How Much Do You Need to Invest for an E-2 Visa?

One of the most common questions about the E-2 visa is: "What is the minimum investment amount?" The short answer is that U.S. immigration law does not specify a fixed minimum dollar amount. Instead, it uses the "substantiality" test.

The Substantiality Test

An investment is considered "substantial" if it is sufficient to ensure the investor's financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise. The investment must be proportional to the total cost of either purchasing an established business or creating a new one.

The Proportionality Principle

The lower the total cost of the business, the higher the percentage of that cost the investment must represent to be considered substantial. For example, a $50,000 investment in a $60,000 business is highly proportional and likely substantial. However, a $50,000 investment in a $2,000,000 business is unlikely to meet the test, as it represents a tiny fraction of the total cost.

Why $100,000 is Not a Magic Number

Many applicants believe that $100,000 is a safe minimum. While $100,000 to $150,000 is a common and generally safe range for many service-based or consulting businesses, the true requirement depends entirely on the specific business model. A capital-intensive business like a manufacturing plant will require significantly more, while a low-overhead consulting firm might qualify with less, provided the business plan justifies the lower amount.

Typical Ranges by Business Type

• Service/Consulting: $75,000 – $120,000
• Retail / Franchise: $150,000 – $300,000+
• Manufacturing / Tech: $250,000 – $500,000+

Remember, the funds must be irrevocably committed and "at risk." Unspent funds sitting in a U.S. bank account do not count toward the substantiality test.