E2 Visa for Italian Nationals for the The United States

E2 Treaty Visa for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can take advantage of the E2 treaty investor visa for the United States. This visa permits an Italian citizen to invest into a US company. It also permits the applicant to start a new business or acquire an existing one.

Obtaining an E2 visa for an Italian National

There are several core requirements for an Italian national to obtain the E2 investor visa:

Substantial Investment. Demonstrate that you have invested a “substantial amount” of funds into the US business. The “substantial amount” will depend on the size of the business, including revenue projections, number of employees, location, operating expenses, etc. Typically, the minimum amount recommended for any E2 visa application is around $75,000 USD.
Clean Source of Funds. It is necessary that you demonstrate where your investment is coming from. This means producing documentation to prove your source of funds – i.e. salary, savings, gift money, etc.
Investment is Placed at Risk. You will need to prove to the U.S. authorities that your money has been “irrevocably invested” into the US company. This means demonstrating that your money is either already invested into the US company or in a special kind of bank account (i.e. a trust/escrow) and is dedicated to your U.S. business according to a business plan.
Majority Ownership. The main applicant will need to demonstrate ownership of at least 50% of the US business.

Benefits of the E2 visa for an Italian national

For Italian nationals considering the E2 visa, there are many benefits. Specifically, Italian nationals can obtain the E2 visa for up to 5-years. The visa can be renewed indefinitely so long as you continue to meet the requirements. Some additional benefits include

✅ Minimum investment requirements;
✅ No requirements to own a foreign (i.e. non-US) business;
✅ Ability to Start or Acquire a New Business in any Industry Area with the E-2 Visa
✅ Starting or Acquiring a Business in the United States on the E-2 Visa
✅ Visa duration for up to five-years and option to extend and renew the E-2 visa indefinitely
✅ Multiple Entry-Visa for the United States
✅ Potential to apply for a Green Card through the EB-1C Immigrant visa & EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

Learn more about the benefits of obtaining an E2 visa in this article.

Frequently asked Questions about the E2 visa

Can I bring my family?

You are eligible to bring your legal spouse and children under-21. A separate application for work authorization will be required if your spouse wishes to work.

What is the total investment required?

This depends on the type of business you are starting, acquiring, or investing into.

Do I need a business plan?

Yes – you will need an E2 business plan that is tailored to meet the visa requirements

Do I get US Citizenship?

No - the E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not lead to permanent residency or Citizenship. You can learn more about planning for long-term immigration solutions by speaking with David.