Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe they need hundreds of thousands of dollars to qualify for the E-2 visa, but that’s simply not true. While it’s often referred to as an “investor visa,” the E-2 visa is more flexible than most people realize and many successful applicants qualify with investments between $50,000 and $100,000.
So, is the E-2 visa only for big investors?
Absolutely not.
At Legal Reliance, we’ve helped dozens of clients secure E-2 visas with modest capital. In this blog, we’ll break down how the E-2 works for smaller investments, the kinds of businesses you can launch in that range, and what immigration officers are really looking for.
Understanding the E-2 Visa Investment Requirement
The law does not set a fixed minimum investment amount. Instead, the U.S. government requires that your investment be:
- Substantial in relation to the total cost of your business
- Committed and at risk (meaning you’ve already spent or committed the funds)
- Directed toward a real, active, and operating enterprise
- More than marginal your business must support more than just you
This means a $50k–$100k E-2 investment can absolutely qualify if it’s proportional to the business type and you structure everything properly.
What Can You Actually Do With $50k–$100k?
You can start or buy a wide variety of businesses within this range, including:
- Consulting agencies (marketing, IT, business services)
- Online businesses (e-commerce stores, Amazon FBA, dropshipping with inventory)
- Service-based businesses (cleaning companies, salons, tutoring centers)
- Franchise businesses (many affordable franchise models fall in this range)
- Food trucks or small cafes
- Digital marketing firms or design studios
We’ve helped clients build E-2 visa cases with $60,000 invested in a small tech agency, and others with $75,000 spent on a branded coffee shop.
Key Factors That Matter More Than Just the Amount
Immigration officials are not just looking at how much money you’re investing they’re evaluating:
- How the funds are being used
- Whether the business is already operational or close to launch
- Your ownership and control
- Your business plan, including projected revenue and job creation
- Evidence that your funds are from a legal and traceable source
If you can show a credible business model with thoughtful planning, your $50k–$100k investment can absolutely meet E-2 visa standards.
Real Case Example: Approval with $65,000
One of our clients, a digital marketing consultant from South Africa, was approved for an E-2 visa with just $65,000. She used the funds to:
- Register a U.S. LLC
- Rent office space
- Hire a virtual assistant
- Build a website and marketing assets
- Secure contracts with U.S. clients
With a solid business plan and clear source of funds, her visa was approved in under 90 days.
How Legal Reliance Can Help
We know what immigration officers want to see and we make sure your E-2 case checks every box. Our services include:
- Legal structure and entity formation
- Investment strategy planning
- Business plan development
- Source of funds documentation
- Application and interview preparation
Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Be a Millionaire to Get an E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa is not just for big investors. With the right strategy and legal guidance, $50k–$100k can open the door to U.S. residency and entrepreneurship.
If you’ve been holding back because you thought you didn’t have enough to invest now’s the time to rethink what’s possible.
Contact Legal Reliance today to schedule your consultation and start building your U.S. business immigration plan.
