E2 Visa Lawyers

At E‑2VisaWorld, our E2 Visa lawyers assist with E2, EB-1, EB-2, O-1 visas, and U.S. company formation.

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E-2 Visa Key Features

MOVE TO THE UNITED STATES WITH YOUR FAMILY
NO MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIRED (AT LEAST $80,000 IS RECOMMENDED)
PROCESSING TIME TAKES LESS THAN 3 MONTHS
RENEWABLE UNLIMITED TIMES
YOU CAN BRING YOUR KEY EMPLOYEES

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Serving E-2 Visa Clients in New York, Across the U.S., and Worldwide

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Trusted E-2 Visa Attorney for Global Investors

With 450+ clients, a 95% E-2 visa approval rate, and successful cases from 60+ countries, E-2VisaWorld has become a top choice for investors seeking a reliable E-2 visa attorney to guide them through the U.S. immigration process.

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Headquartered in New York City

Based at 40 Wall Street, our firm assists investors navigating the opportunities and challenges of establishing a business in New York. As an experienced E-2 visa lawyer in NYC, we provide structured, practical support tailored to the needs of international entrepreneurs.

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Nationwide E-2 Visa Services

Although rooted in New York, we serve clients in all 50 states. Because immigration law is federal, we help investors nationwide secure their E-2 visas, open U.S. companies, and prepare strong applications—no matter where they currently live or plan to operate.

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Worldwide Support for International Investors

Working with clients across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond, we offer full remote support for E-2 visa applicants. Our team helps investors abroad understand the process, prepare documentation, and launch a U.S. business with a clear and well-organized plan.

About E-2VisaWorld

At E-2VisaWorld, we help investors, entrepreneurs, and families build their future in the United States with clear guidance and dedicated support. Founded by Attorney Emanuele Bardazzi, a U.S. and Italian-licensed lawyer with over 20 years of international experience, our firm is known for personal service, attention to detail, and strong communication.

While the E-2 Investor Visa is at the center of what we do, we also assist clients with other key immigration pathways, U.S. company formation. Whether you are in New York or abroad, we’re here to make your journey smooth, informed, and confident.

E-2 Visa Basics

What is an E-2 Investor Visa?

The E-2 Investor Visa allows nationals of treaty countries to live and work in the United States by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business. If you plan to start a new company or purchase an existing one, the E-2 visa may allow you and your family to lawfully relocate and manage your enterprise in the U.S.

E-2 Visa Key Features

No Minimum Investment Required
There is no official minimum amount. However, many strong E-2 cases involve investments between $80,000 and $200,000, depending on the business model.
Processing Times Vary by Consulate
Many applicants receive decisions within a few months, depending on where the visa is processed.
Unlimited Renewals
As long as your business remains active and continues to meet E-2 requirements, the visa can be renewed indefinitely.

What are the E-2 Visa requirements?

To qualify for an E-2 visa, your investment must meet several important conditions:

Substantial & At-Risk Investment

Your funds must be fully committed and subject to loss if the business does not succeed. Passive investments—such as owning rental property or trading stocks—do not qualify.

Active, Operating Business

Your business must actively produce goods or services. It can be:

A newly formed company
A business you acquire (at least 50% ownership)
A franchise business

Legitimate Source of Funds

Investment funds must come from a lawful source. Acceptable sources include personal savings, business income, loans secured by personal assets, or gifts.

Not a Marginal Enterprise

Your business should have the capacity to generate more than enough income to support you and your family over time and ideally create U.S. jobs.

WHAT IS A QUALIFYING INVESTMENT FOR E-2 VISA?

Top factors examined when determining whether an investment qualifies for an E-2 Visa include:

Substantiality: there is no minimum investment amount but it should be sufficient to support your business operations
Marginality: the investment should generate profits to support a living not just for the beneficiary
Active investment: money should be invested in an “active” U.S. business enterprise
Source of funds: funds should have a legitimate origin

However, if you want to purchase an existing US enterprise by placing your funds in escrow, you should be aware of a few things. E-2 Visa guidelines allow for E-2 Visa applications based on escrow funds as long as there is an escrow agreement in place. That agreement has to allow disbursing the money to the seller if the application gets approved. It is vital that the purchase agreement is drafted properly by an attorney to make sure that both buyer and the applicant are protected. Experts at E-2VisaWorld are highly specialized in drafting and reviewing asset purchase agreements.

Are you eligible for an E-2 Visa?

Eligibility for E-2 Visa concerns the following factors:

Citizenship: are you a citizen of a Treaty Country? See the E-2 Visa Country List below
Position covered in the U.S. business enterprise: whether you are the investor or an employee you should be employed in a managerial or executive role in the U.S. enterprise
Family: you may automatically qualify for an E-2 Visa if you are the spouse or an underage child of an E-2 Visa investor or employee.

What are the E-2 Visa treaty countries?

A treaty country is a country with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce and navigation, or maintain a qualifying international agreement. The following countries have treaties with the United States allowing nationals who qualify to apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa:

Albania	Croatia	Kosovo	Romania
Argentina	Czech Republic	Kyrgyzstan	Senegal
Armenia	Denmark	Latvia	Serbia
Australia	Ecuador	Liberia	Singapore
Austria	Egypt	Lithuania	Slovak Republic
Azerbaijan	Estonia	Luxembourg	Slovenia
Bahrain	Ethiopia	Mexico	South Korea
Bangladesh	Finland	Moldova	Spain
Belgium	France	Mongolia	Sri Lanka
Bolivia	Georgia	Montenegro	Suriname
Bosnia & Herzegovina	Germany	Morocco	Sweden
Bulgaria	Greece	Netherlands	Switzerland
Brunei	Grenada	New Zealand	Thailand
Cameroon	Honduras	Norway	Togo
Canada	Ireland	North Macedonia	Trinidad & Tobago
Chile	Israel	Oman	Tunisia
China (Taiwan)	Italy	Pakistan	Turkey
Colombia	Jamaica	Panama	Ukraine
Congo (Brazzaville)	Japan	Paraguay	United Kingdom
Congo (Kinshasa)	Jordan	Philippines
Costa Rica	Kazakhstan	Poland

If you do not see your country of citizenship here, don’t let that stop you from pursuing a US visa. An experienced E2 visa lawyer can help. Contact our immigration experts to explore your options.

E-2 Visa Related Topics

Form your US business entity (Corporation or Limited Liability Company)
Start a retail / restaurant business in the United States
Register your trademark in the United States

If you need help applying for an E-2 visa, consider consulting with a skillful E2 visa lawyer. You can also complete our E-2 eligibility survey or directly contact our team. Our E-2VisaWorld team of highly skilled consultants, business, and immigration law experts have years of experience helping foreign investors get their start in the US.

READ MORE ABOUT:

GET E-2 VISA INVESTING IN A FRANCHISE

E-1 VISA REQUIREMENTS

WHY E-2 VISA IS BETTER THAN EB-5 GREEN CARD

E-2 VISA FOR CHINA AND RUSSIA

E-2 VISA INTERVIEW

WHAT IF MY E-2 VISA GETS DENIED

Our Services

At E-2VisaWorld, the E-2 Investor Visa is at the heart of what we do—guiding entrepreneurs and investors in building a successful future in the United States. While the E-2 visa is our core focus, we proudly offer a range of additional services to support clients in every step of their business and immigration journey.

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Investor & Business Visas

E-2 Investor Visas
For entrepreneurs investing in a U.S. business and seeking to live and work in the United States.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visas
For individuals or companies engaged in substantial trade between the U.S. and a treaty country.

Talent & Employment-Based Visas

O-1 Visas
For individuals with extraordinary ability in business, science, arts, athletics, or entertainment.
EB-1 Green Cards
For top-tier professionals with significant achievements or recognition.
EB-2 & EB-2 NIW Green Cards
For advanced-degree professionals or individuals whose work benefits U.S. national interests.

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E2 Visa USA Requirements for Employees Family

Family-Based Immigration

Marriage Green Cards
Helping spouses and families unite and build a life in the U.S.
Family-Based Petitions
Guidance for parents, children, and relatives seeking permanent residency.

U.S. Business Services

U.S. Company Formation
Assistance creating LLCs and corporations required for investor visa applications and business launches.
NYC Liquor Licensing
Support in obtaining required permits for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses.

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Why Clients Choose E-2VisaWorld

At E-2VisaWorld, we know that pursuing a future in the United States is both exciting and challenging. Our goal is to make your journey clear, organized, and fully supported from the very beginning. Here’s what sets us apart:

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Guidance You Can Trust: Led by Attorney Emanuele Bardazzi, who has helped international clients build their presence in the U.S., we provide steady, reliable direction at every stage.

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Focused on Investor & Business Visas: We handle E-2, E-1, O-1, EB-1, EB-2, and EB-2 NIW cases with careful preparation and a practical understanding of what each petition requires.

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Personal Service, Real Attention: Your case receives individualized care, thoughtful planning, and support tailored to your goals.

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Strong, Consistent Communication: We prioritize quick replies, clear explanations, and regular updates so you always know where things stand.

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Multilingual Support: We assist clients in Italian, English, and Spanish, ensuring smooth and comfortable communication.

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Committed to Your American Dream: We understand the hopes behind every application and work with dedication to help you build a confident future in the United States.

What Are the E-2 Requirements?

In this brief video, E-2VisaWorld explains the requirements to qualify for E-2 Visa.

Get the information you need, and then find out if you may be eligible for E-2 visa through our quick eligibility survey.

Top 10 E-2 Visa FAQs for Investors

1. What is an E-2 investor visa and who qualifies for it?

The E-2 visa allows investors from treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. by investing in a real, operating business. You must control the investment and actively direct the business.

2. How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?

There is no fixed minimum, but most strong New York–based E-2 cases involve an investment between $100,000–$250,000, depending on the type of business.

3. Can I start a new business in New York for my E-2 visa?

Yes. Many applicants form a new LLC or corporation in New York as part of their E-2 visa process, and your firm can assist with the entire setup.

4. Can I buy an existing business for the E-2 visa?

Absolutely. Purchasing an existing business is a common and acceptable route for E-2 approval as long as the investment is substantial and the business is active.

5. Do I need to invest all the money before applying?

You must show that the investment is at risk and either fully committed or in the final stages of being deployed. Proper documentation is critical.

6. What types of businesses qualify for an E-2 visa?

Restaurants, retail stores, franchises, service companies, consulting firms, tech startups, and many other models can qualify—as long as the business is active and generates jobs.

7. Can my spouse and children come with me on an E-2 visa?

Yes. Spouses can apply for work authorization, and children under 21 can attend school in the U.S.

8. How long is the E-2 visa valid, and can it be renewed?

Visa validity depends on your home country. Many receive 2–5 years, and it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains active and compliant.

9. Do I need to hire U.S. workers for the E-2 visa?

You don’t need employees at the time of applying, but you must show the business is not marginal and has the potential to create jobs.

10. How can an E-2 immigration attorney help my case?

An E-2 lawyer helps structure the investment, prepare documents, create a compliant business plan, and guide you through every step—greatly improving your chances of approval.

CONTACT US

Our attorneys are available for Zoom video calls.

If you need personalized and professional assistance applying for an E-2 Investor Visa or an E-1 Trader Visa for the United States, reach out to our E-2 Visa lawyers using this form and we’ll get back to you promptly.