Introduction: Invest in Your Future with the E-2 Visa
For many foreign entrepreneurs and business-minded immigrants, the dream of living and working in the United States is closely tied to investment opportunities in the country. The E-2 investor visa offers a strategic route for individuals from treaty countries who wish to invest in and operate a business in the U.S.

At Kareem El Nemr Law Office, we specialize in helping clients, especially Arabic-speaking investors, navigate the E-2 visa process with legal clarity and confidence.

What is the E-2 Investor Visa?

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals from countries with commerce treaties with the U.S. to enter and work in the country based on an investment in a U.S. business. While it doesn’t lead directly to a green card, it offers a renewable, long-term stay with significant benefits for the investor and their family.

Who Can Apply for an E-2 Visa?

To qualify for an E-2 visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country that has a valid treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. (e.g., Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey).
• Investment: Must make a substantial investment in a real and operating U.S. business.
• Control: Must own at least 50% of the enterprise or demonstrate operational control.
• Intent: Must come to the U.S. solely to develop and direct the business.
• Business Viability: The business must not be marginal; it should have the potential to generate income beyond just supporting the investor and their family.

What Qualifies as a Substantial Investment?

There is no official minimum dollar amount; however, immigration officers assess whether the investment is sufficient to ensure the investor’s commitment to the enterprise’s success. Generally:

• Investments of $100,000 or more are considered favorable.
• The capital must be at risk; you must commit the funds before applying.
• Passive investments like stocks or real estate holdings do not qualify.
• You must prove the source of funds is legal and traceable.

Types of Businesses That Qualify

The E-2 visa supports a wide variety of industries, including:

• Restaurants and cafés
• Retail stores
• Franchises (Subway, UPS Store, etc.)
• Tech startups
• Import/export businesses
• Marketing, consulting, or legal services
• Real estate development companies

You may start a new business or buy an existing one, as long as it meets the visa criteria.

One of the key benefits of the E-2 visa is that it allows you to bring your family:

• Spouse: Can apply for work authorization and work for any U.S. employer.
• Children under 21: Can attend U.S. schools but cannot work on E-2 status.

How Long Can You Stay on an E-2 Visa?

• The E-2 visa is typically granted for 2 to 5 years, depending on your nationality.
• It can be renewed indefinitely as long as your business remains active and meets the requirements.
• There is no limit to the number of times you can renew the visa, giving long-term stability.

E-2 Visa vs. Other Immigration Options

Visa Type	Key Benefit	Path to Green Card?
E-2 Visa	Live/work in the U.S. by owning a business	Indirect (EB-5 or family-based)
H-1B	Employer-sponsored job	Yes
EB-5	$800K–$1.05M investment for a green card	Yes
L-1	Internal transfer from a multinational	Yes

How We Help at Kareem El Nemr Law Office

Applying for an E-2 visa involves more than filling out forms; it requires business planning, legal structuring, and strategic immigration counsel. Here’s how we support you:

• Business Structure Review: We ensure your entity (LLC, Corp, etc.) meets E-2 eligibility.
• Investment Guidance: Legal advice on structuring the capital investment and documenting the source of funds.
• Business Plan Preparation: We help you draft a USCIS-compliant business plan with financial projections.
• Application Filing: We prepare and submit the full application package to the appropriate U.S. embassy or USCIS office.
• Arabic-Speaking Support: Full legal guidance in Arabic and English to help you feel confident at every step.

Turn Your Investment into Opportunity

The E-2 visa is more than a legal option; it’s a doorway to building a life and legacy in the United States through entrepreneurship. If you’re ready to invest and build your future.