education@pacificinternationals.com
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of countries with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. to invest in and manage a business in the U.S.. It is commonly called the “Investor Visa.”
It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want to start, buy, or run a U.S. business and actively manage it.
Non-immigrant visa (temporary, but renewable indefinitely).
Treaty requirement: Only for nationals of countries with an E-2 treaty with the U.S.
Dependent family members: Spouse and children under 21 may accompany:
Spouse may apply for work authorization (EAD)
Children may attend school but cannot work
No fixed cap – no lottery or quota system.
Nationality: Applicant must be a citizen of an E-2 treaty country.
Investment: Must make a substantial investment in a real and operating business in the U.S.
“Substantial” depends on the type of business (usually enough to ensure successful operation).
Business ownership/control: Must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control.
Intent to develop the business: Must actively manage and direct the business.
Marginality: Business must generate more than just minimal income to support the investor and family; it should have a significant economic impact.
Amount: No fixed number, but typically $100,000+ is preferred; smaller investments may qualify if proportional to business type.
Risk: Funds must be at risk and committed to the business (cannot be passive or idle).
Source of funds: Must be legally obtained.
Business Preparation: Start or purchase a U.S. business.
E-2 Petition/Consular Application:
Apply at a U.S. consulate abroad using Form DS-160 and supporting business documentation.
In some cases, if inside the U.S., you may file Form I-129 for a change of status.
Supporting Documents:
Proof of nationality
Proof of investment and business ownership/control
Business plan, financial statements, and evidence of active management
Visa Interview: Attend at the U.S. consulate, presenting all supporting evidence.
Visa Issuance: If approved, enter the U.S. and start managing the business.
Initial validity: Usually 2–5 years depending on treaty country.
Extensions: Can be renewed indefinitely in 2-year increments as long as the business continues to operate successfully.
No direct path to green card: Must apply for separate immigrant visa if desired.
✅ Can work for your own business.
✅ Family members can accompany and spouse may work legally.
✅ Renewable indefinitely if business continues to meet requirements.
✅ Faster than employment-based visas for entrepreneurs.
❌ Only for treaty countries.
❌ Requires active management; passive investment does not qualify.
❌ Business must be substantial and profitable; small side businesses often do not qualify.
❌ No direct green card pathway — requires a separate immigrant petition if desired.
The Greece Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment program that offers non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain Greek residency through qualifying investments.
Minimum Investment: €250,000 in real estate.
Residence Permit Validity: 5 years, renewable indefinitely.
Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the applicant and spouse.
Processing Time: Approximately 6 months.
Minimum Stay Requirement: None.
Path to Citizenship: Eligible after 7 years of continuous residence with at least 183 days spent in Greece each year.
Real Estate Investment:
Minimum Amount: €250,000.
Eligible Properties: Residential, commercial, or land.
Note: In high-demand areas like Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki, the minimum investment may be higher.
Other Investment Avenues:
Business Activity: Invest in or establish a business in Greece.
Securities or Bank Deposit: Minimum €400,000.
Select Investment: Choose a qualifying investment option.
Power of Attorney: Grant a local legal representative power of attorney to handle the application process.
Document Preparation:
Valid passport.
Proof of investment (e.g., property purchase agreement).
Health insurance coverage in Greece.
Clean criminal record certificate.
Four passport-sized photos.
Biometric Data Collection: Visit Greece to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Application Submission: Submit the application to the Greek immigration authorities.
Residence Permit Issuance: Upon approval, receive the residence permit.
Schengen Area Access: Visa-free travel to 29 Schengen countries.
Family Reunification: Include spouse, children under 21, and parents.
No Minimum Stay: No requirement to reside in Greece to maintain residency.
Healthcare & Education: Access to public healthcare and education.
Property Rental Income: Opportunity to rent out the investment property.
Residency Requirement: 7 years of continuous residence.
Physical Presence: At least 183 days per year in Greece.
Additional Criteria:
Demonstrate integration into Greek society.
Proficiency in the Greek language.
Knowledge of Greek history and culture.
Investment Threshold: Increased to €800,000 in certain high-demand areas.
Processing Times: Average processing time now exceeds 18 months due to high demand.
Minimum Investment: €50,000
Residence Permit Validity: 5 years (renewable)
Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 18, and financially dependent adult children
Processing Time: Approximately 1–3 months
Path to Citizenship: Eligible after 10 years of legal residence
Dual Citizenship: Not permitted; applicants must renounce their original citizenship upon naturalization
Minimum Investment: €50,000 into the equity capital of a Latvian company
Additional Requirement: The company must pay at least €40,000 in taxes annually
State Fee: €10,000
Benefits: Direct involvement in Latvia’s economy with potential for business growth
Minimum Investment: €250,000 in real estate
Additional Requirement: State fee equivalent to 5% of the property price
Property Type: Must be residential or commercial; off-plan properties are not eligible
Location: Primarily within urban areas; rural properties may require additional permits
Minimum Investment: €250,000 in interest-free government bonds
Holding Period: 5 years
State Fee: Approximately €38,000
Note: This option is less popular due to the lower return on investment
Minimum Investment: €280,000 in a subordinated deposit with a Latvian bank
Holding Period: 5 years
State Fee: Approximately €38,000
Note: This option is less common and may have lower yields compared to other investment routes
Choose an Investment Option: Select the investment route that aligns with your financial goals and preferences.
Prepare Required Documents:
Valid passport
Proof of investment
Clean criminal record
Proof of health insurance
Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family
Submit Application: Apply through the Latvian embassy in your home country or directly at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia.
Biometric Data Collection: Upon preliminary approval, travel to Latvia to provide biometric data.
Receive Residence Permit: After approval, receive a temporary residence permit valid for 5 years.
Annual Renewal: Visit Latvia annually to renew your residence permit.
Schengen Area Access: Visa-free travel to 27 European countries
Family Inclusion: Ability to include spouse and children under 18
Business Opportunities: Access to the EU market for business operations
Education & Healthcare: Access to quality education and healthcare services in Latvia
Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Latvian citizenship after 10 years of legal residence
Dual Citizenship: Latvia does not permit dual citizenship; applicants must renounce their original nationality upon naturalization.
Investment Risks: As with any investment, there are risks associated with real estate and business ventures.
Processing Times: While the application process is relatively swift, delays can occur depending on individual circumstances.
Expert guidance and support for students aspiring to study abroad, including application assistance, document preparation, and interview coaching.
Hassle-free processing for leisure travelers, ensuring all documentation and requirements are met for a smooth vacation experience
Professional assistance for business travelers, including expedited processing and tailored support for corporate requirements
Currently we are processing EB-3 unskilled category visa through renowned companies McDonald’s Franchisee and Bojangles Franchisee in the USA. Companies are located at In Savannah, Georgia and In Hinesville and Midway, Georgia. Apply to interview with the employer directly via online video call.
Our team comprises highly skilled and seasoned attorneys with a near-perfect success rate. Our U.S.-based immigration experts bring deep expertise in EB-2 NIW matters, along with decades of proven experience across a broad spectrum of U.S. immigration categories, including EB-1, EB-4, EB-5, E-2, H-1B, and family-based petitions.
Dedicated support for H-1B, L-1, O-1 visa filing processing by our experienced attorneys in the USA.
Assistance for family baes immigration visa in the USA, Category F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4
