Home Blog How to Get an E2 Visa

How to Get an E2 Visa

Jump to Section

Quick Facts — E2 Visa Lawyers

There are specific steps to follow on how to get an E2 visa, a non-immigrant visa allowing foreigners to invest in and run a business in the United States. The E2 visa is intended to encourage foreign investment in the U.S. economy and promote economic growth. To qualify for an E2 visa, the applicant must be a national of a country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States and make a substantial investment in a U.S. business.

Steps to Follow in Applying for E2 Visa

  1. Determine Eligibility. You must be a citizen of a treaty country and plan to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
  2. Invest in a Qualifying Business. You must invest in a U.S. business that meets the E2 visa requirements, including a legitimate and active commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking.
  3. Develop a Business Plan. You will need to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your investment, business goals, and the projected growth and success of the business.
  4. Gather Supporting Documentation. You must provide several documents, including proof of your citizenship, evidence of your investment, and any other documents required by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
  5. Apply for an E2 Visa. You must complete the online DS-160 form, pay the application fee, and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
  6. Attend the Visa Interview. You must attend an interview with a U.S. consular officer, who will review your application, ask you questions about your investment and business plan, and decide on your visa application.
  7. Receive your E2 Visa. If approved, the consular officer will issue you an E2 visa, allowing you to enter the United States and work in your E2 visa-approved business.

It is important to note that the E2 visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. Consider working with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and increase your chances of success. Additionally, remember that the E2 visa is a temporary visa and will need to be renewed every two years as long as the qualifying investment and business plan continue to meet the E2 visa requirements.

Key Considerations When Applying for E2 Visa

  • Investment Requirements

    To qualify for an E2 visa, you must invest substantially in a U.S. business. The amount of investment required can vary depending on the nature of the business, but it must be significant enough to create jobs and generate profits.

  • Business Plan

    Your business plan should be comprehensive and outline your investment, business goals, and projected business growth and success. The plan should also demonstrate that your investment will create jobs for U.S. workers.

  • Treaty Country Eligibility

    Only citizens of treaty countries are eligible for the E2 visa program. Make sure that your country of citizenship is on the list of treaty countries before applying.

  • Consular Interview

    The consular interview is a crucial step in the E2 visa application process. Be prepared to answer questions about your investment, business plan, and personal qualifications.

  • Renewal

    The E2 visa is a temporary, valid visa for two years. You must continue to meet the investment and business plan requirements to renew your visa.

  • Immigration Attorney

    Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help navigate the E2 visa application process, prepare the necessary documents, and attend visa interviews.

  • Family Members

    E2 visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the United States. They can apply for E2 dependent visas, allowing them to live and work in the United States.

It is important to remember that the E2 visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. Careful preparation and attention to detail can increase your chances of success in obtaining an E2 visa.

Meet some lawyers on our platform

Randy M.

78 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Hunter M.

3 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Dolan W.

1861 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Zachary J.

747 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Key Terms for E2 Visas

  • Treaty Country: A country that has signed a treaty with the United States, allowing its citizens to apply for an E2 visa.
  • Substantial Investment: The investment required for an E2 visa must be significant and used to start or develop a business in the United States.
  • Business Plan: A comprehensive plan that outlines the investment, business goals, and projected growth and success of the business.
  • Consular Interview: An in-person interview with a U.S. consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.
  • Dependents: E2 visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the United States as dependents.

Final Thoughts on E2 Visas

Obtaining an E2 visa can be a great opportunity for foreign investors who want to start or grow a business in the United States. However, it is important to understand that the application process can be complex and time-consuming. To increase the chances of success, applicants should have a comprehensive business plan and a significant investment and be prepared to answer questions during the consular interview.

Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help navigate the E2 visa application process. Additionally, E2 visa holders should be aware of the renewal requirements and limitations on employment. With careful planning and preparation, the E2 visa can be a path to business success in the United States.

If you want free pricing proposals from vetted lawyers that are 60% less than typical law firms, click here to get started. By comparing multiple proposals for free, you can save the time and stress of finding a quality lawyer for your business needs.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Get E-2 Visa Proposals

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,585 reviews

Meet some of our Lawyers

David U. on ContractsCounsel
View David
4.7 (2)
Member Since:
June 22, 2023

David U.

Attorney
Free Consultation
CO, AZ, OK
26 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AZ, CO
The University of Oklahoma College of Law

For the last 25 years I've focused on representing businesses and entrepreneurs in transactional law deals, including LLC creation, operation and sale of businesses; real estate sales and leasing; and general contract negotiation and drafting. While I've helped all manner of businesses work out a variety of contract and business matters, I am an expert at helping clients with buying and selling commercial properties including multi-family and office projects and buildings, subdivisions, and retail shopping centers. I am also a recognized expert negotiating leases for retail and office tenants and landlords. Over 25 years I've honed my skills a lawyer at one of the largest law firms in the world, an elite real estate boutique in Aspen, Colorado and a highly regarded firm based in Denver, Colorado, before starting my own practice in 2016. Since 2016 I've been helping my clients with real estate and business deals. I'm a commercial real estate and business expert with a passion for helping clients forge successful ventures in an efficient and understandable manner.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
4.7

"David was very informative during our initial call, and helped me understand the scope of work that my project needed depending on how many legal avenues I wanted addressed and covered. The work he provided was detailed and completed by the deadline that he provided."

Daehoon P. on ContractsCounsel
View Daehoon
4.8 (233)
Member Since:
November 26, 2021

Daehoon P.

Corporate & M&A | Venture Capital, Private Equity & Web3 Counsel | Real Estate Transactions
Free Consultation
New York, NY
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
American University Washington College of Law

Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Working with Daehoon was a wonderful experience! As someone establishing a new audiobook narration business, I wanted to be confident that my contracts were carefully written and addressed the unique needs of my work, particularly the important issue of AI voice protection. Daehoon was patient, professional, and attentive to my questions and concerns. I especially appreciated his willingness to work through revisions with me and make sure the final documents reflected what I needed. Throughout the process, I felt that he genuinely cared about doing a good job. His attention to detail and thoughtful approach gave me confidence and peace of mind as I move forward with my business. I’m very grateful for his help and would happily work with him again. Thank you, Daehoon!"

Kenneth G. on ContractsCounsel
View Kenneth
4.9 (12)
Member Since:
November 25, 2023

Kenneth G.

Partner
Free Consultation
Washington, DC
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, PA
Georgetown University

Kenneth E. Gray, Jr. is a business and tax attorney who advises entrepreneurs, investors, and closely held companies on transactions, tax planning, disputes, and long-term wealth structuring. He focuses on helping clients make legally sound decisions that also make business sense. Ken’s practice includes business formation and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, private investments and fundraising transactions, contract drafting and negotiation, and cross-border matters. He also maintains a significant tax practice, advising on federal and state structuring, specialty filings (including partnership, corporate, and non-resident matters), and representing clients in disputes before the U.S. Tax Court and other federal and state tribunals. In addition to his transactional work, Ken handles commercial and business litigation, including tax controversies, financial disputes, and partnership matters. His litigation experience informs how he structures deals and governance documents, with an eye toward preventing disputes before they arise. Ken also advises individuals and families on estate planning, trust formation, tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, and probate administration, including planning involving closely held businesses and foreign assets. Before practicing law, Ken worked in banking and private equity, including managing a $5 billion emerging markets fund-of-funds portfolio at the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and serving in equity research at ABN AMRO. That financial background allows him to understand transactions from both the legal and capital perspective. He holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and an MBA from Yale University. He practices before the U.S. Tax Court, various state courts, and other federal courts.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Kenneth was great to work with, and gave insightful legal advice. He respond quickly and working with him made me feel like I was in good hands."

Ramanathan C. on ContractsCounsel
View Ramanathan
4.8 (81)
Member Since:
January 20, 2022

Ramanathan C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
London School of Economics and Political Science

Triple Qualified New York Attorney, Australian Lawyer & Enrolled NZ Barrister & Solicitor

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Rama was timely and responsive to all my needs & questions. From day one, he presented a tailored proposal for my project that felt personalized and thoughtful. He is pleasant to work with and professional with his legal advice. I'd be happy to work with him again."

Fabian G. on ContractsCounsel
View Fabian
4.8 (5)
Member Since:
May 9, 2023

Fabian G.

Managing Attorney at GV LAW
Free Consultation
Miami, Florida
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
University of Miami School of Law

Fabian Garcia Villanueva is the Managing Attorney and Founder of GV Law PLLC, a premier boutique law firm delivering Big Law level representation to clients across corporate, transactional, and regulatory matters. At GV Law, Mr. Garcia leads a multidisciplinary team that advises business owners, investors, and professionals on complex transactions, strategic growth initiatives, and compliance across multiple sectors including healthcare, finance, real estate, technology, and international business. The firm handles everything from business formations and cross-border transactions to mergers and acquisitions, private offerings, commercial agreements, and ongoing legal operations support. Known for precision, strategic thinking, and relentless attention to detail, Mr. Garcia brings the rigor of top-tier law firms into a modern, agile practice. GV Law’s clients include emerging ventures, established corporations, and high-net-worth individuals seeking first-class legal partnership built on trust, efficiency, and results.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Good work, on time, good communications - very smooth process."

Namrita N. on ContractsCounsel
View Namrita
4.9 (12)
Member Since:
August 18, 2021

Namrita N.

Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
Plano, TX
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN, TX
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Retired Dentist transitioned to Law, with a special interest in Commercial Real Estate, Startup businesses, Asset Purchase Agreements, and Employment Contracts. I love to help dentists and physicians with legal issues pertaining to licensing, credentialing, employment, and general business-legal questions.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Dr Notani is a top lawyer. We very much appreciate her attentiveness and expertise."

Jonathan H. on ContractsCounsel
View Jonathan
Member Since:
September 19, 2021

Jonathan H.

Owner
Free Consultation
New York
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Pace Law School

I’m an attorney focusing my practice on concierge corporate and intellectual property law for startups and high-growth companies. I also serve as outside General Counsel to several businesses in various sectors. Since founding my practice I've worked with hundreds of clients across a variety of industries. My experience as a former General Counsel of a premier edtech company gives me unique insight into the challenges my clients face and how to resolve them efficiently and cost-effectively.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Get E-2 Visa Proposals

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,585 reviews
CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Immigration Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

Get E-2 Visa Proposals

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,585 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city