Three Viable Real Estate Business Options for E-2 Visa Applicants

Starting a real estate business in the U.S. can be an exciting opportunity, especially for E-2 visa applicants. However, the real estate industry can pose unique challenges when it comes to meeting the requirements of the E-2 visa. It’s important to choose a business model that aligns with the visa’s criteria. Here are three viable options for real estate companies that work well for E-2 visa holders.

Property management is a good option for E-2 visa applicants looking to enter the real estate sector. This type of business involves managing rental properties on behalf of owners, handling tasks such as tenant placement, rent collection, maintenance, and repairs. Property management businesses typically involve regular and recurring income, making them a more stable option for meeting the E-2 visa’s requirement of generating more than just marginal income.  While this can work, you must show that the business can support U.S. workers.  This type of business can have issues when the Government thinks that the business is passive.

Another viable option is starting a company focused on renovation and remodeling. This business model involves purchasing properties, renovating or remodeling them, and then selling them at a profit. A renovation and remodeling business not only allows you to contribute to the U.S. economy by improving properties, but it also creates job opportunities, which is a key factor in satisfying E-2 visa requirements. By taking on multiple projects simultaneously, you can demonstrate that your business has the potential for growth and job creation.  You should make sure you have the proper licences for this type of business.

Commercial real estate development on a large scale is another excellent option for E-2 visa applicants. This business model involves developing commercial properties, such as office buildings, retail centers, or mixed-use developments. If you plan to engage in householding, which refers to the acquisition and management of multiple properties, it’s important that the scale of your operations is significant—encompassing dozens of properties. Large-scale commercial real estate development not only meets the E-2 visa’s criteria for substantial investment, but it also offers the potential for significant job creation, which is crucial for a successful visa application.

Real estate can be a challenging industry for E-2 visa applicants, but by choosing the right business model—such as property management, renovation and remodeling, or large-scale commercial development—you can set yourself up for success. Each of these options aligns with the E-2 visa requirements, offering stability, potential for growth, and the ability to create jobs in the U.S.

Are you considering starting a real estate business on an E-2 visa? Scott Legal, P.C. can help you navigate the challenges and choose a business model that aligns with visa requirements. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and start building your successful real estate business in the U.S.