Start a business in the United States

E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreigners who are citizens of a country that has a commercial

treaty with the United States to enter the United States, make an investment and remain in the country

to pursue commercial activities.

How to qualify to start a business in the United States?

• The investor (both physical and legal) must belong to a country with a trade agreement with the

United States, such as Italy, Spain, etc.

• The investor must hold most of the shares of the investor of the American company as well as must

have the power to control the commercial activities.

• The investment must be substantial, ie sufficient to ensure the proper functioning of the company.

• Overall, the percentage of investment for a low-cost company should be higher than the percentage of

investment in a high-cost company.

• The amount invested must be substantial and risky. This means that this investment will be subject to

a possible loss if the business does not work.

• The investor must have control of the resources and the investment must be risky in the commercial

sense. Loans with guarantees against the assets of the company will not be accounted for.

• Business in the United States must be involved in active trade or service provision.

• The investment cannot be marginal. It should generate significantly higher income than is necessary to

maintain the standard of living of the investor and his family or should have a significant economic

impact in the United States.

• An investor must go to the United States to develop and run the company and must leave the country

when he completes his business activities in the United States.

The duration of your visa will depend on the agreement of reciprocity between the United States and

the country of citizenship of the applicant (eg reciprocity of the United States with Italy is 5 years).

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the E-2 visa does not have permanent residence (Greencard). The

visa may be renewed indefinitely, provided that the visa conditions continue to be fulfilled.