If your goal is to move to the United States through the E-2 visa, you’re probably asking yourself: “How much money do I really need?” The answer isn’t a simple magic number, but there are clear criteria that determine whether your investment is viable and convincing to immigration authorities.
The E-2 visa is designed for investors from countries with a U.S. trade treaty: from Mexican entrepreneurs to Italian, South Korean, or Colombian business owners. The key is not how much money you have in the bank, but how you demonstrate that your investment is real, active and capable of generating employment.
“Substantial” depending on the type of business
The law does not set an exact minimum. In practice, the investment must be sufficient for your business to operate and grow. For smaller businesses, such as local services or retail shops, investments often start around $80,000–$120,000 USD. For more complex ventures like tech startups, light manufacturing, or franchises, the range can be $200,000–$500,000 USD or more.
Think of your investment like planting a tree: a seed alone isn’t enough—you need fertile soil, water and care to make it grow. Every dollar you put into your business is like a nutrient: it must contribute to the real development of your company, not just sit in your bank account.
What counts as a valid investment
Not all expenses qualify. Funds must be committed and used directly in the business: equipment, licenses, inventory, property improvements, marketing, salaries and R&D. The goal is to show that your investment has a clear purpose and tangible impact on the U.S. economy.
A variety of investor profiles:
- Latin American entrepreneurs: looking to start service, education, or tech businesses in emerging U.S. cities.
- European professionals: bringing expertise to innovative sectors or growing startups.
- Asian investors: focusing on light manufacturing or specialized commerce.
Each nationality and business profile has unique characteristics: from investment amounts to the most attractive sectors and documentation requirements.
Beyond the money: the story behind the investment
The E-2 visa doesn’t just assess capital; it evaluates your business plan, management capability and growth potential. Even a modest investment can be convincing if it is backed by a well-structured project, clear projections, market analysis and real impact on employment and community.
At LOIGICA we work with investors worldwide to design a strategic plan, ensuring every dollar counts and the immigration submission is solid, coherent and persuasive.
💡 Expert tip: It’s not about “showing wealth,” but about proving that your investment creates a real and sustainable business in the U.S., no matter your country of origin.
Ready to take your next step?
Let’s talk. Our team is here to help you present your case with clarity, strategy, and impact—both to U.S. immigration and to the world.
✉ marketing@loigica.com | 🌐 www.loigica.com
This blog was written with asistance of generative AI. It is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The information presented here is based on general principles of U. S. immigration laws, as well as general information available for public search on public matters, as of the date of publication. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change and individual circumstances may vary. If you need expert counceling on immigration matters, contact one of our attorneys.
