Jungkunz Law assists investors and businesses from eligible treaty countries with U.S. E-2 and E-1 visa matters, providing strategic legal guidance for international business ventures and expansion into the United States.

The United States offers several immigration options for international entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals looking to establish or expand their business activities in the U.S.

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is one of the most attractive options for eligible foreign nationals who wish to invest in and actively manage a U.S. business.

At Jungkunz Law, we assist international entrepreneurs and business owners in navigating the U.S. immigration process, from initial eligibility considerations to visa applications.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows eligible nationals of certain treaty countries to enter the United States to develop and direct a business in which they have made, or are actively making, a qualifying investment.

Whether you are considering starting a new business, acquiring an existing company, or expanding your international operations into the United States, the E-2 visa may offer a pathway to pursuing your business goals in the U.S.

Key considerations include:

• Treaty country nationality: The investor must be a national of a country that maintains the relevant treaty with the United States.
• Qualifying investment: The investment must be substantial in relation to the business and committed to the enterprise.
• Active business: The investment must be in a real and operating commercial enterprise.
• Business management: The investor must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise.

Every investment and business structure is different. Careful legal assessment is essential to determine whether a proposed business venture meets the applicable immigration requirements.

Not every treaty country qualifies for both E-1 and E-2, and the applicable classification depends on nationality. See the official U.S. Department of State Treaty Countries list.

E-2 Employee Visa

The E-2 classification may also be available to certain employees of qualifying treaty enterprises.

Eligible employees may qualify if they share the required nationality of the treaty enterprise and will perform executive, supervisory, or qualifying essential-skills duties.

This can be an attractive option for international businesses seeking to transfer key personnel to their U.S. operations.

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

For businesses engaged in international trade, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide another option.

The E-1 classification is designed for nationals of qualifying treaty countries who conduct substantial international trade principally between the United States and their country of nationality.

Qualifying trade may involve goods, services, or technology.

Whether the E-1 or E-2 classification is the more appropriate option depends on the nature of your business activities and individual circumstances.

How Jungkunz Law Can Help

International business immigration requires more than simply completing application forms. The underlying business structure, investment, ownership, and individual eligibility all play an important role.

Jungkunz Law provides legal guidance and representation throughout the E-2 and E-1 immigration process, including:

• Initial eligibility assessments and strategic planning
• Review of proposed investments and business structures
• E-2 investor and employee visa applications
• E-1 treaty trader visa applications
• Visa applications for qualifying family members
• Guidance on extensions and maintaining immigration status

With legal experience in both Germany and the United States, Jungkunz Law understands the cross-border considerations that international entrepreneurs and businesses may face.

Frequently asked questions about E-2 and E-1 visas →