Mark I. Davies, Esq., J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, licensed by the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, and a member of The Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer. Licensed in the USA. Georgia State Bar member. AILA member.
E2 Visa Lawyer Florence (Firenze) – U.S. Investor Visas for Italian Nationals
E-2 Visa GuideE-2 Visa CostsE-2 Business Plan SupportE-2 Visa ProcessE-2 Visa Renewal
If you are searching for an E2 visa lawyer Florence (Firenze), you are likely considering investing in or relocating to the United States. For many Italian entrepreneurs and investors, an E-2 visa is one of the more practical U.S. investor visa options where the business will be actively owned and operated rather than held as a passive investment.
The E-2 category applies to nationals of treaty countries who make a substantial investment in a real U.S. enterprise and come to the United States to direct and develop that business. For applicants based in Florence (Firenze), early decisions on the structure of the U.S. business, the source and path of funds, and the timing of the investment often shape how clear and persuasive the case will be when it is reviewed through the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
For a broader overview of the category, see our E-2 visa guide.
Table of Contents
- ► E2 Visa Lawyer in Florence (Firenze) – Who We Help
- ► Is the E-2 Visa the Right Route for Florence (Firenze)-Based Investors?
- ► What an E2 Visa Lawyer in Florence (Firenze) Actually Does
- ► E-2 Visa and Business Planning
- ► Applying for an E-2 Visa from Florence (Firenze)
- ► How the Rome Embassy Process Works
- ► Italian E-2 Visa Case Study for Florence (Firenze) Investors
- ► Team, Experience and Quality Control
- ► Direct Access to Senior E-2 Visa Lawyers
- ► Quality Control Before Filing
- ► Why Florence (Firenze) Clients Choose Our E-2 Visa Lawyers
- ► Where Italian E-2 Visa Cases Are Processed
- ► Legal Framework for the E-2 Visa
- ► E-2 Visa Resources for Florence (Firenze)-Based Investors
- ► Speak With an E2 Visa Lawyer in Florence (Firenze)
- ► E2 Visa Lawyer Florence (Firenze) – FAQs
E2 Visa Lawyer in Florence (Firenze) – Who We Help
- launching a new U.S. company
- expanding an existing Italian business into the U.S. market
- acquiring an operating U.S. business
- investing through a franchise structure
- relocating to manage an active commercial enterprise
People searching for an E2 visa lawyer from Florence (Firenze) are often dealing with one of these scenarios and need to understand how the investment fits within U.S. immigration requirements. For additional background, our E-2 visa page for Italian nationals explains the treaty-nationality and filing context in more detail.
Is the E-2 Visa the Right Route for Florence (Firenze)-Based Investors?
The E-2 visa is usually most suitable for applicants who intend to play an active role in a U.S. business. It generally works better for owner-operators than for passive investors, and it is strongest where the enterprise is already operating or can show real readiness to begin operations.
It is also important to remember that the E-2 is a nonimmigrant classification. While it can often be renewed, it does not directly lead to permanent residence. For many applicants in Florence (Firenze), it forms part of a broader U.S. immigration strategy rather than a standalone long-term solution.
What an E2 Visa Lawyer in Florence (Firenze) Actually Does
An E-2 application is not simply a set of forms. It requires a real business, a documented investment, and a file that connects the legal requirements to the facts of the case in a clear way.
- assessing whether the investment is substantial for the type of business
- reviewing whether the enterprise is active and capable of more than marginal activity
- organising the source and path of funds so the financial trail is clear
- preparing a structured application package that is easy to review
- ensuring the business plan aligns with the operating record
- preparing the applicant for the consular interview and likely follow-up questions
These issues reflect the legal standards in 9 FAM 402.9 and 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e). If you are still assessing the legal criteria, our E-2 visa requirements page covers the investment, control, and marginality tests in more detail.
E-2 Visa and Business Planning
An E-2 filing depends on a real U.S. business, which means many Florence (Firenze)-based applicants need to do more than prepare immigration forms.
- structuring the U.S. company and ownership correctly
- timing and documenting the investment so the funds are clearly committed
- reviewing leases, contracts, and operating setup documents
- aligning the business plan with actual spending, staffing, and projected activity
The objective is to present a case that shows a genuine operating enterprise rather than a theoretical project. Our E-2 business plan guide explains how the business plan should support the rest of the record.
Applying for an E-2 Visa from Florence (Firenze)
Many applicants search for an “E2 visa lawyer Florence (Firenze)” and assume the visa can be processed locally. In practice, applicants in Italy generally complete E-2 processing through the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
- the case is generally submitted electronically to the U.S. Embassy in Rome
- supporting documents are prepared in advance of the interview
- the applicant attends an in-person interview in Rome
The Embassy outlines its procedures on its E-2 visa application page and E visa overview. For applicants based in Florence (Firenze), the practical question is usually not travel to Rome but whether the file is organised clearly enough for a consular officer to assess quickly.
How the Rome Embassy Process Works
Most Florence (Firenze)-based applicants move through the same broad sequence, even when the underlying business model differs:
- business and investment setup, whether through a startup, acquisition, franchise, or expansion
- document collection, including corporate, financial, and operating evidence
- package preparation, with the legal submission, forms, and exhibits arranged clearly
- interview preparation, including likely questions on your role, funding, and business activity
If timing and budgeting are part of your planning, our E-2 visa costs and fees page and E-2 visa process guide provide additional detail.
Italian E-2 Visa Case Study for Florence (Firenze) Investors
The types of E-2 matters we see for Italian nationals vary widely, from new U.S. startups to acquisitions, franchises, and expansion cases. Some clients come to us at the planning stage, while others already have a U.S. entity or partially structured investment and need help turning that into a coherent E-2 application.
Italian E-2 Case Study: Florence (Firenze) Luxury Goods Expansion into the U.S.
We recently advised an Italian-owned luxury goods business in the Florence (Firenze) area that was expanding into the U.S. market through a new operating company. The main issues were documenting the lawful source of funds, showing that the investment was already committed to premises, inventory, and launch costs, and making sure the business plan matched the actual operating timeline. The case was approved following E-2 processing through the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
Team, Experience and Quality Control
For many years, our Italy practice has worked in coordination with a dual-qualified U.S. and Italian lawyer, alongside our specialist E-2 complex-case team in London. That structure is especially useful where a case depends not only on immigration rules, but also on the underlying transaction, ownership structure, and funding record.
That cross-border role is carried out by Massimiliano Tommasiello, a dual-licensed Italian and U.S. lawyer based in Philadelphia, working with our Italy lawyers and London E-2 team to support Italian nationals through the E-2 process.
For Florence (Firenze)-based clients, that means access to a team that understands both the Italian side of the investment and the U.S. legal and consular context in which the case will be reviewed.
Direct Access to Senior E-2 Visa Lawyers
Clients in Florence (Firenze) work directly with lawyers who focus on E-2 and other investor routes. Where needed, we also involve U.S.-based business or corporate counsel so that company formation, shareholder arrangements, and commercial contracts support the immigration strategy rather than cutting across it.
That matters because many E-2 cases turn on the interaction between immigration rules, business planning, and how the investment has been carried out in practice.
Quality Control Before Filing
Before an E-2 application is filed, we carry out a final review of:
- the investment trail and source-of-funds evidence
- the ownership structure and corporate documents
- the operating evidence for the U.S. business
- the business plan and financial projections
- the legal argument and organisation of the package
The purpose of that review is to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or weak explanations before the file reaches the consular post in Rome.
Why Florence (Firenze) Clients Choose Our E-2 Visa Lawyers
Clients in Florence (Firenze) who search for an “E2 visa lawyer Florence (Firenze)” are usually looking for more than a local label. They often want:
- practical guidance on how much to invest and how to document it
- a realistic view of startup, acquisition, franchise, or expansion options
- help making sure the source-of-funds record is clear and complete
- confidence that the case will be prepared properly for the Rome process from the outset
Because the E-2 category sits at the point where immigration law, business planning, and consular practice meet, we place as much emphasis on the commercial record as on the legal framework.
Where Italian E-2 Visa Cases Are Processed
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply for an E-2 visa in Florence (Firenze)? | No. Applicants in Italy generally complete E-2 processing at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. |
| Which post should I select? | For E-2 cases prepared in Italy, Rome is the relevant post. |
| How are the documents submitted? | The Embassy in Rome generally requires the E visa package and supporting documents to be submitted electronically before interview. |
| Where is the interview held? | The in-person interview takes place at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. |
For current procedural detail, see the Embassy's E-2 visa application page and E visa overview.
Legal Framework for the E-2 Visa
The legal framework for an E-2 visa application is not based on one source alone. The core regulation appears at 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e), which sets out the main legal requirements for treaty investors. Consular officers then apply that framework in light of the State Department's guidance in 9 FAM 402.9, which explains how posts assess issues such as substantiality, marginality, ownership, and the investor's role in directing and developing the enterprise.
The USCIS Policy Manual is also useful because it helps frame how these concepts are understood more broadly in E-classification cases. Taken together, these sources focus on the same practical questions: whether the applicant has treaty nationality, whether the investment is substantial and truly at risk, whether the U.S. business is a bona fide operating enterprise, and whether the applicant will play a real managerial or executive role in the business.
Related: If you are considering whether to instruct a lawyer, this guide may help.
E-2 Visa Resources for Florence (Firenze)-Based Investors
- E-2 visa guide
- E-2 visa applications for Italian nationals
- E-2 visa requirements
- E-2 visa costs and fees
- E-2 visa renewals and extensions
If you are considering an E-2 visa from Florence (Firenze), it is usually sensible to seek advice before committing funds or finalising the U.S. transaction. Early structuring decisions often determine how straightforward the case will be to present at the consular stage.
Speak With an E2 Visa Lawyer in Florence (Firenze)
If you are planning an E-2 application from Florence (Firenze) or elsewhere in Italy, we can review your eligibility, investment structure, business documents, and supporting evidence, and help prepare the case for consular submission.
E2 Visa Lawyer Florence (Firenze) – FAQs
Do I apply for an E-2 visa in Florence (Firenze) or in Rome?
Applicants based in Florence (Firenze) generally complete E-2 visa processing through the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The case is usually prepared and submitted before the in-person interview is scheduled.
Can I apply from Florence (Firenze) based on a new U.S. business?
Yes. Many applicants from Florence (Firenze) rely on a newly formed U.S. business, provided the enterprise is properly structured, funded, and supported by evidence showing that it is ready to begin or has already begun real operations.
How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa from Italy?
There is no fixed minimum investment amount in the regulation. The investment must be substantial in relation to the type and cost of the business and sufficient to show a real U.S. enterprise rather than a speculative plan.
Do I need to invest before applying for an E-2 visa?
In most cases, yes. The funds usually need to be committed and placed at risk in the commercial sense before the application is filed, rather than remaining uncommitted in a personal account.
Can family members apply with an E-2 principal applicant from Florence (Firenze)?
Yes. A spouse and qualifying unmarried children under 21 may apply as derivative family members under the E-2 classification.
Can an E-2 visa lawyer help after a refusal?
Yes. A prior refusal often means the file needs stronger evidence on the investment, source of funds, ownership, or operating activity. A lawyer can review the record and advise on whether the case should be refiled after the weaknesses are addressed.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
About the Authors
Mark I. Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
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
Map and Driving Directions
Rome Office
Piazza Gentile Da Fabriano 3, Rome, Italy 00196
Map and Driving Directions
Rome Office 2
Via Aurelia 786, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Map and Driving Directions
Milan Office
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, n. 15, Milan, Italy 20122
Map and Driving Directions
Parma Office
Piazza Gen. C.A. Dalla Chiesa n. 3, 43121 Parma, Italy
Map and Driving Directions
E-2 Visas for UK Citizens
E-2 Visas for Italians
E-2 Visas for Australians
E-2 Visas for Singaporeans
E-2 Visas in New York City
E-2 Visas for Canadians
E-2 Visas from the UAE
E-2 Visas for Argentinians
E-2 Visas for Germans
E-2 Visas for French
E-2 Visas for Turkish
E-2 Visas for Grenadians
E-2 Visas for Taiwanese
Looking to acquire an ?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
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 very thorough in what they did. They worked on my case 24/7 and were very patient in answering all my questions.
E-2 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 EB-5 process.
EB-5 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 E-2 visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you. With Davies & Associates, you're in safe hands... you need someone who can support you on the ground and, again, you are well taken care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite open-minded when it comes to business... Not to mention as a passport it's great from a travel perspective... It's just 4 to 5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB-5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB-5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H-1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB-5 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 EB-5 visa holdersI'm in the process of extending my L-1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case, and he contacted me back almost immediately, both by email and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing off 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.
L-1B 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 a 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 application?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
Request Free Consultation
New York Office World Trade Center:
1 World Trade Center, Suite 8500, New York, NY 10007
+1 212 537 9196
Map and Driving Directions
New York Office E69th Street:
200 E 69th Street, 2N, New York, NY 10022
+1 212 537 9196
Map and Driving Directions
California Office:
555 Anton Blvd, Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
+1 949 620 1811
Map and Driving Directions
Philadelphia Office:
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 450, PMB 41, Philadelphia, PA 19102
+1 215 525 1881
Map and Driving Directions
London Office:
69 Old Broad Street, Dashwood House, London EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom
+44 20 3884 1812
Map and Driving Directions
London Office Beaufort Court:
Beaufort Court, Admiral Way, London E14 9XL, United Kingdom
+44 20 3884 1812
Map and Driving Directions
Edinburgh Office:
28 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2BW
+44 (20) 38841812
Map and Driving Directions
Milton Keynes Office:
The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 1FE, United Kingdom
+44 7740 000769
Map and Driving Directions
Glasgow Office:
+44 131 392 0686
Map and Driving Directions
Vietnam Office:
46th Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
+84 28 44582309
Map and Driving Directions
India Office:
Enam Sambhav C-20, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051, Maharashtra
+91 720 856 4057
Map and Driving Directions
Italy Office:
Via Bonifacio Lupi 29, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
+39 055 076 3054
Map and Driving Directions
Manila Office:
Unit 107, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor Garnet and Sapphire Streets, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 7215 7878
Map and Driving Directions
Sydney Office:
Level 12, 210 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
Map and Driving Directions
Perth Office:
Davies & Associates LLC, Level 1, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
Map and Driving Directions
Singapore Office:
160 Robinson Road, #14-04, Singapore Business Federation Centre, Singapore 068914
+65-9615-0528
Map and Driving Directions
Looking for an Immigration attorney?
Immigration lawyer near meList of US Embassies, Consulates and USCIS
List of Italian Embassies, Consulates and USCIS
Copyright ©2026 by Davies & Associates LLC.