The E-2 Treaty Investor visa requires a substantial investment in a real and active U.S. business. There is no minimum dollar amount set by law. Instead, the investment must be sufficient for the type of business and must show the capacity to generate more than minimal income for the investor.
Below are six business examples, arranged from lowest to highest investment. These are estimates only based on publicly reported E-2 cases and industry norms. They are not official models or guaranteed approval formulas. Actual requirements vary by business type, location, and the strength of the business plan.
Freight Trucking Start-Up – $46,000
This business involves purchasing a single commercial truck, obtaining licenses, and covering startup costs such as insurance and fuel. Although the investment is relatively small, the business plan includes projected growth through brokered freight contracts and plans to hire one dispatcher and one additional driver in the first year. With clearly documented operations and projected income, the business can meet E-2 requirements if structured carefully.
Mobile Coffee Truck – $120,000
A mobile coffee truck can be launched with capital used for the truck build-out, commercial coffee equipment, permits, and initial inventory. The model operates at events and in high-foot-traffic areas. The plan includes hiring one full-time barista in the first few months and a second as sales increase. Its low fixed costs and direct customer base help support the business’s potential to be profitable and employ U.S. workers.
Café or Restaurant – $250,000
This investment typically covers kitchen construction, furniture, equipment, permits, and working capital. The restaurant is designed to operate in a mid-range urban or suburban location. Staffing plans usually include a chef, two servers, a kitchen assistant, and a front-of-house manager within the first year. Restaurants often demonstrate viability through seating capacity, projected revenue, and clear payroll structure.
Language or Education Center – $300,000
This business may offer ESL courses, academic tutoring, or corporate training. The investment is used for leasing and renovating space, purchasing materials, hiring staff, and marketing. A typical staffing model includes six to eight full-time employees: instructors, a receptionist, and a program manager. Because education centers often serve recurring clients, this model can be structured to show stable growth and economic contribution.
Fitness Franchise – $450,000
A fitness franchise often requires a franchise fee, leasehold improvements, gym equipment, and software systems. The remaining funds typically support payroll and marketing during the startup phase. Full-time positions may include trainers, a front desk team, sales staff, and an operations manager. Most franchises offer structured financials, which can help support projections and job creation claims.
Boutique Hotel – $1,000,000
This model includes acquiring or renovating a commercial building, furnishing guest rooms, obtaining licenses, and funding operations. Staffing typically includes 15 to 20 full-time employees across housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, food service, and general management. Due to the capital intensity and staffing needs, boutique hotels often present a strong case for both substantial investment and economic impact.
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.
For more detailed guidance, refer to: