E-2 Visa Investment Amount: How Much Do You Really Need?

One of the most common, and most misunderstood, questions investors ask is:

“How much money do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?”

The short answer is: there is no fixed minimum investment amount.

The longer (and more important) answer is that the investment must be “substantial”, and what that means depends on your business, industry, and overall case strategy.

This guide explains how E-2 investment amounts are evaluated, what realistic numbers look like, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to denials.

Is There a Minimum Investment for an E-2 Visa?

No. U.S. immigration law does not set a specific minimum dollar amount for the E-2 visa.

Instead, immigration officers evaluate whether the investment is substantial in proportion to the business and sufficient to ensure the business will operate successfully.

According to U.S. immigration guidance, the investment must be:

• At risk
• Irrevocably committed
• Sufficient to support the business

👉 For a full overview of eligibility requirements, see our main E-2 Visa Attorney page:

E-2 Visa Attorney | Treaty Investor Visa for the United States

What Does “Substantial Investment” Mean?

“Substantial” does not mean “large for everyone.”

It means appropriate for the specific business.

Immigration officers typically consider:

• Total cost of purchasing or starting the business
• Percentage of that cost already invested
• Nature of the industry
• Likelihood the business can operate and generate income

As a general rule:

• Lower-cost businesses require a higher percentage investment
• Higher-cost businesses may qualify with a lower percentage, but higher total dollars

This proportionality principle is reflected in U.S. State Department guidance on treaty investor visas.

External reference (authoritative):

U.S. Department of State – E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visas.html

Typical E-2 Visa Investment Amounts (Realistic Ranges)

While every case is different, many approved E-2 visas fall within these real-world ranges:

• Consulting / professional services: $80,000 – $120,000
• Retail or e-commerce businesses: $100,000 – $150,000+
• Restaurants, franchises, hospitality: $150,000 – $300,000+

⚠️ These are examples, not guarantees.

A smaller investment with strong documentation can succeed, while a larger investment with weak planning can fail.

Do You Have to Spend the Money Before Applying?

In most cases, yes.

The E-2 visa requires that funds be:

• Already spent, or
• Contractually committed and at risk

Common qualifying expenses include:

• Business purchase price
• Equipment and inventory
• Lease deposits
• Franchise fees
• Professional services tied directly to the business

Money sitting in a personal bank account is not sufficient.

Lawful Source of Funds Is Critical

In addition to the amount invested, applicants must prove the funds were lawfully obtained.

Acceptable sources commonly include:

• Personal savings
• Sale of property or business
• Gifts or inheritance (with documentation)
• Business income
• Loans secured by personal assets

Lack of clear source-of-funds documentation is one of the most common reasons E-2 visas are denied.

Can a Smaller Investment Still Qualify?

Yes, if the case is structured correctly.

Smaller investments can succeed when:

• The business model is credible
• The investment is proportional
• The business plan is realistic
• Documentation is thorough

E-2 adjudications are discretionary, meaning preparation and strategy matter just as much as the dollar amount.

How Investment Amount Affects E-2 Renewals

E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely, but renewals depend on:

• Business performance
• Continued operations
• Compliance with E-2 requirements

Under-capitalized businesses often struggle at renewal time, even if the initial visa was approved.

Why Work With an E-2 Visa Attorney?

Determining the right investment amount is not just a financial decision, it’s a legal strategy.

An experienced E-2 visa attorney can:

• Evaluate whether your investment is sufficient
• Structure expenditures correctly
• Align the investment with a strong business plan
• Prepare source-of-funds documentation
• Reduce the risk of denial or delays

For a complete overview of E-2 eligibility and process, visit our main service page:

👉 https://www.prizant-law.com/e2-visa-attorney/

Speak With an E-2 Visa Attorney

If you are considering an E-2 visa and want to understand how much you should invest, professional guidance can save time, money, and frustration.

Schedule a Consultation

to discuss your E-2 investment strategy and next steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum investment for an E-2 visa?

There is no fixed minimum investment amount.

Does the investment have to be spent before applying?

In most cases, yes. The E-2 visa requires that funds be already spent or contractually committed and at risk.

What if my investment is relatively small?

Smaller investments can still qualify if the case is structured correctly and the investment is substantial in proportion to the business.

Do I need to prove where the money came from?

Yes. Applicants must prove the funds were lawfully obtained and provide clear source-of-funds documentation.