How Can I Find E-2 Visa Businesses for Sale?

Finding The Right E-2 Visa Businesses For Sale

If you’re looking for E-2 visa businesses for sale, we have a unique approach in store. Contact us directly to discuss your investment preferences, and we’ll steer you toward opportunities that fit like a glove. We have an extensive network of franchises and cater to diverse interests, whether you’re into property management, renovation, automobile repair, quick-service restaurants, or beyond.

Our personalized touch guarantees you’ll get your hands on options that sync perfectly with what you’re after. Don’t wait – reach out today to grab E2 visa businesses for sale opportunities made just for you.

What is the type of business eligible for E-2 visa?

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is for businesses that are active, operating enterprises producing goods or services for profit. To qualify, the business must require your active management and involvement, meaning you need to run day-to-day operations or oversee strategic decisions. Passive investments, like owning rental properties or buying stocks, don’t qualify.
Eligible businesses include service companies (like consulting firms or marketing agencies), retail stores, manufacturing operations, and franchises where you actively manage the business. The investment must be substantial enough to buy or start the business and keep it running. There’s no fixed amount, but it should show you’re committed to the business’s success. The business must also be non-marginal, meaning it should earn more than just enough to support you and your family or create jobs for U.S. workers.

Is There a Minimum Investment Amount Required for the E-2 Visa?

1. Is there a minimum investment amount required for the E-2 visa?

No, there’s no hard-and-fast rule on a minimum investment for the E-2 visa. There is no set specific dollar amount, but your investment must be substantial—large enough to make the business viable and show your commitment. What qualifies as substantial depends on the type of business. The key is proving your investment is enough to make the business succeed.

2. What does substantial investment actually mean?

It means putting in enough money to give your business a real chance of thriving. The U.S. government looks at two things:

Proportionality – How much you’ve invested compared to the total cost of buying or launching the business. If your business costs $200,000, an investment of $20,000 won’t cut it.
Operational viability – This determines whether your investment is enough to keep the business running until it generates steady revenue.

Every business is different, so there’s no fixed amount. What matters is showing you’re serious, financially committed, and have invested enough for long-term success.

3. Can I qualify with less than $100,000?

Yes, but it depends on the business. The investment must cover essential expenses—leases, equipment, inventory, and anything else needed to operate. If your total investment is on the lower side, you must present a strong business case to prove that it’s enough to sustain and grow the company.

4. Do I need to invest the full amount before applying?

Yes. Your money must be at risk, meaning it’s already been committed to business expenses. You can’t just have funds sitting in a bank account or waiting in escrow. The investment must actively fund the business—leasing space, buying inventory, and setting up operations. If you’re only partially invested, your application will likely be denied.

5. What happens if my business is considered marginal?

A marginal business is one that barely earns enough to support the investor. If your business isn’t expected to grow or create jobs, it won’t qualify. The government wants to see a company that contributes to the economy, not just one that pays your bills.

New businesses aren’t automatically disqualified, but you’ll need a detailed business plan showing projected revenue, hiring plans, and long-term sustainability. Your business must have a real economic impact, not just provide a personal paycheck.

What is an E-2 Visa and How Does It Work for Foreign Investors?

If you’re a foreign investor looking to start or buy a business in the U.S., the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa can be an excellent option. But there’s a lot of confusion surrounding it. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths with facts.

Myth #1: You need to invest at least $500,000 to qualify.

Fact: There is no fixed minimum investment amount.

The E-2 visa requires a substantial investment, but the U.S. government doesn’t set a hard number. Instead, the amount must be enough to make the business viable and capable of generating revenue.

The lower the total cost of the business, the higher the percentage of your investment that needs to be committed.

Myth #2: The E-2 visa leads to a green card.

Fact: The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not directly lead to a green card.

While the E-2 visa lets you live and work in the U.S. for as long as your business remains operational, it does not provide permanent residency. However, many investors transition to a green card through other immigration pathways:

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa – If your business expands and meets EB-5 requirements (a minimum $800,000 investment and at least 10 U.S. jobs created), you may qualify for a green card.
Employer Sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3 visas) – If your business grows and you meet the qualifications, you could apply for permanent residency through employment-based sponsorship.
Family Sponsorship – If you have family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you.

Myth #3: You must hire U.S. workers immediately.

Fact: Job creation is encouraged, but it’s not required on day one.

Unlike some other investment-based visas, the E-2 does not require you to hire employees right away. However, your business must not be marginal—meaning it should have the ability to generate more than just a living wage for you and your family.

If you plan to operate as a sole proprietor, you need to show that your business has growth potential and will contribute to the U.S. economy.
Hiring U.S. workers strengthens your case but is not an absolute requirement for approval.

Myth #4: You can apply before investing any money.

Fact: Your investment must be at risk before you apply.

Holding money in a bank account is not enough. The U.S. government wants proof that you’re serious about your business and that your money is committed to real expenses.

Funds must be spent or legally obligated before your application is considered.
Acceptable investments include buying equipment, leasing office space, purchasing inventory, or hiring key personnel.
An escrow account can be used to hold funds until your visa is approved, but the investment must still be at risk.

Myth #5: You must own 100 percent of the business.

Fact: You need at least 50 percent ownership or operational control.

The E-2 visa allows joint ownership, but you must hold at least half of the business or have decision-making power.

If you have a business partner, make sure your ownership stake and role meet the visa requirements.
Passive investments, like owning shares in a company where you have no management role, do not qualify.

If you own less than 50 percent, you need to show that you control business operations, whether through a managing role or decision-making authority.

What Is a Substantial Investment for an E-2 Visa?

If you’re applying for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, you’ve likely come across the term substantial investment. But what does that actually mean? Unlike other visa programs, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) doesn’t set a minimum dollar amount. Instead, the investment is judged based on its size relative to the business and whether it’s enough to make the venture successful.

1. The Investment Must Be Significant for the Business

USCIS assesses how much you invest compared to the total cost of the business.

2. The Money Must Be Fully Committed

The funds must be at risk, meaning they are actively invested in the business.
Money sitting in a personal bank account does not count.
Qualifying expenses include rent, equipment, inventory, and payroll.

3. The Business Must Be More Than a Side Gig

It must generate enough income to support you and contribute to the economy.
A one-person consulting business with minimal revenue may not qualify, but a restaurant, retail store, or service business with employees likely will.

How Much is Considered Substantial?

There’s no official minimum investment.

Bottom Line

A substantial investment is one that is large enough to make the business succeed, fully committed, and capable of growth. The stronger your business plan and financial proof, the better your chances of approval.

Key Benefits of the E-2 Visa for Investors

For entrepreneurs looking to live, work, and grow a business in the United States, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers unique advantages. Unlike many other visas, the E-2 allows investors to build a future in the U.S. with their families, enjoy professional flexibility, and establish long-term roots—all while maintaining full control over their business.

Here’s how the E-2 visa directly benefits investors:

1. Bring Your Family with You

One of the biggest advantages of the E-2 visa is that it doesn’t just apply to the investor—it covers their immediate family as well.

Spouses and children under 21 can live in the U.S. as dependents.
The entire family can stay together while the investor builds and manages their business.
Children can experience life in the U.S., from schooling to cultural opportunities.

2. Spouses Can Work in Any Profession

Unlike many visa categories that restrict spouses from working, the E-2 visa offers full employment flexibility once a work permit is approved.

Spouses can work in any industry, start their own business, or freelance.
No need for employer sponsorship—complete independence in career choices.
An additional income stream can provide financial security for the family.

3. Quality Education for Your Children

For investors with families, the E-2 visa provides direct access to U.S. schools and universities without the need for an additional student visa.

Children under 21 can enroll in public or private schools.
They can attend top-ranked U.S. universities without needing an F-1 student visa.
A U.S. education can open doors to future career opportunities and global connections.

4. No Set Time Limit—Stay and Renew Indefinitely

One of the greatest advantages of the E-2 visa is its renewability.

As long as the business remains active and meets the E-2 criteria, the visa can be extended indefinitely.
Investors can enjoy long-term stability without needing to apply for permanent residency.
Unlike other visas that expire after a few years, the E-2 allows business owners to establish long-term operations in the U.S.

How Can I Find E-2 Visa Businesses for Sale?