What Is the Minimum Investment Required for an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to invest in and direct the operations of a U.S. business. Unlike other visa categories, the E-2 does not require a fixed investment amount set by statute. Instead, the law requires that the investment be “substantial”—a term that is interpreted based on the nature of the business.
Because of this flexibility, applicants frequently ask: What is the minimum investment required for an E-2 visa?
There Is No Official Dollar Minimum—But There Is a Practical One
U.S. immigration law does not define a specific dollar threshold for E-2 eligibility. However, in practice, investments below $100,000 are scrutinized closely and are less likely to be approved unless the business is clearly low-cost and has a strong operating plan.
Generally speaking:
- Investments of $100,000 or more are considered more favorable
- Some low-overhead businesses may qualify with $60,000–$80,000, if well-documented
- Investments under $50,000 are rarely approved without compelling evidence
The key factor is whether the investment is proportional to the total cost of starting or buying the business and whether the enterprise is capable of supporting more than just the investor.
What Counts Toward the E-2 Investment?
For E-2 purposes, qualifying investment funds must be:
- At risk—meaning they are committed to the business and subject to loss
- Irrevocably invested—you cannot simply place funds in a business account
- Traceable—you must show the lawful source and path of funds
Eligible expenditures may include:
- Purchase of equipment or inventory
- Office rent, utilities, and leasehold improvements
- Marketing, branding, and website development
- Legal and professional fees tied to business launch
- Employee salaries (in some cases)
Investments in passive assets, such as undeveloped land or personal property, will not qualify.
E-2 Visa Requirements Beyond Investment Amount
Investment is just one element of the E-2 visa. You must also:
- Be a national of an E-2 treaty country
- Have control (typically 50% or more) of the U.S. enterprise
- Show that the business is real and operating or will be imminently operational
- Demonstrate that the business is not marginal, meaning it must have the capacity to generate more than enough income to support you and your family
For more details on E-2 visa qualifications, visit our E-2 visa overview page.
Structuring the Investment for Approval
Even a strong dollar figure won’t secure an E-2 visa without proper structure. Investors must show:
- A clear and credible business plan
- Evidence of funds transfer and expenditures
- A roadmap to job creation or business expansion
- Active involvement in daily operations or strategic direction
At Scott Legal, we help clients create compliant investment portfolios, organize documentation, and prepare strong applications—even for those with lower investment amounts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering applying for an E-2 visa and want to know whether your investment qualifies, our attorneys at Scott Legal, P.C. can help. We’ve successfully handled hundreds of E-2 cases and understand what U.S. consulates look for in both high and low investment scenarios.
Schedule a consultation and evaluate whether your E-2 investment meets the threshold for approval.
