Understand the visa that lets you live in the United States by investing in a business — requirements, treaty countries, and why the right franchise strengthens your case.
The E2 is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign entrepreneurs to live in the US by investing a substantial amount in a business in the country — new or existing. The investor must be actively involved, developing and directing the operation.
It is available to nationals of roughly 80 countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US — including Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the UK, Japan, and Canada. The qualifying nationality can be the applicant's, the business partner's, or the spouse's.
Unike advises you on the step that makes the difference: choosing the right American franchise for your profile and for the E2. The immigration side stays with the attorneys we refer.
The main points evaluated in an E2 visa case.
You must be a national of one of the roughly 80 treaty countries. The qualifying nationality can come from the applicant, the business partner, or the spouse.
The law doesn't set a minimum, but attorneys recommend starting at US$ 100,000. The funds must be irrevocably committed and at risk, proportional to the cost of the business.
The venture must be active and commercial — selling products or services — with the capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the family and to create jobs. Passive investments don't qualify.
The investor needs at least 50% ownership or operational control and must be dedicated to managing it. As a non-immigrant visa, intent to depart the US when the status ends must be shown.
You must show that the invested money has a legal origin and belongs to the applicant, with documentation proving the source of the funds.
Conversational English — from the applicant, business partner, or spouse — is fundamental: our franchisors require this proficiency to approve a candidate, and the language is essential to operate the franchise.
The investor's qualifications — professional and academic background — are also considered by the immigration officer. This is an overview: the definitive analysis of your case should be done by an immigration attorney, and Unike refers trusted professionals for that step.
Beyond the commercial advantages, these factors tend to weigh positively in the immigration officer's evaluation.
A franchise established in the American market gives the officer more confidence in the potential for success than a business built from scratch.
The franchisor's guidance raises the investor's qualification and lets you speak confidently about the business at the interview.
Professional manuals, training, and marketing materials come from the franchisor — and business documents can be attached to the visa application.
Some franchises may refund part or all of the investment if the visa is denied — or the funds can be held in escrow under this condition.
Roughly 80 countries maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. If you hold one of these nationalities, you may qualify directly.
Representative list — roughly 80 countries are eligible. Portugal joined the E2 treaty in 2024, expanding the options for Portuguese citizens. The official, up-to-date list is maintained by the US Department of State. Confirm your nationality's eligibility with an immigration attorney before starting the process.
The law doesn't set a minimum amount, but attorneys recommend considering this level to build a case with strong chances of approval — even though cases with smaller amounts have been approved.
The amount must be proportional to the total cost of the business and sufficient to sustain it. In a partnership, each partner contributes half and holds 50% of the company.
We represent over 700 American franchise brands — around 150 accept international candidates. Our consulting selects the ones that fit your profile, your goals, and the E2 requirements.
See how our consulting works →Franchises aligned with your profile and the E2 Visa, with availability confirmed.
Direct introduction and support between you and the franchisors during evaluation.
Guidance through every step, plus referrals — immigration attorney, accounting firm, and more.
No. Unike specializes in selecting and evaluating the American franchise that fits your profile and the E2 visa. The immigration side and the visa filing are handled by immigration attorneys, whom we refer when needed. Our work goes from pre-selection and analysis of franchises to signing the agreement with the franchisor.
Nationals of one of the roughly 80 countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US — such as Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the UK, Japan, or Canada. The qualifying nationality can be the applicant's, the business partner's, or the spouse's.
The law does not set a fixed minimum, but attorneys recommend considering at least US$ 100,000 to build a strong case. The funds must be irrevocably committed and at risk in the business.
Conversational English — from the applicant, business partner, or spouse — is essential. Franchisors require this proficiency to approve a candidate, and the language is key to running the business and to the consular interview.
The E2 can be renewed indefinitely while the business remains active and meets the requirements. As a non-immigrant visa, it does not grant a green card by itself — paths to permanent residency are separate and should be evaluated with an immigration attorney.
A franchise offers a proven business model, franchisor training and support, ready-made operational materials, and often brand recognition — factors that help the immigration officer trust the venture's potential for success.
Get the presentation by email with the step-by-step of how we help you select the right franchise for the E2 Visa.
Articles from our blog to go deeper on the visa and on choosing the franchise.
See how our consulting works for selecting an American franchise for the E2 Visa.
