For those looking to start a business in the United States, the E-2 visa can be a great option. This visa allows foreign nationals to invest in and manage a business in the U.S. To obtain an E-2 visa, the individual must come from a country that has an E-2 treaty with the U.S. In this article, we will discuss which countries qualify for the E-2 visa and the requirements for obtaining one.
What is an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for the purpose of investing in and managing a business. This visa is only available to individuals who come from countries that have an E-2 treaty with the U.S. The E-2 visa is typically granted for a period of two years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the individual continues to meet the requirements.
Which Countries Qualify for the E-2 Visa?
As of 2021, there are 80 countries that have an E-2 treaty with the United States. These countries include:
- Albania
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- China (Taiwan)
- Colombia
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Honduras
- Iran
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea (South)
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Liberia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Rwanda
- Sénégal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
It is important to note that not all countries that have a treaty with the U.S. allow their citizens to apply for the E-2 visa. Some countries have additional restrictions or requirements that must be met before an individual can apply for the visa.
Requirements for Obtaining an E-2 Visa
In order to obtain an E-2 visa, the individual must meet several requirements. These include:
- The individual must be a citizen of a country that has an E-2 treaty with the U.S.
- The individual must have invested a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business or be actively in the process of investing.
- The business must be a real and operating commercial enterprise.
- The individual must be coming to the U.S. solely to develop and direct the business.
- The individual must intend to depart the U.S. when their E-2 status expires.
Benefits of the E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa has several benefits for foreign nationals looking to start a business in the U.S. These include:
- The ability to live and work in the U.S. while managing the business.
- The ability to bring family members to the U.S. as dependents.
- The ability to renew the visa indefinitely as long as the individual continues to meet the requirements.
- The ability to eventually apply for permanent residency (green card) through other means.
Conclusion
If you are a foreign national looking to start a business in the United States, the E-2 visa can be a great option. However, it is important to carefully consider the requirements and restrictions before applying for the visa. By doing so, you can increase your chances of obtaining the visa and successfully managing your business in the U.S.
