The US issues several types of business visas for investors. One of the most popular options is the E‑2 visa. The advantage of this visa is that the US government does not set quotas for its issuance. For example, in 2019, 43,000 investors received an E‑2 visa, while only 9,500 people received an EB‑5 visa under quotas.
The E‑2 visa is issued by investment in a business; there is no minimum investment threshold. To get a visa, one has to invest a significant amount in a business in the USA – usually from $200,000 – and take over the management of the company. Also, five new jobs need to be created in the country for qualified people.
$200,000
Enough to obtain an E‑2 business visa to the USA
Together with the investor, the E‑2 visa is granted to the investor’s family. The visa allows you to live, do business, work, and study in the States. The E‑2 visa is not an immigration visa, which means that you cannot apply for citizenship. However, you can renew this visa an unlimited number of times.
There is a restriction: citizens of countries that have signed a trade agreement with the USA can obtain an E‑2 visa. For example, Grenada, Montenegro, Moldova, or Turkey. Russians cannot get an E‑2 visa. But they can become citizens of one of the countries for which the visa is available.
Investors are more likely to choose Grenadian citizenship, as Grenadians receive an E‑2 visa valid for 5 years. In comparison, citizens of Moldova are granted it for only 3 months.
To obtain Grenada citizenship, investors make a contribution to a government fund of $150,000 or more or buy a property in the country of $220,000 or more. They then apply for an E‑2 visa. As a result, the cost of E‑2 visa through Grenada citizenship will cost an investor less than participating in the EB‑5 visa program.
