One of the most common questions we receive from prospective E2 visa applicants is about the E2 visa investment amount. How much money do you actually need to invest? The short answer is “a substantial amount,” according to the rules and regulations. However, in real life, what does that really mean?
What Is the Minimum E2 Visa Investment Amount?
Most immigration attorneys will tell you that you should either invest a minimum of $100,000 USD or the amount of money it takes to get the business to the point of operations, whichever is more. As a result, the exact amount depends on the type of business you plan to start or purchase. In other words, there is no single fixed number set by USCIS or the U.S. consulates.
How Do I Show That the Money Has Been Invested?
Remember that, in the world of E2 visas, “invested” means spent. Therefore, we include both the receipts and the bank statements showing payments for the receipts as part of the E2 application. This documentation is essential because the consular officer needs to see that the funds have been irrevocably committed to the business.
How Can I Show an Investment of $100,000 USD in a Consulting or Service Business?
We always advise E2 investors to create a spreadsheet of expenses that your business may need for the next 12 months. In many cases, there will be $100,000 USD worth of expenses when you calculate it this way. Ultimately, you are in charge of how you invest the funds, but we are happy to give our feedback on what we have seen work at consulates. Below, see a partial example of expenses that may be applicable for a service business:
| Type of expense | Monthly amount | Total for one year |
| Office space | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Marketing | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Accounting | n/a | $4,000 |
| Software subscriptions | $500 | $6,000 |
As you can see, it is possible to reach $100,000 USD fairly quickly. We advise only spending on things you need, but you may need to spend before you actually need those things in order to meet the investment threshold.
How Much Do I Need to Invest If I Buy a Business for the E2 Visa?
If you are purchasing an existing business, you should have the business appraised and invest the “fair market value” of the business. Generally, this means that you should invest within +/-5% of the appraised value.
That said, it is important to remember that the “substantial” investment requirement is based on a proportionality test. Specifically, this means that the more expensive the business, the lower the percentage you need to pay “up front.”
Our general recommendation is to invest 100% of the total fair market value for any business appraised at $350,000 USD or less. If the business is appraised at more than that, you may be able to invest less than 100% of the purchase price. Of course, there is no “bright line” amount that the consulates require. These are simply basic guidelines based upon our experience.
Next Steps: E2 Visa Investment Guidance
Every E2 visa case is different, and the right investment amount depends on your specific business plan. If you have questions about how much to invest for your E2 visa application, contact Rupert Law for a consultation with an experienced E2 visa attorney.
