E2 Visa Countries: Nations Whose Citizens Can Get an E-2 Visa

E2 Visa countries are specific countries that have signed a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States. Tax treaties are bilateral agreements between the US and other nations for international trade activities. Residents of treaty countries are exempt from double taxation or taxed at a reduced rate, which can be highly beneficial for those who want to work and live in the United States under the E-2 Visa.

The E-2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to invest in the US and open a business, office, or practice. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a treaty country, like Japan, Germany, or the United Kingdom. Here is what the E-2 Visa has to offer and a list of the countries that are eligible.

Read more about:

• What are E-Visas?
• Benefits of Being an E-2 Treaty Investor
• E2 Visa List of Countries
• Document Checklist

What are E-Visas?

E-Visas are a category of non-immigrant visas available to foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States to direct and develop business operations. Successful visa applicants can move to the US and set up a practice, business, or office. It must be a bona fide enterprise, not a marginal enterprise.

These E-Visas are often called “treaty visas” because they are based on reciprocal treaty investor treatment — a mutual agreement between the United States and certain countries. There are two primary E-Visa options:

E-1 Visa (Treaty Trader Visa)

The E-1 Visa (or Treaty Trader Visa) is designed for individuals from countries that have treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States and who are engaged in substantial international trade.

To qualify for the Treaty Trader Visa, visa applicants must work for a business that conducts a significant volume of trade between the United States and their home country. The trade must involve goods, services, or technology.

E-2 Visa (Treaty Investors Visa)

The E-2 Visa is for individuals from countries that United States maintains a relevant treaty with who wish to invest a substantial amount of capital in a genuine US enterprise. Foreign investors can make qualifying investments to purchase an existing business or establish a new business.

Unlike the E-1 Visa, which focuses on trade, the E-2 Visa is centered on substantial investment in a US business. The applicant must be actively involved in managing the investment, and the covered investments should not be marginal but rather substantial.

Both E-1 and E-2 Visas are temporary, non-immigrant visas, which means they do not provide a direct path to permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States.

However, these visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as the United States maintains a treaty status with the foreign country and the visa holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

These visas are valuable for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and employees of commercial enterprises engaged in trade or investment activities between the United States and their home countries.

The specific eligibility requirements and application processes may vary, so it’s essential to consult with immigration lawyers or US embassies/consulates for detailed information and guidance based on individual circumstances.

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 Visa USA is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from treaty countries to enter the US for the purpose of investing a substantial amount of capital in a genuine enterprise and intending to develop and direct that business. For an E2 Visa, the covered investments established in the commercial enterprise can grant the visa applicant a nonimmigrant status. Investors can expand their business ventures and be actively involved in their day-to-day management.

This same visa pathway can be used to bring essential employees to work for an E-2 business. An E-2 Visa employee is someone who works for a US business owned by an E-2 treaty investor. The employee often holds the same nationality as the E-2 treaty investor and moves to the US to fill a senior role, like an executive, manager, or director, or to bring specialized knowledge crucial for business operations.

Benefits of Being an E-2 Treaty Investor

The benefits of being an E-2 treaty investor include:

• You can legally live in the US, work, and operate your new enterprise or existing business.
• Your immediate family is included in the visa – spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old. Your children can also study in the US.
• You can travel to and from the US without restrictions.
• This visa generally has a faster processing time compared to many other US visas, making it a quicker option for those looking to start a business in the US.
• The E-2 Visa can be renewed indefinitely, as long as your business remains viable and the requirements for renewal are sustained.
• There is no set minimum investment amount as long as the investment is considered to be substantial.

E2 Visa List of Countries

Wondering which countries participate in the E-2 Visa program? To be eligible for an E-2 Visa, first and foremost, you must be a citizen of a country that maintains a valid Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States.

At present, this is the complete list of E-2 Visa countries:

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (Republic of China), Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Former Yugoslav Republic.

Note: Since 2023, individuals who obtain citizenship by investment in a qualifying country (or treaty country) must prove three-year residency there to be eligible for an E-2 Visa in the United States.

Non-Treaty Countries List

If a country does not appear in the above list, it does not have a qualifying international agreement with the United States.

Major countries in this category include China (People’s Republic of China), India, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, and Vietnam.

However, there are alternative pathways that citizens of non-treaty countries can use to qualify for an E-2 Visa, such as obtaining citizenship of a treaty country or through marriage. Immigration lawyers can suggest the best course of action based on your nationality and qualifications.

Document Checklist

When applying for an E-2 Visa, you must submit a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. Here is a detailed list of the necessary documents for a successful application:

• Form DS-160, a printed copy of the non-immigrant visa application.
• Form DS-156E: a Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor application.
• Valid Passport: with a minimum of six months’ validity beyond your intended period of stay in the US.
• Photograph: One passport-sized color photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
• Business plan: A detailed business plan outlining your covered investments, the nature of the commercial enterprise, and its potential for profitability.
• Proof of investment funds: Documents demonstrating that the funds underpinning the investment are legitimate and legally acquired.
• Proof of bona fide enterprise: Documentation proving that the business you plan to invest in is a real, active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking (not a marginal enterprise).
• Articles of Incorporation/Registration: If the business is already established, provide the articles of incorporation or registration.
• Lease agreement or property ownership: If you have already secured a location for your business, include the lease agreement or documents showing property ownership.
• Financial statements: If applicable, provide the enterprise’s financial statements for the past two to three years, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Market research and projections: Any market research or projections that support the potential success of your business and the need for the minimum investment funds.
• CV/Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.
• Employment details: Information about any employees you plan to hire in the US.
• Proof of managerial position: If you will be managing the enterprise, provide evidence of operational control.
• Proof of treaty country citizenship: Documents showing your citizenship in a treaty country.
• Payment receipt: Proof of visa application fee.
• Corporate documents (if applicable): If the enterprise has multiple owners or shareholders, provide corporate documents showing ownership percentages.
• Additional supporting documents: Such as contracts, licenses, or permits.

What are the statistics on E-2 Visa approval? 

In 2023, the success rate for E-2 Visa applications was 90.71 percent, with 54,812 visa approvals compared to 5,615 refusals. There was a steady growth rate for approvals between 2020 and 2023 for applicants from E2 Visa treaty countries.

The success rate of applications varies depending on the principal applicant’s eligibility and the strength of the business plan. The E-2 Visa requirements have strict eligibility criteria determined by the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), allowing only the most eligible candidates to gain an E-status.

Note: The E2 Visa treaty countries list is subject to change. The US can negotiate and sign treaties with more countries that would be added to the E-2 list. For example, Israel was added recently on 1 May 2019.

The E-2 Visa and your path to citizenship

As an E-2 Visa holder, you cannot apply for naturalization directly. If that’s your plan, you must first obtain lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) through a different immigration pathway.

The E-2 Visa can be converted into a Green Card through options like the EB-5 Investor Program or employment-based Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).

Once E-2 Visa holders have obtained a Green Card and meet the residency requirements (usually five years or three years if married to a US citizen), they may be eligible to apply for United States citizenship through the naturalization process.

If you are struggling to figure out which are E2 Visa eligible countries and whether or not you qualify, immigration lawyers can simplify the process for you. They can answer any queries and compile the necessary documents for whatever visa you want to apply for.

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

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• We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
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Frequently Asked Questions About E2 Visa Countries

Which countries are eligible for E2 Visa?

A country is eligible for an E-2 visa if it has a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation (or a similar qualifying international agreement) with the United States. This agreement specifically includes provisions for treaty investors based on reciprocity, meaning both countries agree to engage in substantial trade and investment.

What are the E-2 Visa countries?

Countries that have an E-2 treaty with the US are called treaty countries. E2 Visa countries have signed a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States, a specific agreement with a theoretical and practical application. Such countries include Japan, Spain, Australia, and Mexico.

How many countries have an E-2 treaty with the US?

More than 80 countries have signed a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States, some of which include Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and many more. They are recognized as E2 Visa treaty countries, which enable their citizens to apply for an E-Visa for investor or treaty trader purposes.

Are Indian citizens eligible for the E-2 Visa?

No, Indian citizens can’t directly apply for an E-2 Visa. India doesn’t have a treaty agreement with the United States. For inhabitants of such territory to apply, they must first become citizens of a treaty country.

Can Chinese citizens apply for the E-2 Visa?

No, China is not a qualifying country. The E-2 Visa is available to only nationals of treaty countries who’ve signed a treaty and commerce navigation with the US. China is not one of the E2 Visa countries.

Are UK citizens eligible for the E-2 Visa?

Yes, the United Kingdom has signed a treaty agreement with the US. Citizens across the British territory, including those from the British Isles (excluding the Republic of Ireland), the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar, are eligible to apply for both visa types, such as treaty trader (E-1) and treaty investor purposes (E-2).

Can Norwegians move to the US on an E-2 Visa?

Yes, citizens of Norway are eligible for both the E-1 (Treaty Trader) and E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas, provided they’ve covered investments established by the US government and meet all E-2 visa requirements. However, the treaty contract doesn’t apply to Svalbard (Spitzbergen and certain lesser islands).

Can New Zealand nationals apply for an E-2 Visa?

Yes, New Zealand was the most recent country to join the list of E-2 visa countries. Citizens are eligible to apply for both the E-1 and E-2 visas, provided they meet the requirements. With a successful E-2 Visa application, a New Zealand national can have multiple entries to the US, and the visa validity can be renewed multiple times.

Can I qualify for E2 Visa with dual citizenship?

Yes, if your second or first citizenship comes from a treaty country, you can use it to apply for an E2 Visa in the United States. Many Asian, European, and countries across the Americas have E-1 and E-2 treaties.

Is the E-2 Visa available to Costa Ricans?

Yes, Costa Rica has a relevant treaty, which entered into force in 1852, making it one of the longstanding nations in the list of E2 Visa countries.

Does Grenada have an E-2 treaty with the US?

Yes, the United States maintains an E-2 treaty agreement with Grenada since 3 March 1989. Foreign nationals can receive a treaty investor status, allowing them to conduct business in the US.

Is Turkey an E-2 Visa country?

Yes, Turkey became one of the E2 treaty countries on 18 May 1990. Foreign investors can use their status to pursue their goals for a commercial enterprise in the United States.

What is Treaty Investor Status under the E-2 Visa?

Treaty Investor Status is an E-2 status that allows applicants with more than enough income to live in the United States to develop and direct a commercial enterprise. Foreign investors must be nationals of a treaty country, preferably with highly specialized knowledge in business and management. They must provide a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise.

What is the E2 Visa for Taiwan?

Taiwan became a treaty country on 30 November 1948. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, Taiwan authorities ensure that the existing treaties and agreements, including the E-2 treaty, remain in full force and effect. Taiwanese with the right investment funds can apply for the E-2 Investor Visa.

How much does an E2 visa cost?

The total cost for the application fees varies from $315 to $520, with an extra $2,805 for optional premium processing. Other expenses include qualifying investments, attorney fees, business plan preparation costs, and other immigration services.