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About the E-2 Treaty Investor
The E-2 Treaty Investor is United States's entrepreneur / investor visa programme. Visa for nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business. Renewable indefinitely. Common path for entrepreneurs from UK, Germany, Spain, NL, Australia, and 80+ other treaty nations.
Applications are processed in 2–6 months on average. Government fees start at $460, and the visa is valid for 5 years.
To qualify, applicants generally need at least a High school diploma.
The E-2 Treaty Investor is suited to start a company.
Weighing United States against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
See how the E-2 Treaty Investor stacks up head-to-head against related pathways:
Eligibility requirements
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
Does not directly lead to permanent residence.
Validity period
5 years
How to apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor
- 01
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials (minimum High school diploma), employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 02
Prepare your business plan
Draft a detailed business plan covering market analysis, financials, and job creation projections. Many applicants engage an immigration specialist at this stage.
- 03
Submit your E-2 application
File online through the official United States immigration portal and pay the government fee of $460. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (2–6 months)
Standard processing takes 2–6 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
Setting up a company for this visa
The following entity types are commonly used by applicants pursuing this visa in United States. Costs and timelines are estimates. Confirm with a local formation agent or lawyer before proceeding.
LLC
Limited Liability Company
None (state-dependent)
$50–$500 (varies by state; Delaware ~$90, Wyoming ~$100, California ~$70 + $800/yr franchise tax)
$300–$1,500
1–2 weeks
Flexible pass-through entity. Delaware LLC is the standard for VC-backed startups. Not suitable for C-Corp-requiring investors. Used by E-2 investors to hold the treaty business.
C-Corp
C Corporation
None (any par value; $0.0001/share is common)
$90–$200 (Delaware)
$500–€2,500
1–2 weeks
Required by most institutional VCs. Delaware C-Corp is effectively mandatory for Series A+ funding. Used for the L-1A/L-1B intracompany transferee visa when establishing a new US affiliate, and for the E-2 visa where a corporation structure is preferred.
Formation costs, timelines, and capital requirements change frequently. Always verify with an official source or a licensed practitioner in United States before making financial commitments.
What it costs
Attorney fees and document costs not included. Total spend is typically 2–5x the government fee.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for the E-2 Treaty Investor?
A minimum High school diploma
How long does the E-2 Treaty Investor take to process?
Processing time for the E-2 Treaty Investor is typically 2–6 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official United States immigration website for current processing times before applying.
How much does the E-2 Treaty Investor cost?
The government application fee for the E-2 Treaty Investor is $460 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee. Budget accordingly before starting your application.
Can the E-2 Treaty Investor lead to permanent residence?
The E-2 Treaty Investor itself does not directly lead to permanent residence in United States. However, holders may be eligible to transition to a PR-pathway visa after meeting additional requirements. Use Transita's quiz to find visa routes that match your long-term goals.
Do I need a job offer for the E-2 Treaty Investor?
No. The E-2 Treaty Investor does not require a prior job offer. You can apply based on your qualifications, work history. This makes it particularly attractive for applicants who want to move first and job-search on arrival.