E-2 Visa Information by Country
E-2 visa requirements, processing times, and investment thresholds can vary significantly depending on your nationality. Our attorneys have prepared country-specific guides to help you understand the rules that apply to your situation.
E Visa Costs and Fees
How to Find Which E Visa Issuance Fee Apply in Your Case?
There are generally two non-immigrant visa issuance fees:
(1) the non-immigrant visa
application fee (MRV fee); and
(2) the Reciprocity Fee.
While the MRV fee is always payable, the Reciprocity fee is not.
Reciprocity Fees vary by country and visa type, they also frequently change. You can find out if a visa reciprocity fee is applicable in your case by following this link to the US State Department's website to the US Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country page.
- Select your country from the list of countries.
- Select the visa you are applying for and any visa issuance fee will be displayed
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China (Taiwan) - Pursuant to Section 6 of the Taiwan Relations Act, (TRA) Public Law 96-8, 93 Stat, 14, and Executive Order 12143, 44 F.R. 37191, this agreement which was concluded with the Taiwan authorities prior to January 01, 1979, is administered on a nongovernmental basis by the American Institute in Taiwan, a nonprofit District of Columbia corporation, and constitutes neither recognition of the Taiwan authorities nor the continuation of any official relationship with Taiwan.
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Czech Repubilc and Slovak Republic - The Treaty with the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic entered into force on December 19, 1992; entered into force for the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic as separate states on January 01, 1993.
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Denmark - The Treaty which entered into force on July 30, 1961, does not apply to Greenland.
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France - The Treaty which entered into force on December 21, 1960, applies to the departments of Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Reunion.
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Japan - The Treaty which entered into force on October 30, 1953, was made applicable to the Bonin Islands on June 26, 1968, and to the Ryukyu Islands on May 15, 1972.
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Netherlands - The Treaty which entered into force on December 05, 1957, is applicable to Aruba and Netherlands Antilles.
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Norway - The Treaty which entered into force on September 13, 1932, does not apply to Svalbard (Spitzbergen and certain lesser islands).
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Spain - The Treaty which entered into force on April 14, 1903, is applicable to all territories.
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Suriname - The Treaty with the Netherlands which entered into force December 05, 1957, was made applicable to Suriname on February 10, 1963.
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United Kingdom - The Convention which entered into force on July 03, 1815, applies only to British territory in Europe (the British Isles (except the Republic of Ireland), the Channel Islands and Gibraltar) and to "inhabitants" of such territory. This term, as used in the Convention, means "one who resides actually and permanently in a given place, and has his domicile there." Also, in order to qualify for treaty trader or treaty investor status under this treaty, the alien must be a national of the United Kingdom. Individuals having the nationality of members of the Commonwealth other than the United Kingdom do not qualify for treaty trader or treaty investor status under this treaty.
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Yugoslavia - The U.S. view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) has dissolved and that the successors that formerly made up the SFRY - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Slovenia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continue to be bound by the treaty in force with the SFRY and the time of dissolution.
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The E-3 visa is for nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia who wish to enter the United States to perform services in a "specialty occupation." The term "specialty occupation" means an occupation that requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. The definition is the same as the Immigration and Nationality Act definition of an H-1B specialty occupation.
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Bolivia - Bolivian nationals with qualifying investments in place in the United States by June 10, 2012 continue to be entitled to E-2 classification until June 10, 2022. The only nationals of Bolivia (other than those qualifying for derivative status based on a familial relationship to an E-2 principal alien) who may qualify for E-2 visas at this time are those applicants who are coming to the United States to engage in E-2 activity in furtherance of covered investments established or acquired prior to June 10, 2012.
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Ecuadorian nationals with qualifying investments in place in the United States by May 18, 2018 continue to be entitled to E-2 classification until May 18, 2028. The only nationals of Ecuador (other than those qualifying for derivative status based on a familial relationship to an E-2 principal alien) who may qualify for E-2 visas at this time are those applicants who are coming to the United States to engage in E-2 activity in furtherance of covered investments established or acquired prior to May 18, 2018.
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Israel: Pursuant to a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Israel that entered into force on April 3, 1954 entitled nationals of Israel to E-1 status for treaty trader purposes. Nationals of Israel are not entitled to E-2 classification for treaty investor purposes under that treaty. Public Law 112-130 (June 8, 2012), accords nationals of Israel E-2 status for treaty investor purposes if the Government of Israel provides similar nonimmigrant status to nationals of the United States. The Department has confirmed that Israel offers reciprocal treaty investor treatment to U.S. nationals and E-2 visa may be issued to nationals of Israel beginning on May 1, 2019.
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New Zealand: Public Law 115-226, enacted on August 1, 2018, accorded nationals of New Zealand to E-1 and E-2 status for treaty trader/treaty investor purposes if the Government of New Zealand provides similar nonimmigrant status to nationals of the United States. The Department has confirmed that New Zealand offers similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals and E visas may be issued to nationals of New Zealand beginning on June 10, 2019.
What Is an E-1 Visa?
An E1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals of a treaty
country to enter the U.S. to engage in international trade activities. Its
purpose is to facilitate trade between the U.S. and the treaty countries,
thereby promoting economic and cultural ties.
What Is an E-2 Visa?
The Visa E2 USA, on the other
hand, allows foreign nationals of a treaty country to make a substantial
financial investment in an existing business, a franchise business, or to set
up a new business in the U.S. The
cost of E2 Visa necessarily includes the
investment, which must be made before applying for an E2 Visa.
E-1 and E-2 Employees Visa
Once the principal treaty trader or treaty investor has obtained their visa
after going through the E2 Visa process,
there is a chance that they may ask for visas of qualifying employees. As it
currently stands, there are two types of visas for E1 and E2 employees:
Executives and Managers, and Specialist or Essential Skilled Workers.
Executives and Managers
Employees who are executives and managers should be going to the U.S. to
develop and direct the trade or investment of the principal trader or
investor. Although it's not required that they have worked for the principal
trader or investor for at least a year, they should still be able to show
their executive or managerial background.
Specialist or Essential Skilled Workers
It is somewhat harder for specialist or essential skilled employees to obtain
this visa as they need to show the following:
That a qualified U.S. worker can't fulfil the position;
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That their employment is necessary for the running of the principal trader
or investor's business in the U.S; and
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That U.S. workers will have to be trained to replace the treaty national.
E-2 visa for Non-Treaty Country Citizens
The E1 and
E2 Visa requirements include that the
investor must be a national of at least one of the E-2 treaty countries to be
able to obtain an E2 Visa. If you're not a national of these treaty countries
yet you want to obtain the said visa, you can qualify in two ways: 1) by being
a citizen of the treaty country, or 2) by being married to a citizen of a
treaty country.
Determining the Capacity of E-2 Employees
Executive and Supervisory Employees
According to 9 FAM 402.9-7(B), different factors must be considered by
adjudicating officers when evaluating the executive and supervisory capacity
of E2 employees:
First, the title of the position of the applicant, its place in the
organizational structure, the job duties of such position, and the degree of
control and responsibility the employee will have on the overall business
operations of the E2 business. Moreover, the adjudication officer will review
whether the employee will supervise other employees or whether they have the
qualifying experience for the position.
Second, the adjudication officer will check the executive or supervisory
element of the employee's position, whether it's a principal or an incidental
function. They will determine if the employee's job description principally
requires management skills or supervising the business operations or if such
function is only incidental to the job position.
Finally, the adjudication officer will give weight to various factors such as
position titles whether the E2 employee bears the position of "vice president"
or "manager. This title, however, may bear small significance if the employee
is from a 2-person office.
Specialists and Essential Skilled Employees
Meanwhile, 9FAM 402.9-7(C) provides for the different factors the adjudication
officer must consider when determining the capacity of specialist and
essential skilled employees.
To consider the skills to be specialized, such skills must be needed by the
business. The rule of thumb is that the employee has skills essential to the
operations of the business in the U.S. and they are primarily responsible for
the effectiveness of the business' operations.
To be considered essential, on the other hand, isupon the discretion of the
adjudicating officer. This can be decided by different tests and is assessed
by the facts of each application.
Once the business needs specific skills, the adjudication officer must
determine whether they are specialized and the employee must prove that they
possess such skills. When assessing, there are different factors used by the
officer to determine if the applicant possesses these skills such as their
experience, the uniqueness of the skill, availability of U.S. workers with the
same skills, and the degree of expertise of the employee among others.
Ordinary workers can also qualify as essential employees. For example,
startups or new businesses in the U.S. may need employees who are ordinarily
skilled for a period. Their essential is determined by their familiarity with
the business operations rather than their skills.
Please take note that previous employment in the business is not required to
determine if the employee is considered a specialist or essential skill. The
rule of thumb is the need of the business on the skills of the employee. The
employee may submit any relevant and supporting documents to prove the
speciality or essential nature of their skills.
The employee must also prove and establish not only at the time of the visa
application but also for the period such skills are needed that they possess
the required skills. The E2 enterprise may need their skills either for the
long-term or the short-term.
Conclusion
If you want to obtain an E Visa, you must be a national of a country with a
treaty of commerce and navigation a qualifying international agreement with
the U.S., or a country deemed qualified by legislation. However, if you're a
national of a non-treaty country, there are still options which you can try to
qualify for the E Visa.
If you are having trouble determining the right visa for you,
Davies & Associates has a team of immigration
lawyers who can help determine the right and perfect visa option based on your
goals and needs.
The E2 Treaty Investor Visa and the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa are popular choices
for people who want to move to the United States to run a business. Under
these programs, eligible business owners can establish a business of their
choosing or can opt to invest in/purchase an existing business. The business
owner's spouse can also apply to work in the U.S.
While there's no
minimum investment for an E2 visa the US State Department advises consulates
to look for an investment of around USD $100,000 - not necessarily all in
cash. Unfortunately, E Visas are not automatically available for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-2 Treaty Countries
Which countries qualify for the E-2 visa?
Only nationals of countries that maintain an active E-2 treaty with the United States are eligible to apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor visa. These are known as E-2 treaty countries.
If your country is not on the official U.S. treaty list, you cannot obtain an E-2 visa unless you hold citizenship in another qualifying country.
How do I know if my nationality is eligible for the E-2 visa?
E-2 eligibility is based strictly on citizenship, not residence or where you live. Even if you are legally residing in the UK, Canada, or the United States, you must hold a passport from an approved E-2 treaty country to qualify.
The table above lists all currently active E-2 treaty countries.
Do E-2 visa rules differ depending on the country?
Yes. E-2 visa terms vary significantly depending on the applicant's nationality, including:
- Visa validity period (often 3–5 years)
- Multiple entry vs. single entry rules
- Reciprocity (issuance) fees
- Country-specific consular requirements
For example, French nationals currently receive different validity terms than Australian or UK nationals due to reciprocity policies.
What is the E-2 visa reciprocity fee by country?
The E-2 reciprocity fee is an additional visa issuance fee charged based on nationality. Some treaty countries have no reciprocity fee, while others have fees exceeding several thousand dollars.
Reciprocity fees are determined by the U.S. Department of State and are subject to change.
How long is the E-2 visa valid for?
E-2 visa validity depends on nationality. Many treaty countries receive visas valid for up to five years, while others receive shorter validity periods such as 24, 36, or 48 months.
Visa validity is not the same as authorized stay in the United States.
How long can an E-2 investor stay in the U.S.?
Most E-2 visa holders are admitted for up to two years per entry, regardless of visa validity. Each time you enter the United States in E-2 status, you may receive a new two-year period of authorized stay.
Extensions are available as long as the business remains active and qualifying.
Can I apply for an E-2 visa if my country is not on the treaty list?
Not directly. If your country is not an E-2 treaty country, you generally cannot apply unless you hold dual citizenship with an eligible treaty country.
This is a common issue for nationals of India, China, Russia, and Brazil, which are not currently E-2 treaty countries.
Can dual citizens choose which nationality to apply under?
Yes. Dual nationals may apply using the passport of an E-2 treaty country, but the investment enterprise must also be structured to match that treaty nationality.
Strategic nationality planning is often a key part of E-2 eligibility.
Can the list of E-2 treaty countries change?
Yes. The E-2 treaty country list is updated periodically. Countries may be added through new treaties or legislation, and visa validity periods may change through reciprocity updates.
For example, Portugal became an E-2 treaty country effective March 15, 2024.
Where can I find E-2 visa requirements for specific countries?
Because E-2 visa rules vary by nationality, we provide detailed country-specific guides below the treaty country chart, including:
- E-2 visa validity and entry rules
- Reciprocity fees
- Country-specific documentation expectations
- Common consular trends
To learn more, explore our E-2 visa country guides for your nationality.
About the Authors
Mark I Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Mark I Davies, Esq. JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Licensed with the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, Member Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer, Licensed (USA), Georgia State Bar. AILA Member.
| Area |
Details |
| Education |
JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | MBA (Finance), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) |
| Financial Training |
Completed Analyst Training Program at a major international bank | Chartered Accountant background with professional training in financial analysis and reporting |
| Legal Practice |
Admitted to practice in Georgia (USA) | Registered Solicitor with the Law Society of England & Wales | Former CMBS lawyer at one of the world's largest international law firms |
| Immigration Track Record |
15+ years advising HNW investors | Zero denials for clients advised on source-of-funds compliance in EB-5 | Hundreds of successful EB-5 cases globally |
| Recognition |
Named a Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine (2018–2023) |
| Professional Engagements |
Lecturer/trainer for other lawyers at AILA, ACA, University of Pennsylvania Law School | Frequent speaker at global investment immigration conferences |
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Portugal Added as an E-2 Treaty Country
E-1/E-2 Validity Extended to 48 Months — Effective November 16, 2023
United Kingdom
Germany
Italy
Turkey
Ukraine
Israel
Singapore ↗
Taiwan
Australia
Korea
Pakistan
