For many aspiring entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals in Pakistan, the dream of starting a business in the United States is more alive than ever. The U.S. is known for its open market, strong economy, and endless opportunities for those willing to take the leap. One of the most talked-about paths for business immigration is the E-2 visa a non-immigrant visa designed specifically for investors. But if you’re from Pakistan, there’s one big question: Can you actually apply for the E-2 visa? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but there’s good news and a smart way forward if you’re serious.

Let’s start with the facts. The E-2 visa is only available to citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Unfortunately, as of 2025, Pakistan is not currently on that treaty list, which means Pakistani passport holders cannot apply directly for the E-2 visa. But that doesn’t mean your journey ends here. In fact, many Pakistani investors have already found workarounds that are both legal and effective.

One of the most popular solutions is obtaining citizenship in a treaty country that does qualify for the E-2 visa. Countries like Grenada, Turkey, and Montenegro offer citizenship-by-investment programs. This means you can invest a certain amount into their economy and, in return, receive a passport that does qualify for the E-2 treaty. Once you’re a citizen of that country, you can then legally apply for the E-2 visa to start your business in the U.S. It may sound like a long path, but it’s already working for smart investors from Pakistan who see the long-term value in building something in the U.S.

Now let’s talk about what the E-2 visa actually involves. To qualify, you’ll need to invest a substantial amount of capital into a real, active U.S. business. While there’s no fixed minimum, most successful applicants invest between $100,000 and $200,000. The business can be a franchise, a tech startup, a food outlet, a consulting agency, or even a small retail shop as long as it’s real, profitable, and actively operated by you. You’ll also need to demonstrate that your investment is at risk and that the business is more than just a side hustle it should be capable of creating jobs and supporting your stay in the country.

The E-2 visa is one of the most flexible investor visas available. It allows you to live and work in the U.S., bring your spouse and children, and renew the visa indefinitely as long as your business remains active and successful. In many ways, it’s one of the fastest and most affordable routes to entering the U.S. business landscapeif  you qualify through a treaty country.

So, if you’re from Pakistan and asking, “Can I apply for the E-2 visa?” the honest answer is not directly, but yes, through a strategic route. By acquiring a second passport from a treaty country like Grenada or Turkey, and making a proper business investment in the U.S., you can absolutely achieve your goal. It takes planning, some upfront capital, and the right guidance, but for those who are determined to start a business in the USA and build a life there, it’s a realistic and rewarding path.

Remember, the E-2 visa explained isn’t just about immigration it’s about investing in a future. For Pakistani entrepreneurs with a global vision, this might just be the smart move that changes everything.