E-2 Visa Applications for Italian Nationals

Qualifying for the E-2 Investor Visa Program as an Italian
Broadly there are two type of Italian Nationals who can benefit from the E-2 “treaty investor” program:
- Business Owners & Investors making a “substantial” investment by opening a business in the United States; and
- Employees of Qualified Italian E-2 Employers.
E-2 Visas for Italian Investors & Business Owners
Italian Nationals starting or acquiring a business in the United States may be eligible for an E-2 visa allowing them to lawfully operate that business from within the United States.
Visas for Employees of Italian E2 Businesses
A U.S. business owned by Italian Nationals may hire certain specialist Italian employees to work in the United States in E-2 Status.
Why is an E-2 Visa Appropriate for Italian Nationals?
Special treaties exist between the United States and Italy that allow Italian Nationals to apply for E-2 visas, or treaty investor visas, in the United States.
Source of Funds
E-2 visa applicants are required to prove that the funds used to purchase or start a business in the United States were lawfully earned in the country where they were earned. While the funds can be earned in ANY country, including the United States, in the case of Italian applicants this usually means documenting that funds were lawfully earned in Italy. Our Italian team in Rome are able to assist clients with this and other relevant issues. To our knowledge no other firm provides this service.
Do E-2 Visa Applicants who are Italian Nationals require a Business Plan?

A business plan can completely critical for a successful Italian E-2 visa application.
Our firm’s review of denied E-2 cases referred to our firm confirms just how critical the E-2 business plan is.
We strongly advise clients to hire E-2 visa law firms who have a very substantial and meaningful role in the PREPARATION and WRITING of the E-2 business plan.
What is a “Vetted Company?”
The U.S. Consulate in Rome maintains a list of “vetted companies” that can be found by clicking on this link. Applications for an E-2 visa from employees of these employers can process more efficiently with less documentation. Please contact our office for additional information.
Can I Apply for an E-2 Visa from within the United States?
While it is not possible to obtain an E-2 visa from within the United States Italian Nationals are potentially eligible to “change status” to E-2 “status” after having entered the United States using a different type of visa. “Changing Status” is a process that has very distinct and special considerations that need to be discussed with an Italy immigration lawyer experienced with handling this process, our experienced E2 visa lawyers are ready to discuss this process with you.
What is Davies & Associate’s Record with E-2 Visa Applications?
Davies & Associates may be unique in terms of the success of our Italian E2 visa team. As of October 30, 2014 no E-2 visa application prepared by Davies & Associates has never been denied. We are also frequently called upon to assist clients whose E-2 visa applications have been prepared and filed by other law firms and denied, while it is not always possible to “rescue” these cases our firm does have a strong history of success in doing so.
A Dual Presence in the U.S. and
Rome:
The Optimal E-2 Visa Approach

To our knowledge Davies & Associates is the only dedicated U.S.-based business immigration law firm to maintain a presence in Rome. This dual presence uniquely positions our firm to assist Italian E-2 visa applicants.
Processing Location
While “changing status” to E-2 status involves filing a Petition with USCIS in the United States, obtaining an E-2 visa involves working with the U.S. Consulate in Rome.
Consular Knowledge: Unique Procedures in Rome
The U.S. consulate in Rome maintains E-2 visa application procedures that are unique to the U.S. consulate in Rome. Further, the identity of the specific officers working on the “E-2 desk” in any consulate can heavily impact E-2 visa processing. Maintaining direct local knowledge of the U.S. consulate in Rome is therefore essential.
Local Interviews
Since July 15, 2013 all Italian E-2 visas applications have been processed in Rome and require the applicant to attend an interview in Rome. Preparing a client for this interview in Rome is usually therefore an efficient and effective approach.
The ability of a law firm to work both in Rome and in the United States is therefore highly beneficial.
Applying for a U.S. Passport as an Italian E2 Visa Holder

There are several ways for an Italian National in E2 status to apply for U.S. Nationality. These ways include but are not limited to applying as:
- An international executive (“EB1(c)”)
- An outstanding individual (“EB1(a)”)
- Work based (“EB2/EB3”)
- Investor visa program (“EB5”)
Our U.S. office frequently provides clients with advice on these and other processes.
Applying for Italian Nationality:
The only Route to an
E-2 Visa?
Nationals of non-E2 treaty countries, such as Brazil, are unable to obtain E-2 visas. For applicants from these countries the ability to obtain Italian Nationality can sometimes be the only route to an E-2 visa. A surprisingly large number of Brazilian Nationals do qualify for Italian Nationality.
Through our relationship with Cavalier & Cavalier in Rome our firm can also assist eligible U.S., Brazilian and other Nationals obtain Italian Nationality.
E2 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
Select your country for more information
Contact Davies & Associates Offices in Italy
Check all of our locations around the world.
Company location
Italy Office
Via Bonifacio Lupi, 29, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
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Rome Office
Piazza Gentile Da Fabriano 3 Rome, Italy 00196
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Milan Office
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, n. 15 Milan, Italy 20122
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Parma Office
Piazza Gen. C.A. Dalla Chiesa n. 3 43121, Parma, Italy
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I had a great experience with Davies & Associates. They are very thorough in the approach and their have experts in this field who know the domain very well.I would certainly be leaning onto them for any future needs as well.
Outstanding Immigration Attorney: Highly Recommended! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) I had the pleasure of working with Verdie Atienza and his team at Davies & Associates , a top-notch immigration attorney in the United States. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the process were exceptional. With in-depth knowledge of immigration law, they provided accurate advice and addressed all my concerns, instilling confidence. Verdie Atienza and his team meticulously reviewed my documentation and maintained excellent communication, keeping me updated regularly. What sets Davies & Associates apart is their unparalleled attention to detail. Communication with Verdie Atienza and his team in USA and Sukanya Raman in India was always prompt and efficient. They promptly returned my calls and emails, providing regular updates on the progress of my case. This level of responsiveness and transparency significantly reduced my stress levels, as I knew I could rely on their support and guidance throughout the entire process. Their personalized approach, ethical conduct, and genuine care for my success made them an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for all your immigration needs.
Thanks to them for handling my E2 visa very professionally. I had a study visa from F1 and changed it to E2. I encountered many problems during the application process. Verdie and Etta were very patient in helping me and it took a long time. I highly recommend this place.
Getting my E2 Visa was a very in-depth process that took just over a year from when I committed to it, but 8 months from when I found a business I wanted to purchase. The only reason I'm giving 4 and not 5 stars is because the timeframe was a lot longer than expected from the initial information. Aside from the timing, Verdie and his team led me through the Visa process, providing all the guidance I needed to be successful, including advising me on the RIGHT type of Visa to suit my goals. Within the process I purchased a business and the greater Davies team included lawyer Rinat who helped me put the deal together. One of the biggest parts was my Business Plan which created from my info by Ana Ortiz, who did an incredible job. The process is certainly tedious and Verdie & Christina were always there to answer my questions, provide suggestions and advice and ensure I had all the documents I needed to support my application. I appreciated their patience with my questions and their advice and in the end, the application was so thorough the interview process was quick and easy. I highly recommend Davies & Associates and look forward to working with them again when it's time to renew my Visa.
When we first started our search for a firm to represent us in our journey to acquire my E2 visa, we reached out to a couple of companies and individual Attorneys. The responsive of the team-at D&A and positive reviews made the choice obvious. From the start D&A staff were very professional and easy to work with. Our Attorney, Verdie was very knowledgeable in the matter. He answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns. The team is very professional and did a wonderful job on our Business plan. And helpful Etta put together all the documentations needed for my application. All in all, Davies & Associates organization and step by step system, helped the whole process to move smoothly with out a glitch. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for any one who is pursuing an E2 Visa.
Looking to acquire an E2 Visa for Italian Nationals?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
E2 Visa for Italian Nationals Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
E2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
EB5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E2 Visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.. with Davies & Associates you’re in safe hands… you need someone who can give you all the support at the ground level and, again, you are well take care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite openminded when it comes to business… Not to mention as a passport it’s great from a travel perspective…It’s just 4/5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB5 Visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in an highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa applicaton?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
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