E-2 Treaty Investor
Build your business in the United States. Discuss your business plans, investment preparation and E-2 application documents with GVS.
Business investment · Nonimmigrant visa
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Request a consultationWhat is the E-2 Treaty Investor visa?
The E-2 visa lets a national of a treaty country live in the United States to develop and direct a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of their own capital. It is a non-immigrant (temporary) visa: it can be renewed for as long as the business keeps qualifying, but it does not lead to a green card by itself.
Bangladesh and South Korea both have E-2 treaties with the United States, so Bangladeshi and Korean nationals can apply.
Who qualifies for E-2?
- 01
Treaty nationality
The investor, and the business, must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the same treaty country. Since 2023, people who got that nationality through investment must also have lived in the treaty country for at least three years.
- 02
A substantial investment at risk
There is no fixed legal minimum. The amount must be large enough, compared with the cost of the business, to make it work, and the money must already be committed to the business, not sitting in your personal account.
- 03
A real, active business
A genuine operating company (for example a shop, restaurant, service or trading business). Passive investments such as land or shares do not count, and the business must be able to do more than just support your own family.
- 04
You develop and direct it
You own at least 50% of the business or control it as its manager. Funds must come from a lawful source that you can document.
The E-2 process, step by step
- 01
Business plan and structure
Choose the business, set up the U.S. company and prepare a realistic five-year business plan.
- 02
Invest the funds
Transfer your own funds through banks and commit them to the business (lease, equipment, stock, staff), keeping every record.
- 03
Application to the U.S. Embassy
Complete the DS-160 and the embassy’s E-2 application package. You normally apply where you live lawfully.
- 04
Interview and admission
After approval at the interview, each entry to the U.S. allows a stay of up to two years, which can be extended while the business qualifies.
Family and work rights
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive E-2 dependent visas. Your spouse is allowed to work in the U.S.; children can study but cannot work.
Employees who have the same treaty nationality and who are managers or essential specialists can also qualify for E-2 visas through your company.
What Bangladeshi and Korean nationals should know
Visa validity: the U.S. reciprocity schedule issues E-2 visas to Bangladeshi nationals for 3 months with two entries. That is the life of the visa stamp only: each entry still gives up to two years of stay.
Where to apply: a Bangladeshi living lawfully in Korea usually applies at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul; in Bangladesh, at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.
E-2 or EB-5? E-2 has no fixed minimum and is faster, but it is temporary. EB-5 needs a much larger investment and gives a green card. Many investors compare both before deciding.
Your preparation, step by step
- 01
Review nationality and goals
Prepare nationality, residence and ownership information for a treaty-investor eligibility discussion.
- 02
Describe the business
Summarize the proposed business, ownership structure, market and your operating role.
- 03
Organize investment records
Prepare questions about the source and movement of funds and supporting business documents.
- 04
Clarify the service scope
Ask which legal, business and application tasks are included before engaging any provider.
Common questions
Is there a minimum investment for E-2?
No amount is fixed by law. The investment must be substantial for the type of business; very small investments are rarely approved. We review your plan before you commit funds.
Does E-2 lead to a green card?
Not directly. E-2 is temporary. Some investors later move to a green card through another category, such as EB-5 or employment-based routes.
Can I use a second passport for E-2?
Only if you meet the three-year residence rule for nationality obtained by investment. See our second citizenship comparison.
Can I enquire before my documents are ready?
Yes. Start with a short summary of your background and questions. We can discuss which documents to prepare next.
What happens after I send an enquiry?
Use the consultation form to share your preferred service, language and contact details. GVS can discuss your circumstances and the service scope. Current clients can sign in to their portal.
How do I confirm costs and timing?
Ask for a written breakdown of service fees, third-party costs and responsibilities. Timing and outcomes depend on the case and relevant authorities; the website does not promise approval or a fixed completion date.
Official information
General information, not legal advice. Rules and embassy procedures change; we check them again for every case.
Useful next steps
Eligibility, documentation and timing depend on your circumstances and the applicable program requirements.
Official program information