So, you’ve decided to pursue the E-2 investor visa and bring your business dreams to life in the United States exciting, right? But now you’re faced with a major decision: Should you invest in a franchise, or start your own business from scratch? Both paths can lead to success and E-2 visa approval, but the right choice depends on your experience, goals, and how much control you want over your business future.

Let’s break down what this decision really means without the fluff.

Why Franchises Are Popular for E-2 Visa Applicants

Franchises come with built-in structure. You’re buying into a proven business model with existing branding, operational systems, and a support team behind you. This is incredibly valuable for E-2 applicants because U.S. consulates love to see credibility and stability. A well-known franchise signals lower risk, making it easier for visa officers to trust that your investment is legitimate and likely to succeed.

When you buy into a franchise, you’ll often receive training, marketing materials, a ready-to-go business plan, and sometimes even help with site selection. In short, it’s plug-and-play entrepreneurship ideal if you’re new to the U.S. market or want to hit the ground running.

But here’s the flip side: franchises can be expensive. Between franchise fees, royalties, and operational costs, your total investment may easily exceed $150,000–$200,000. You’ll also need to follow strict rules franchisors often control branding, menu options, pricing, and even how you interact with customers. So, while you get a head start, your creative freedom is limited.

Starting from Scratch: The Entrepreneur’s Path

If you’re the type of person who loves building things from the ground up, starting your own business might be the better fit. Whether it’s a tech startup, an e-commerce store, a consulting firm, or even a niche service business the E-2 visa allows for a wide variety of industries, as long as the business is real, active, and not marginal.

Starting from scratch gives you complete control. You decide the brand, the mission, the pricing, the operations everything. It also tends to require less capital upfront, especially if you’re bootstrapping or using a lean startup model. In some cases, E-2 visas have been approved for investments as low as $80,000–$100,000, depending on the business type and location.

But be prepared: immigration officers will look at your plan with more scrutiny. Since you’re not backed by a known brand, you’ll need a solid, detailed business plan, proof of investment, and early steps that show the business is operational like a signed lease, contracts, invoices, or employee hiring. You’ll have to prove that the business will grow, create jobs, and support you beyond just a salary.

So, What’s the Right Choice?

Choose a franchise if:

• You prefer structure and proven systems
• You have the capital for franchise fees and startup costs
• You want a quicker, more predictable path to launch

Start from scratch if:

• You value flexibility and full creative control
• You have a unique business idea or market insight
• You’re confident in building and scaling from zero

Whichever path you choose, remember this: the E-2 visa is not just about money — it’s about commitment, credibility, and action. Your investment must be at risk, your business must be active, and your plans must be clear and realistic. Whether you’re franchising or founding, immigration officers want to see that your business is serious and sustainable.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A franchise might offer peace of mind, while building your own business could offer long-term rewards and freedom. The key is choosing the option that aligns best with your skills, vision, and resources.

If you’re still unsure, talk to an E-2 immigration attorney and a business consultant. They’ll help you explore specific franchise options or fine-tune your original business model and give you clarity before you commit.

Bottom line: The E-2 visa is your entry point. Your business is your vehicle. Whether it’s a franchise or your own creation, what matters most is that you drive it with strategy, passion, and purpose.