dependants' applications
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for an E-2 visa?
Only nationals of countries that hold a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Investors from non-treaty countries often first acquire an enabling citizenship such as Grenada or Turkey.
How much do I need to invest?
There is no single fixed figure. The investment must be substantial in proportion to the cost of the particular business and sufficient to make it operational and successful.
Can the E-2 lead to a green card?
The E-2 is a non-immigrant status rather than a direct route to permanent residence, though it can be renewed indefinitely while the business qualifies; any move toward a green card is a separate matter.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you, and spouses are generally permitted to work in the United States.
Why do investors obtain a second citizenship first?
Because the E-2 is limited to treaty-country nationals, investors from non-treaty nations commonly obtain a qualifying citizenship such as Grenada or Turkey, which then makes them eligible to apply.
Does the investment have to be an active business?
Yes. The E-2 requires a real, active and operating enterprise that you develop and direct; passive or purely speculative investments do not qualify.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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