When you think of Italy, you think of food, fashion, design, and craftsmanship. These are only some of the areas where Italy is commercially strong and globally recognized. They are also some of the industries promoted by the Italian government for international growth and investment.
According to Opportunitaly, sectors such as agrifood, advanced manufacturing, luxury consumer goods, and clean energy are key areas of strategic interest. The Italian Trade Agency lists similar categories and supports international expansion efforts in these fields.
These are only a few areas where Italian entrepreneurs may already have experience, resources, or supply chain relationships. They are also industries that can be structured to meet the legal requirements of the E-2 visa, depending on the specific business model.
To qualify for the E-2 visa, the U.S. business must be real, for-profit, and actively operating. The investment must be substantial in relation to the type of business. Passive or marginal businesses do not qualify. The applicant must be coming to the United States to direct and develop the enterprise, not to hold a silent or background role.
E-2 businesses vary widely in type and structure. Some are built around product distribution or retail. Others focus on services, hospitality, or franchise operations. The key requirement is that the business is real, active, and capable of supporting more than just the investor. Strong applications are supported by operational plans, investment documentation, and a clear role for the applicant in managing and developing the business.
The E-2 visa does not limit applicants to specific industries. Any business model that meets the legal requirements may qualify. For Italian nationals considering E-2 investment, sectors already identified as globally competitive may offer viable starting points, depending on the business and the applicant’s goals.
Sources
OpportunItaly – https://opportunitaly.gov.it/explore-the-sectors
Italian Trade Agency – https://www.ice.it/en/invest/key-sectors