The E2 visa countries list includes more than 80 nations with bilateral investment treaties with the United States. To qualify, you must be a national of one of these treaty countries and make a substantial investment in a U.S. business. Portugal joined as the most recent addition in March 2025, according to U.S. State Department records. Nationality is based on citizenship, not residency—you must hold a passport from a treaty country regardless of where you currently live.
What is the E2 Visa?
The E-2 treaty investor visa allows nationals from treaty countries to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. According to USCIS guidance updated April 2025, investors must actively develop and direct their enterprise.
Key benefits include the ability to live and work in the U.S., bring your spouse and children under 21, and renew indefinitely while the business operates. Spouses can obtain work authorization.
Limitations: The E2 is temporary with no direct path to permanent residency. You must maintain your investment and business operations. Approval is not guaranteed—the U.S. government has final authority over all visa decisions.
Complete List of E2 Visa Treaty Countries by Region
The official list is maintained by the U.S. State Department at travel.state.gov. As of October 2025, the following countries have active E-2 treaties:
European E2 Visa Countries
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom.
North American E2 Visa Countries
Canada, Mexico.
South American E2 Visa Countries
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay.
Asian E2 Visa Countries
Bangladesh, Iran (treaty suspended for practical purposes), Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan.
Oceania E2 Visa Countries
Australia, New Zealand.
African E2 Visa Countries
Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, Morocco, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia.
Caribbean E2 Visa Countries
Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago.
E2 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Nationality Requirements
You must hold citizenship in an E2 treaty country. Residency or green card status in a treaty country does not qualify you—only nationality matters. If you have dual citizenship and one passport is from a treaty country, you can use that nationality to apply.
Investment Requirements
No official minimum exists, but the investment must be "substantial." According to U.S. Embassy guidance from 2024-2025, successful applications typically range from $100,000 to $200,000.
The investment must:
- Be at risk (subject to loss if the business fails)
- Be irrevocably committed before filing
- Come from lawful, documented sources
- Include cash, equipment, inventory, or secured loans backed by personal assets
E-2 visa investment examples:
- Franchise purchase: $150,000-$250,000
- Consulting/tech services: $75,000-$150,000
- Restaurant/retail: $200,000-$500,000
Business Requirements
Your enterprise must be:
- Real and operating (not speculative or passive)
- For-profit (non-profits excluded)
- Non-marginal (capable of generating more than minimal income)
You must hold at least 50% ownership or have operational control and demonstrate your role in developing and directing the business through a detailed business plan and organizational chart.
Recent Treaty Country Additions
Portugal became the newest E2 treaty country in March 2025, according to U.S. State Department announcements. Israel joined in 2019, and several Eastern European nations were added following EU expansion in the 2010s.
The treaty list can change. Always verify your country's current status at travel.state.gov before applying.
E1 vs E2 Visa Countries: Key Differences
Not all E2 countries have E-1 treaties, and vice versa.
| Feature | E-1 Treaty Trader | E-2 Treaty Investor |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Substantial trade between U.S. and treaty country | Investment in U.S. business |
| Investment | No specific amount | Substantial capital required |
| Requirement | 50%+ trade with treaty country | Active business management |
| Treaty countries | ~40 countries | 80+ countries |
Countries with both treaties: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom.
Countries with E-2 only: Albania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Grenada, Jamaica, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Romania.
According to USCIS data from 2024, approximately 40,000-50,000 E-2 visas are issued annually compared to 10,000-15,000 E-1 visas.
E2 Visa Processing Time by Country
Processing times typically range from 2-6 months, according to U.S. Embassy data from 2024-2025. This includes:
- USCIS petition review: 2-4 months
- Consular processing: 1-3 months
- Embassy interview scheduling: 2-8 weeks
High-volume embassies (London, Toronto, Mexico City, Seoul) often have longer wait times. Premium processing is available for USCIS petitions—$2,805 for 15-day processing as of October 2025.
Administrative delays, documentation requests, or security clearances can extend timelines by months. Check current processing times directly with your specific embassy, as these change frequently.
Path from E2 Visa to Green Card
The E2 visa provides no direct path to permanent residency. Options for green cards include:
EB-5 Investor Program:
Requires $800,000 (targeted areas) or $1,050,000 investment plus job creation. Processing takes 2-5+ years.
Employment-Based (EB-2/EB-3):
Requires separate employer sponsorship through labor certification.
Family-Based:
Available through marriage to U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
National Interest Waiver:
Limited cases demonstrating exceptional ability and national benefit.
You can pursue permanent residency while maintaining E2 status, though each pathway has independent approval requirements with no guarantee of success.
How to Apply for an E2 Visa
Step 1: Verify Treaty Country Nationality
Confirm citizenship on the State Department treaty list. Obtain valid passport from your treaty country.
Step 2: Establish Your U.S. Business
Purchase existing business, start new enterprise, or invest in company where you hold 50%+ ownership or operational control.
Step 3: Make Your Investment
Transfer funds to U.S. business, purchase equipment/inventory, document all expenditures. Investment must be at risk and irrevocably committed.
Step 4: Prepare Business Plan
Create detailed plan with market analysis, 5-year financial projections, organizational structure, job creation plans, and your management role.
Step 5: Document Fund Sources
Gather bank statements, tax returns, business sale records, loan agreements showing lawful origin of investment capital.
Step 6: Complete DS-160 and Pay Fees
File Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Pay $315 visa application fee (October 2025 rates per State Department).
Step 7: Schedule Embassy Interview
Contact U.S. embassy in your home country. Wait times vary 2-8+ weeks by location.
Step 8: Attend Interview
Bring passport, DS-160 confirmation, investment documentation, business plan, source of funds evidence, and supporting materials.
Total costs beyond investment: $15,000-$30,000 for fees, legal services, and business setup. Timeline: 4-8 months average, varying by case complexity and embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries qualify for E2 visa?
More than 80 countries qualify through bilateral investment treaties. Major countries include UK, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Australia. Portugal joined in March 2025. You must be a national (citizen) of a treaty country regardless of where you live. Verify current status at travel.state.gov.
How much money do I need for an E2 visa?
No official minimum exists, but "substantial" investment is required. Typical successful applications range from $100,000-$200,000 based on U.S. Embassy guidance from 2024-2025. The amount varies by business type and total cost. Investment must be at risk, irrevocably committed, and from lawful sources. Meeting investment thresholds does not guarantee approval.
Who qualifies for an E2 visa?
You qualify if you're a national of an E2 treaty country, invest substantial capital in a bona fide U.S. business, and develop/direct that enterprise. The business must be real, active, for-profit, and non-marginal. You need 50%+ ownership or operational control. Spouses and children under 21 can accompany you. Meeting requirements does not guarantee approval.
Can I get a green card with an E2 visa?
No direct path exists. E2 is temporary (nonimmigrant) status. For permanent residency, apply separately through EB-5 ($800K-$1.05M investment), employment-based sponsorship, or family-based categories. You can pursue green cards while on E2 status, but approval is independent with no guarantee.
How long does E2 visa processing take?
Typically 2-6 months from filing to issuance, varying by embassy and case complexity. USCIS petition review takes 2-4 months (or 15 days with $2,805 premium processing). Add 1-3 months for consular processing and 2-8 weeks for interview scheduling. Administrative processing can extend timelines further.
What is the difference between E1 and E2 visas?
E1 is for substantial trade between U.S. and treaty country (50%+ trade requirement, no specific investment). E2 is for substantial investment in U.S. business (capital requirement, no trade needed). Approximately 40 countries have E1 treaties vs. 80+ for E2. E2 visas outnumber E1 significantly in annual approvals.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Immigration outcomes are determined by the U.S. government.
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