Questa è la guida più completa al visto E-2 per investitori italiani, con requisiti, investimenti, processo di domanda al Consolato USA di Roma e documentazione aggiornata al 2025.

Updated 05 December 2025 to include November 2025 USCIS Policy Manual Update.

The E-2 Visa Italy 2025: The US Italian Entrepreneur Visa

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows Italian and other eligible entrepreneurs to invest in and actively manage a business in the United States. This comprehensive guide explains every requirement, investment rule, and procedural step to help you understand how the E-2 visa works in real practice.
This page is designed to be an authoritative resource for Italian Nationals covering eligibility, legal criteria, investment levels, proportionality, documentation, consular differences, and renewal conditions.

E-2 Visa Issuance in Rome, Italy

In Italy, all E-2 visa applications for Italian citizens in Italy are processed exclusively at the U.S. Consulate in Rome. Rome is the only post in Italy authorized to adjudicate the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Italy category.
Rome recently launched an “E-Navigator” for all E-2 visa applications. The use of the E-2 Visa Navigator Rome is discussed in this article.
While the U.S. Consulate General in Milan and the U.S. Consulate General in Naples handle a wide range of other nonimmigrant visas in Italy, such as tourist, business, student, and work visas, they do not process E-class visas, including the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa or E-1 Treaty Trader Visa categories.
All Italian investors applying for the E-2 Visa Italy must therefore file through the Rome Embassy’s E-2 visa unit.

Experienced E-2 Visa Lawyers in Italy

With offices in Rome, Florence, Milan, and throughout the United States, our Italian E-2 visa lawyers assist Italian nationals with every step of the E-2 pathway, including:

• Start-ups and new U.S. ventures
• Franchise acquisitions
• Expansions of Italian companies into the United States
• Change of Status (COS) applications filed with USCIS
• Consular processing at the U.S. Embassy in Rome

Our team has handled hundreds of cases for Italian nationals and understands the unique document requirements, formatting expectations, and adjudication patterns of the Rome Embassy.

Davies & Associates – E-2 Lawyers in Italy

Based in Rome, Florence, Milan and the US, our Italian E-2 Visa lawyers have helped hundreds of Italian nationals—from startup ventures to franchise expansions and Italian-company U.S. acquisitions—navigate the E-2 process through the U.S. Embassy in Rome and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Who Is Eligible for the E-2 Visa?

Eligibility for the E-2 visa is based on nationality, investment, and active involvement in the business.

Nationality Requirements

• You must hold citizenship from a country that maintains an E-2 treaty with the United States.
• Italy is a qualifying E-2 treaty country, giving Italian nationals full access to the category.

Business Ownership Requirements

• The investor must own at least 50 percent of the U.S. business, or
• Possess operational control through a managerial position or other corporate mechanism.

Purpose of Entry

Your purpose in coming to the U.S. must be to develop and direct the enterprise, not to be a passive investor.

Why Italian Nationals Choose the E-2 Visa

Most Flexible Business Visa

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for Italian nationals is one of the most flexible and efficient routes to live, work, and invest in the United States. It allows Italian entrepreneurs and families to own and operate a U.S. business without the need for permanent residency.

Here are the main reasons why Italians choose the E-2 visa:

• Direct path to live and work in the U.S. through your own business – The E-2 visa allows Italian citizens to actively manage and grow their U.S. enterprise while residing legally in the country.
• Potential pathway toward permanent residency – While the E-2 visa itself is non-immigrant, many investors later transition to a green card through programs such as EB-1C (for multinational executives) or EB-5 (for investors creating jobs and meeting capital thresholds).
• No fixed minimum investment amount – The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa has no statutory minimum; Italian investors can tailor their investment to the needs of their business model, provided the amount is “substantial” and proportional under 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(14).
• Renewable indefinitely – As long as the business remains active and meets E-2 visa requirements, Italian nationals can continue renewing their E-2 status every five years under the U.S.–Italy reciprocity schedule.
• Family benefits – Spouses of E-2 visa holders are authorized to work in the United States under 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(23), and dependent children under 21 may attend U.S. schools and universities.
• Employment flexibility – Italian-owned E-2 businesses may employ other Italian nationals in executive, supervisory, or essential-skills roles under 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(3).
• Applicable to a wide range of sectors – The E-2 visa supports investments across diverse industries: hospitality, design, manufacturing, technology, retail, professional services, and more.

Whether you’re launching a startup, purchasing a franchise, or expanding your Italian company into the United States, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa provides a reliable, renewable, and cost-effective solution for long-term U.S. business residency.

Why Italian Citizens Qualify for the E-2 Visa

Under this bilateral treaty, Italian nationals enjoy one of the most favorable reciprocity arrangements for E-2 visas: up to five years of visa validity with multiple entries. That long validity period makes the E-2 category particularly appealing for Italians seeking a durable presence in the U.S.
To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be an Italian citizen.
• Make a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. “Substantial” is assessed by proportionality (investment relative to the cost of the business) and risk (see 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(14) and 9 FAM 402.9-6(C)).
• Demonstrate that the enterprise is active and operating, not marginal (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(15)).
• Intend to develop and direct the enterprise (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(16)).
• Demonstrate lawful source and path of investment funds (9 FAM 402.9-6(D)).

Key Legal Criteria for the E-2 Visa

Italy qualifies pursuant to the treaty of commerce and navigation (1948) under which Italian nationals are eligible for E-2 classification.

Legal Foundation

The E-2 Treaty Investor category is grounded in the following authorities:

• INA § 101(a)(15)(E)(ii) – Defines the E-2 nonimmigrant classification.
• 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e) – Regulatory criteria (substantial investment, active enterprise, marginality).
• 9 FAM 402.9 – Department of State guidance for consular adjudication.
• USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part E – USCIS interpretation of E-2 eligibility.
• U.S.–Italy Treaty of Commerce and Navigation (1948) – Basis for Italian eligibility.

The E-2 visa is governed primarily by the Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.9) and U.S. treaty law. The core legal criteria include:

1. Active, Real, Operating Enterprise

The business must be a bona fide commercial enterprise, not a passive or speculative investment.

2. E-2 Visa Investment Amount for Italy: Substantial Investment

The investment must be “substantial” in proportion to the cost of the business and sufficient to make the enterprise operational.

3. At-Risk Capital

The funds must be committed, unsecured, and subject to potential loss.

4. Marginality Test

The business must not exist solely to support the investor. It should have the capacity to generate more than minimal income and preferably create jobs.

5. Source and Path of Funds

Funds must come from lawful sources, clearly documented with a traceable path into the business.

Investment Requirements for the E-2 Visa

There is no minimum investment required by U.S. law for an E-2 visa. Instead, the investment must meet the substantiality and proportionality criteria.

Investment does not have to be cash: inventory, equipment and other assets count

An Italian investment for E-2 visa purposes does not have to be all cash:

• Inventory and equipment are considered an investment so long as it is demonstrated they will be or are being put to use in the enterprise. 9 FAM 402.9-6(B)(g).
• The fair market value of intangible or intellectual property may also be considered a capital investment. That means that an Italian company could increase the size of an E-2 investment by licensing the Italian brand to the US entity.

What is not a Substantial Investment for an Italian E-2 Visa Case?

Contrary to common misconceptions:

• There is no $100k requirement enforced in the US consulate in Rome.
• There is no regulatory minimum.
• No statutory threshold.

The amount depends entirely on the cost of launching the specific business. Different consulates adopt different views.

What is A Substantial for an E-2 Visa Case in Rome?

Different consulates do interpret the meaning of “substantial” differently. While our experience is that the US consulates in Tokyo and Taipei require larger investments, the US consulate in Rome is far more flexible.

Proportionality Test (SEO-Optimized Explanation)

“Substantial” means the investment is significant relative to the total cost of the business.

• If the business requires $50,000 to start, an investment near that amount may be substantial.
• If the business requires $300,000, the investment must be appropriately closer to that number.

The substantiality test ensures the investor is sufficiently committed to the success of the enterprise.

Operational Readiness

The investment must be enough to make the business operational, not merely planned. 9 FAM 402.9-6(C). A consular officer in Rome “must be convinced that it will be a real and active commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking that will produce some service or commodity if the visa is issued.”

What Counts as “At Risk” for the E-2 Visa?

Funds must be actively committed and subject to loss.

At-Risk Examples

• Business purchases
• Use of Escrow
• Lease commitments
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Marketing spend
• Software and platform development
• Franchise fees
• Employee payroll

Why is the Use of Escrow the Most Secure way to an Italian E-2 Visa?

Funds can be placed in escrow to purchase a business pending approval of an E-2 visa with a legal mechanism that: (1) irrevocably commits funds for E-2 visa purposes; but (2) also protects the investor if the application is denied is permissible. 8 CFR §214.2(e)(12); 22 CFR §41.51(b)(7); 9 FAM 402.9-6(B)(d).
Escrowed funds can also be used for business start-ups. This is accomplished by placing the funds required to fund the operations of the business in escrow and using those funds to pay expenses as they arise.

Not At-Risk

• Funds sitting idle in a business bank account
• Letters of intent without financial commitment
• Contingent investments not yet released

Business Plan Expectations for an E-2 Visa

A professional E-2-compliant business plan is critical for approval. It should demonstrate compliance with the legal criteria.

Required Business Plan Components

• Executive summary
• Market analysis
• Operational plan
• Job creation strategy
• Detailed financial projections (5 years)
• Investment breakdown
• Revenue model
• Marketing and sales strategy

A strong business plan shows the business is viable, scalable, and non-marginal.

Proof of Source and Path of Funds

Under 9 FAM 402.9-6(D), investors must show that the investment funds:

1. Were lawfully obtained, and
2. Were transferred into the U.S. enterprise in a transparent, traceable manner.

Acceptable Documentation

• Bank statements and wire transfer records showing accumulation and transfer of funds.
• Sale or transfer agreements of assets, shares or property generating investment capital.
• Personal tax returns or audited business financial statements showing retained earnings.
• Loan or financing agreements (secured by personal assets, not the U.S. business itself).
• Gift or inheritance documents (with corresponding donor/estate proof of funds).

Our legal team will assist you in constructing a clear audit trail, with affidavits, summaries and financial exhibits, tailored for consular or USCIS adjudicators.

Common Types of Eligible Businesses

The E-2 investor must build or purchase a U.S. enterprise that is viable, active, and not marginal (i.e., more than self-employment). Typical investments among Italian nationals include:

Industry / Business Model	Examples	Typical Investment Range
Hospitality & Food Service	Italian restaurants, gelaterie, boutique hotels, cafés	USD 70,000+
Franchising	Fitness chains, fast-casual dining, tutoring studios	USD 150,000 +
Design & Manufacturing	Furniture design, ceramics, fashion/luxury goods production	USD 90,000 +
Technology & Start-ups	SaaS applications, digital/marketing agencies, software development firms	USD 40,000 +
Professional & Business Services	Architecture firms, legal/accounting consultancies, import/export logistics companies	USD 50,000 +
Retail & E-Commerce	Specialty retail stores, online distribution platforms for Italian brands	USD 50,000+
Film, Media & Creative Industries	Film production or post-production studios, event companies, content agencies	USD 40,000 +

Each enterprise must show job creation or, in some cases, key executive/managerial staffing, and must be more than marginal (see 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(15)).

E-2 Visa Validity and Duration

According to the Reciprocity Schedule for Italy, E-2 visas issued to Italian nationals have a validity of up to five years.
However, each entry to the United States grants two years of E-2 status (see 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(19)).
Extensions and changes of status may be filed with USCIS Form I-129; premium processing (15-day adjudication) is available per 8 C.F.R. § 103.7(e).

E-2 Family and Dependents for Italian Investors

2025-2026 E-Spousal Work Authorization

The Rule (Legal Standard) – November 2021 Change to DHS/USCIS Policy Manual!

Spousal work authorization for Italian E-2 families
Under U.S. law, the spouse of an E-2 treaty investor is considered work-authorized incident to status, meaning no Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is required in order to work in the United States. 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(23).

The current USCIS Policy Manual (November 2025 edition) explicitly reflects this rule. It confirms that an E-2 spouse:

• may work automatically upon admission to the United States;
• does not need to file Form I-765 unless an EAD card is desired for convenience;
• may use an I-94 showing “E2S” as List C evidence of work authorization for Form I-9 purposes; and
• remains work-authorized for the full duration of the principal investor’s E-2 status.

For older I-94 records issued without the “S” designation, USCIS provides supplemental notices confirming work authorization, and employers may rely on these together with the I-94.

🔥 Hot Tip: The Practical Situation (Real-World Experience)

Although Italian E-2 spouses are legally allowed to work without an EAD, many U.S. employers and HR departments are unaware of this rule.
Common onboarding problems include:

• HR insisting on seeing an EAD card
• Employer I-9 systems that require an EAD number
• Onboarding delays due to unfamiliarity with “incident to status” authorization

👉For smoother onboarding, we highly recommend that Italian E-2 spouses apply for the optional EAD, even though it is not required by law. You can do this by:

• filing an optional Form I-765 after arrival, and
• using the EAD card as both identity and work authorization during onboarding.

Children of Italian E-2 Investors

Education and Work Rules

• Children under 21 may live in the United States and study at U.S. schools or universities.
• Dependents cannot work under E-2 dependent status.

Travel Flexibility for Italian Families

Multiple Entries

Italian E-2 investors and dependents may freely enter and exit the United States throughout the visa’s validity period. 9 FAM 402.9-4(A).

Unlimited Renewal of E-2 Visa Status

The E-2 visa and E-2 status for Italian investors and their dependent family members are renewable indefinitely, provided:

• The business remains active
• The business remains non-marginal
• The investor continues to direct and develop the enterprise

Citations:

• 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(19) – Two-year status grants on entry
  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214#p-214.2(e)(19)
• 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(20) – Renewals and extensions
  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214#p-214.2(e)(20)
• 9 FAM 402.9-4(A) – Reciprocity and visa validity
  https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM040209.html

E-2 Employees of Italian Nationality

An Italian national who owns an E-2 enterprise may employ other Italian nationals as E-2 employees, provided they perform executive, supervisory, or essential skills roles (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(3)).
Employee E-2 visas generally follow the same validity period as the principal investor and are renewable under the same or similar conditions.

What are the Processing Times & Change-of-Status Considerations for Italian Nationals?

• Consular processing (Rome):
  Scheduling and interview times vary; they may range from several weeks to several months depending on workload and available appointment slots.
  The U.S. Embassy in Rome confirms that E-2 applications are queued based on the date of complete submission (“documentary completeness”). Applicants are advised to apply at least six months in advance.
  See the official Embassy guidance here:
  ➤U.S. Embassy Rome – E Visa Overview
  You can also check current worldwide visa wait times using the U.S. Department of State’s tool:
  ➤U.S. Visa Appointment Wait Times (travel.state.gov)
  
  
• USCIS Change of Status or Extension:
  When applying to change to or extend E-2 status inside the United States, processing times vary by Service Center.
  Typical E-2 adjudication times range from 2–4 weeks, and applicants may request premium processing (15-calendar-day adjudication) under
  ➤ 8 C.F.R. § 103.7(e)
  ➤USCIS Form I-129 – Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
  You can view up-to-date USCIS processing times at:
  ➤USCIS Processing Times Tool

Our team evaluates your personal timeline, business strategy, and U.S. presence to advise whether consular filing in Rome or a USCIS change-of-status filing is the most efficient and strategic route in your situation.

What Does an E-2 Visa Cost an Italian Citizen?

There are several fees associated with an E-2 visa application.
There are three main cost categories for Italian investors:

1. Government visa fees

• The non-refundable MRV application fee for all E category visas is currently 315 USD, following a fee increase that took effect in June 2023.
• Italy’s reciprocity schedule currently does not impose an additional issuance fee for E-2 visas, but reciprocity terms can change, so we always re-check the official table for Italy before filing. U.S. Department of State Reciprocity Table (Italy)

2. Legal fees
   
   Italian investors typically pay between 5,000 and 30,000 USD in legal fees, depending on the complexity of the business and number of family members and employees included. In our experience, most straightforward Italian cases with a single investor and standard documentation can be handled on a fixed fee below 10,000 USD.


3. Business formation and supporting costs
   
   You will also incur costs to:

• form and register the United States company
• obtain any local business licenses and permits
• draft or adapt commercial contracts and leases
• prepare a professional E-2 business plan and translations where needed

We model the full cost of the E-2 strategy early in the process so that Italian clients know how much capital must be available both for the investment and for government and advisory fees.

Start Your U.S. Investment Journey

Launching or expanding a business in the United States is a major step. Our dedicated E-2 team will guide you from investment strategy, business-plan drafting, document preparation, and consular or USCIS submission through to visa issuance and business launch.

👉Schedule a Free Consultation

Documents Required for an E-2 Visa Application

A complete E-2 application typically includes:

Corporate Documents

• Articles of incorporation
• Operating agreement
• Stock certificates or membership ledger
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Investment Evidence

• Bank transfers
• Invoices and receipts
• Contracts and leases
• Proof of equipment purchases
• Franchise agreements

Source and Path of Funds Evidence

• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Sale of assets
• Loan documentation

Personal Evidence

• Passport
• Photo
• DS-160
• CV and experience summary

E-2 Visa Processing Timelines

Processing times vary significantly by consulate.

Typical Timeline Overview

• Business formation: 1–3 weeks
• Preparing the E-2 application: 2–6 weeks
• Consular submission: depends on post
• Interview scheduling: 2 weeks to several months
• Visa validity: 2–5 years depending on nationality

E-2 Visa Renewal Conditions

E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to meet the requirements.

Renewal Criteria

• Business remains active
• Business remains non-marginal
• Investor continues to direct and develop the enterprise
• Compliance with U.S. tax and employment laws

Evidence for Renewal

• Updated financial statements
• Tax returns
• Payroll records
• Operational updates
• Expanded investment if relevant

📑 Learn More About E-2 Visa Renewals

From E-2 to U.S. Citizenship for Italian Investors

Many Italian E-2 investors ultimately pursue Permanent Residency (Green Card) and later U.S. Citizenship.
Italy and the United States both permit dual nationality, meaning Italians may retain their Italian citizenship while becoming U.S. citizens.

Step 1: Green Card Options for E-2 Investors

An Italian national in E-2 status may pursue permanent residency through several pathways, including:

• EB-1C – International executives and managers
• EB-1A – Extraordinary ability
• EB-2 / EB-3 – Employment-based

A Dual Presence in the U.S., Florence, Milan, and Rome: The Optimal E-2 Visa Approach

Unmatched Binational Support for Italian E-2 Investors

Davies & Associates maintains offices in the United States, as well as in Florence, Milan, Naples, and Rome.
Because all U.S. E-2 investor visa applications filed within Italy are processed exclusively at the U.S. Consulate in Rome, this dual presence offers a strategic and practical advantage.
To our knowledge, Davies & Associates is the only dedicated U.S.-based business immigration law firm with a permanent presence in Rome, uniquely positioning our team to support Italian E-2 applicants with both U.S. legal expertise and local consular insight.

Understanding Where Your Case Will Be Processed

Change of Status (USCIS in the United States)

If an Italian national is already in the United States, they may choose to file a Change of Status (COS) to E-2 with USCIS.
This grants E-2 status, but not an E-2 visa.

Obtaining an E-2 Visa (U.S. Consulate in Rome)

To travel internationally and re-enter the U.S., an applicant must obtain an E-2 visa from the U.S. Consulate in Rome, regardless of where they reside in Italy.
This distinction is critical and frequently misunderstood.

Why Local Knowledge of the Rome Consulate Matters

Unique Consular Procedures in Rome

The U.S. Consulate in Rome uses procedures, formatting expectations, and workflow patterns that differ from other U.S. posts worldwide.
Additionally, the identity and preferences of the E-2 officers can significantly influence:

• document formatting
• evidentiary expectations
• business plan weight
• investment proof requirements
• interpretation of “substantiality” and “at risk” standards

Having ongoing, local, real-time familiarity with these consular expectations is therefore essential.
Davies & Associates is one of the only firms able to provide this dual-jurisdiction support seamlessly.

Italian E-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Do Italian citizens qualify for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

Yes. Italian nationals fully qualify because Italy has maintained an E-2 treaty with the United States since 1948.
Statutory Authority:

• INA §101(a)(15)(E)
• 8 CFR §214.2(e) – Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors
• 9 FAM 402.9 – E-2 Visas (Consular adjudication rules)

What is the minimum investment for an E-2 visa for Italian citizens?

There is no minimum investment required by U.S. law. The law focuses on the substantiality of the investment in relation to the cost of the business, not a fixed dollar amount.
Confirmed by:

• 9 FAM 402.9-6(B) – Substantiality and proportionality
• 8 CFR §214.2(e) – No numerical threshold

Real-World Investment Ranges (for context, not legal requirements):

• Consulting/services: $25k–$60k
• Digital/online businesses: $40k–$100k
• Retail/product brands: $50k–$150k
• Hospitality/food concepts: $150k–$350k

How long is the E-2 visa valid for Italian nationals?

Most Italian nationals receive five-year validity, the maximum permitted under the U.S.–Italy Treaty.
Visa validity is governed by: Reciprocity tables under 9 FAM 403.9.
Visa renewals are unlimited as long as the legal requirements under 8 CFR §214.2(e) continue to be met.

Can my spouse and children come with me on an E-2 visa?

Yes. The principal investor spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany them.

• Spousal Employment: E-2 spouses are considered work-authorized incident to status, meaning they can work anywhere in the U.S. without needing a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD). (See: USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part E).
• Children: Children may reside in the U.S. and study without needing a separate student visa. They are not authorized to work under E-2 dependent status.

What types of businesses are suitable for Italian E-2 investors?

Any for-profit, active, operational enterprise that meets the bona fide enterprise definition under 9 FAM 402.9-5(B) is suitable. This means the business cannot be a passive investment (like undeveloped land).
Typical Italian investor choices include:

• Digital design studios
• E-commerce brands
• Restaurants and cafés
• SaaS or tech start-ups
• Consulting or management firms
• Boutique manufacturing
• Active property management

How long does the E-2 visa process take for Italian nationals?

The total time is variable and depends heavily on the scheduling time at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The process follows the consular rules in 9 FAM 402.9-10.
Typical Timeline:

• Business formation: 1–3 weeks
• Application preparation: 4–8 weeks
• Rome Embassy review: Variable (can be weeks to several months, depending on the queue after "documentary completeness")
• Interview: Weeks to months after review is complete

Can I change status to E-2 while inside the United States?

Yes. You can file a Change of Status (COS) with USCIS under 8 CFR §214.2(e)(21), which grants you E-2 status.
IMPORTANT:

• A COS grants status, not a visa.
• You must obtain the physical E-2 visa stamp from the U.S. Embassy in Rome (or another consular post) to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. in E-2 classification.

Can an E-2 visa lead to a green card for Italian nationals?

No, the E-2 is a nonimmigrant classification (INA §101(a)(15)(E)) and does not directly lead to a green card.
However, many Italian investors successfully transition to permanent residency through other employment-based green card pathways:

• EB-1C multinational manager
• EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
• EB-5 investor program
• PERM (Labor Certification)
• Marriage-based green card

Do Italian E-2 businesses need to hire U.S. workers?

There is no fixed hiring requirement, but the business cannot be deemed “marginal.”
The concept of marginality (9 FAM 402.9-6(F)) means the investment must do more than just generate enough income to support the investor and their family. It must have the present or future capacity to generate significant economic impact, often demonstrated through job creation or substantial income beyond the needs of the investor.

What documents do Italian nationals need for an E-2 visa?

A comprehensive submission package is required, organized according to Rome specific tabs.
General documentation requirements appear in 9 FAM 402.9-11.
Typical Documentation Includes:

• Corporate formation documents (Articles, Operating Agreement, EIN)
• Financial transfers (Proof of investment)
• Receipts, invoices, contracts, and leases
• Bank statements and Tax returns (Source of funds: 8 CFR §214.2(e)(12))
• A detailed 5-year business plan

Can I process my E-2 visa at the U.S. Consulates in Naples or Milan?

No. The E-2 Investor Visa for Italy is adjudicated exclusively at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The consulates in Naples and Milan do not process E-category visas.