How much should an E-2 investor commit to a U.S. business? The answer depends on what it takes to establish or acquire that particular enterprise. For example, a single-truck freight company has different capital requirements from a restaurant or boutique hotel. Under the E-2 Treaty Investor visa rules, the investment must be substantial relative to the cost of establishing or purchasing the enterprise. The enterprise must also demonstrate the capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the investor and their family or make a considerable economic contribution.
The six examples below examine how different business models shape investment requirements. Each considers major expenses, from equipment and premises to staffing and operating capital, using published cost estimates and market data. These figures represent estimated business costs. The amount that qualifies as an E-2 investment depends on how the funds were obtained, whether they have been irrevocably committed to the business, and whether they are subject to potential loss. No single investment figure establishes eligibility or guarantees visa approval.
Published franchise investment figures serve as cost benchmarks for some of the examples. Investors can also start independent businesses in these industries, with startup costs varying by location, operating model, and equipment needs.
Freight trucking startup
Estimated initial cash requirements: $38,500 to $104,500+
An independent freight trucking company can begin operations with a single commercial truck, transporting goods for shipping customers and handling freight assignments arranged through licensed brokers. According to OTR Consulting’s September 2026 startup cost guide, a single-truck operation may require $38,500 to $104,500 or more in initial cash funding, depending on equipment financing and operating reserves. Expenses include truck acquisition or financing, commercial insurance, operating authority, registration, equipment, maintenance, and working capital. Actual costs depend on the vehicle, financing, and operating requirements.
For an E-2 visa application, the trucking business plan should demonstrate how the initial investment supports a commercially viable freight operation. Financial projections should account for expected freight volumes, rates per load, fuel consumption, driver compensation, insurance, maintenance, and other operating expenses. The plan should explain how the investor will develop relationships with freight brokers and shipping customers, supervise drivers, coordinate dispatch operations, and manage the company’s finances and business development. Any proposed hiring or fleet expansion should be supported by projected demand and cash flow, demonstrating the business’s potential for sustained growth and economic contribution.
Mobile coffee truck
Estimated startup costs: $45,500 to $175,500
A mobile coffee truck can operate at permitted vending locations, community events, and private functions. According to Mobile Food Math’s September 2026 startup cost guide, startup costs for a mobile coffee truck range from $45,500 to $175,500, depending on the vehicle, equipment, and conversion requirements. Expenses include vehicle acquisition and conversion, commercial coffee equipment, refrigeration, water and power systems, permits, insurance, inventory, and working capital. Actual costs vary according to vehicle condition, conversion requirements, equipment selection, and local permits.
A mobile coffee truck’s success depends on securing profitable vending locations and maintaining consistent sales year-round. For an E-2 business plan, revenue projections should reflect expected customer traffic, average transaction values, operating days, and seasonal fluctuations. Confirmed event bookings and authorized vending locations can support revenue assumptions, while projected customer traffic and sales volumes should be assessed against the business’s operating schedule and location strategy. The financial plan should also assess whether projected sales can cover operating expenses, support employee wages, and finance future growth. These factors help demonstrate the enterprise’s commercial prospects and possible economic contribution.
Small independent restaurant
Estimated startup costs: Approximately $250,000 (small restaurant in an existing fitted-out space)
A $250,000 startup budget could provide a planning scenario for a small independent restaurant leasing an existing space with usable kitchen infrastructure. The actual amount would need to be supported by an itemized budget for the proposed location and restaurant concept. According to Toast’s 2026 restaurant startup guide, restaurant opening costs generally range from $175,000 to $750,000, depending on the concept, location, and service model. Major expenses include lease deposits, renovations, commercial kitchen equipment, dining furniture, permits, initial inventory, employee training, and working capital. Actual costs depend on the condition of the premises, equipment requirements, and scale of operations.
For an E-2 visa application, the restaurant’s financial projections should reflect seating capacity, expected customer traffic, average spending per guest, and operating hours. Food costs, payroll, rent, and utilities determine the sales volume needed to support operations. The business plan should explain how the investor will manage suppliers, oversee kitchen and service staff, and develop customer relationships. Staffing projections supported by expected revenue and operating margins can help demonstrate the restaurant’s capacity to sustain employment and contribute to the local economy.
Language learning center
Estimated startup costs: $160,000 to $310,000
A language learning center provides language instruction to individuals, professionals, and corporate clients. According to Berlitz’s published franchise investment information, establishing a standard language center may require $160,000 to $310,000. The estimate includes a $40,000 franchise fee, classroom equipment, teaching materials, rent, and operating capital. Actual costs depend on the facility’s location, size, and requirements, and additional leasehold improvements may increase the investment.
For an E-2 visa application, the business plan should demonstrate how student enrollment, tuition fees, and corporate training contracts support the center’s operations. Financial projections should account for classroom capacity, course schedules, instructor compensation, and student retention. The investor may oversee enrollment, recruit instructors, manage daily operations, and develop corporate relationships. Confirmed training agreements and advance registrations, where available, can support revenue projections and demonstrate the center’s potential for supporting growth and employment.
Fitness center
Estimated startup costs: $291,145 to $678,003 (franchise benchmark)
A fitness center requires investment in commercial premises, exercise equipment, facility improvements, and operational systems. According to Burn Boot Camp’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), establishing one of its franchised fitness centers requires an estimated initial investment of $291,145 to $678,003, including a $60,000 franchise fee. Major expenses include leasehold improvements, fitness equipment, technology, marketing, and working capital. An independent fitness center would avoid the initial franchise fee and have greater control over facility size, equipment purchases, class offerings, and membership pricing. The owner would also need to establish the center’s brand, select membership management software, recruit instructors, and develop a customer acquisition strategy without the support of a franchise network.
For an E-2 visa application, the fitness center’s financial projections should account for membership enrollment, monthly fees, retention rates, trainer compensation, and facility expenses. Franchise operators must also account for ongoing royalties and other contractual fees, while independent operators determine their own marketing and operating budgets. The business plan should explain how the investor will oversee staff recruitment, membership development, daily operations, and financial performance. Documented pre-opening memberships can support revenue projections, while realistic staffing and operating forecasts can demonstrate the center’s potential for continued employment and economic contribution.
Boutique hotel
Example acquisition prices: $849,000 to $1.4 million (published property listings)
Acquiring an existing boutique hotel can provide an E-2 investor with an operating hospitality business, although the total investment depends on the property’s size, location, condition, and renovation needs. For example, The Grand Lux Inn in Tullahoma, Tennessee, a boutique inn with six guest rooms and two additional apartment units, is advertised for $849,000. The four-room Alpine Bed and Breakfast in Texas is listed for $1.4 million. These published asking prices demonstrate how acquisition costs can differ between properties, even when they have relatively few guest rooms. Investors must also budget for closing costs, guest room renovations, furnishings, property repairs, and working capital. Larger properties, premium locations, or extensive renovations can require substantially higher investments.
For an E-2 visa application, the business plan should evaluate the hotel’s historical occupancy, average daily room rates, operating expenses, and seasonal demand. Financial records from an existing operation can help support revenue projections, while planned renovations should be assessed against their expected effect on room rates, occupancy, and operating costs. The investor’s responsibilities may include supervising housekeeping and front desk staff, managing reservations, overseeing property maintenance, and developing marketing partnerships. A detailed acquisition budget, renovation plan, and financial forecast can help demonstrate the hotel’s capacity to sustain operations, support employment, and make an economic contribution.
Final Notes
These examples are provided for informational purposes and planning reference. They are not legal thresholds or required templates. E-2 applications are evaluated case by case. The most important factors are that the investment is appropriate for the business type, that funds are at risk, and that the business can support U.S. workers.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State: https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html
- OTR Consulting: https://otrconsultinginc.com/resources/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-trucking-company
- Mobile Food Math: https://mobilefoodmath.com/guides/coffee-truck-startup
- Toast: https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/what-do-you-need-to-open-a-restaurant/
- Berlitz: https://franchise.berlitz.com/converting/index.html
- Burn Boot Camp: https://burnbootcamp.com/franchise/how-much-does-it-cost-to-own-a-burn-boot-camp-franchise
- InnShopper, The Grand Lux Inn ($849,000): https://www.innshopper.com/ViewListing.aspx?ListingID=12633
- InnShopper, Alpine Bed and Breakfast ($1,400,000): https://www.innshopper.com/ViewListing.aspx?ListingID=12624