E-2 Visa Costs: Investments, Fees, and Other Expenses

The E-2 treaty investor visa is a popular option for entrepreneurs from qualifying treaty countries who want to start or purchase a business in the United States. The overall cost of an E-2 visa can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the type of business, the amount of investment, and the application process. Because the E-2 requires a substantial investment in a U.S. enterprise, prospective applicants should carefully evaluate both immigration-related expenses and broader business costs before pursuing this visa pathway.

How much money do you need for an E-2 visa?

The total cost of an E-2 visa varies significantly depending on the business, investment structure, and legal strategy, but overall expenses can often range from approximately $100,000 to $200,000 or more.

The largest cost is typically the “substantial investment” in the U.S. business itself. While there is no fixed minimum investment requirement under law, many successful E-2 cases involve investments starting around $100,000, with higher amounts often needed depending on the type and scale of the business.

In addition to the investment, applicants should also budget for government filing fees, attorney fees, business formation and planning costs, and initial operating expenses. These additional costs can commonly add tens of thousands of dollars to the total budget.

Minimum E-2 visa investment amount

There is no official minimum investment for E-2 visas. However, in practice, many successful E-2 cases involve investments of at least $100,000, depending on the nature and cost of the business.

U.S.  Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assesses whether an investment is “substantial” based on its proportionality to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise. In some cases, investments below $100,000 may still qualify if they fully or primarily fund a low-cost startup. A larger investment may still be insufficient if it represents only a small portion of a high-value business.

To evaluate eligibility, USCIS and consular officers also consider whether the investment is:

• Sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business
• Irrevocably committed to the enterprise (i.e., the funds are already placed at risk and cannot be freely withdrawn)
• At risk in a commercial sense, meaning the funds are subject to potential loss if the business fails

The focus is not on a fixed dollar threshold, but on whether the investment is substantial, committed, and genuinely placed at risk for a real operating business.

E-2 visa filing fees

Government filing fees for an E-2 visa generally range from approximately $500 to $1,600, depending on whether the application is filed with USCIS or through a U.S. consulate abroad. Some applicants may also choose optional premium processing for certain USCIS filings, which currently costs $2,965.

Please note that Attorney fees are separate and can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the scope of services provided. 

Exactly how much you pay depends on where and how you apply. Filing fees may also change over time, so check the USCIS Fee Schedule and the Department of State website for the most current information.

E-2 filing fees if you live abroad

Applicants applying from abroad will go through consular processing. That requires Form DS-160 and a filing fee of $315 per applicant. Some U.S. consulates charge a slightly different amount, and they may also need to collect a reciprocity fee, depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship.

E-2 filing fees if you’re in the U.S.

Applicants already in the U.S. may apply for E-2 status through USCIS by filing Form I-129. Filing costs generally include:

• Form I-129 filing fee: $510 for small businesses, otherwise $965 to $1,015
• Asylum Program Fee: $300 for small businesses, otherwise $600
• Optional premium processing fee: $2,965 to speed up I-129 processing

Premium processing significantly cuts the Form I-129 processing time to 15 business days, which may be valuable for investors who need faster adjudication.

E-2 visa Attorney fees

Legal fees for an E-2 visa lawyers typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the complexity of the case and the scope of services provided.

Many investors choose to work with an E-2 immigration attorney to assist with preparing and organizing the application, compiling supporting evidence, and responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) if they arise. In more complex cases, counsel may also coordinate closely on the business plan and investment documentation to ensure the petition meets E-2 requirements.

Attorney fees generally vary based on factors such as:

• The overall complexity of the case
• Whether the business is a startup or an established enterprise being purchased
• The volume and type of supporting documentation required
• Whether the case is filed through consular processing or with USCIS
• The level of business plan development and financial documentation support needed
• Because E-2 cases are highly fact-specific, legal fees can vary significantly depending on the amount of preparation and strategic guidance required.

E-2 visa business costs

In addition to immigration and legal fees, E-2 investors must also fund the establishment or purchase of a qualifying U.S. business. These business-related costs vary widely depending on the industry and business model, but may include:

• Entity formation (LLC or corporation) and state filing fees
• Business licenses and regulatory permits
• Lease deposits and commercial rent
• Equipment and startup inventory
• Payroll and initial operating expenses
• Business insurance

For startup enterprises, investors often also need an immigration-focused business plan that demonstrates the viability and operational structure of the business. Depending on complexity, professional business plan preparation can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $25,000.

Additional E-2 visa expenses

• Translation and document preparation
• Travel costs
• Medical exam expenses, if needed to meet U.S. health standards
• Dependent visa filing fees and application costs

Are E-2 visa costs worth it?

For many entrepreneurs, the E-2 visa offers a flexible way to live in the United States while developing and directing a business. It is generally renewable indefinitely, allows spouses and children to accompany the principal applicant, and has historically had relatively favorable approval rates when eligibility requirements are met.

While the E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa, it may still support longer-term immigration planning in some cases through potential pathways to permanent residence, depending on the individual’s circumstances. However, for individuals whose primary objective is a direct path to a Green Card, the EB-5 immigrant investor program may be a more straightforward option if the required investment level is feasible.

For applicants focused primarily on trade rather than active business ownership and management, the E-1 treaty trader visa may also be a more appropriate alternative depending on eligibility.

Start planning your E-2 visa petition with Manifest

E-2 visa costs can vary dramatically depending on the type of business, the details of the investment, and the investor’s immigration goals. Because E-2 visas involve both immigration and business considerations, careful planning is critical. The experienced legal team at Manifest Law can help prepare your application, build an investment and business plan, organize supporting evidence, and respond to any USCIS document requests.

👉 If you’re ready to stop guessing about your future and start planning, our immigration attorneys are here to help. Request a consultation with Manifest Law now.

FAQs on E-2 visa costs

What is the minimum investment for an E-2 visa?

There is no set minimum investment amount for an E-2 visa. However, many successful cases involve investments of at least approximately $100,000, depending on the nature and cost of the business.

The required investment must be “substantial” in relation to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise, meaning it should be sufficient to support the successful operation of the business.

How much are E-2 visa filing fees?

E-2 filing fees are generally at least $500 if you file from abroad (through a consulate or embassy) and at least $800 to $1,600 if you already live in the U.S. However, the more expensive part of getting an E-2 visa is the necessary business investment. Business planning and lawyer fees may also add thousands.

Do I need a lawyer for an E-2 visa?

An attorney is not required to get an E-2 visa, but many investors can benefit from one because the application requires significant documentation. An experienced E-2 lawyer can assist with structuring the investment, preparing the business plan, organizing supporting evidence, and completing the visa application..

Can my family come with me on an E-2 visa?

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for dependent E-2 visas. Spouses may also be eligible to work in the United States while the principal E-2 visa holder operates the business.