Joel Libava
By Jeremy Bollington, E-2 Visa Franchise Expert
For foreign entrepreneurs seeking to live and work in the United States, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa presents an attractive opportunity.
That’s because it allows nationals of certain treaty countries to invest in and manage a franchise in the US.
And while applicants can either start a new business or buy an existing one, many find that investing in a franchise can be a viable option.
Quick Takeaways
- The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers a compelling path for foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in the U.S..
- Investing in a franchise can be a highly viable and attractive option for E-2 Visa applicants, often preferred over starting a new business or buying an existing one.
- Franchises provide a proven business model with established branding, operations, and systems, which immigration officers view as a sign of credibility and stability.
- Key advantages of franchises include extensive training, operational support, marketing assistance, and access to a valuable network of fellow franchisees.
- While there’s no fixed minimum, immigration attorneys typically advise an investment of at least $100,000 in U.S. dollars, which must be “at risk” and largely invested before application.
- To qualify, the E-2 Visa business must demonstrate it will not be marginal (generate more than just enough to support the family) and will create employment in the U.S..
- Choosing the right franchise involves looking for stable or growing industries and generally avoiding new “bricks & mortar” businesses due to pre-application lease requirements.
What Is the E-2 Visa And How Do You Qualify?
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for individuals from countries that maintain an E-2 treaty with the US. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a national of a treaty country.
- Invest a substantial amount in a US business, with such investment being “at risk” at the time of the application.
- Be entering to develop and direct the enterprise.
- Demonstrate the business will not be marginal (i.e., it must generate more than just enough to support the applicant and their family).
- Demonstrate the business will create employment in the US.
How much investment is required for an E-2 Visa franchise?
While there’s no fixed minimum investment, most immigration attorneys advise that the investment should be for a minimum of $100,000 in US dollars.
Why is an E-2 Visa Franchise a Smart Investment for Foreigners
Proven Business Model
Franchises come with established branding, operations, and systems that reduce the risk associated with launching a business from scratch. Immigration officers view this as a sign of credibility and stability.
Training and Support
Franchisees receive extensive training, operational support, and marketing assistance—key advantages for foreign investors unfamiliar with U.S. business practices.
A Network of Fellow Franchisees
Franchisees will become part of a network of owners – tapping into the knowledge base of experienced owners can be invaluable for new franchisees.
Scalable Growth
Franchises can often be scaled, with multi-unit ownership as a future option. This not only enhances profitability but also strengthens E-2 renewals by showing expansion potential.
Your Franchise Investment: What Should You Look For?
Not all franchises are suited to E-2 Visa investment. Here’s what to look for:
- Investment Range: Ensure the total investment qualifies as “substantial” and that you can make the majority of this investment before submitting the visa application.
- Industry Outlook: Focus on stable or growing sectors, because you will need to renew the visa (usually after 5 years) and demonstrate that you have built a successful business.
- FDD Review: Carefully read the Franchise Disclosure Document to understand the franchisor’s background, costs, and expectations.
- Avoid bricks & mortar businesses: If the business requires some form of location/store-front (eg restaurant, gym, salon) these can be difficult because you need to sign a lease for the required space before you submit the visa application. These can work if the applicant is purchasing an existing franchise location.
Are There Any Specific Franchising Industries That Are More Suitable For an E-2 Visa?
For new start locations/territories some of the most popular sectors for E-2 Visa franchises are:
- Home Services: A very wide segment including cleaning, painting, lawn care, pool services and skilled trades such as plumbing.
- Senior Care: In-home care for aging adults
- B2B Services: Signage, disaster recovery, cleaning – these typically work best if the applicant has some form of sales experience.
- Property Management: A lower cost sector, but applicants need to have strong sales/networking skills.
- Children’s services: Many options covering educational, enrichment and sports related activities. While some require a store type location, others use shared space which can be easier to secure.
- Pet Services: A number of lower cost options such as dog training, dog grooming etc.
Legal & Strategic Considerations For E-2 Visa Franchises
It’s essential to:
- Work with an Immigration Attorney who has demonstrable experience with E-2 Visas and a Franchise Attorney who will help you understand the obligations you will assume as a franchise owner.
- Consider hiring a franchise consultant (like me, Jeremy) who fully understands the E-2 requirements and which franchisors are willing to work with E-2 candidates – spoiler alert – many franchisors are not willing to do so and often will not respond to enquiries from foreign nationals via their franchise sales websites.
Tip: Work with me-Jeremy. I can help you make your E2 Visa Franchise a reality. Book a Free Call Today
Important!
A franchise is not right for everyone. If you have run / built your own business in your home country and have a strong entrepreneurial background you will likely feel challenged and/or constrained by the guard rails that strong franchise systems have in place.
My Final Thoughts
For entrepreneurs seeking a path to live and work in the U.S., the E-2 Visa offers an exciting opportunity—and investing in a franchise can be one of the smartest ways to get there. Franchises provide structure, credibility, and a support system that aligns well with the visa’s requirements.
Furthermore, with proper planning, due diligence, and guidance, a franchise can turn the dream of American entrepreneurship into a tangible and rewarding reality.
To learn more about the proven process I use to help my E2 Visa Franchise candidates open a franchise, check out my website.
FAQ’s
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for nationals of treaty countries to invest in and manage a U.S. business, allowing them to live and work in the U.S..
Applicants must be from a treaty country, make a substantial “at risk” investment in a U.S. business, and intend to develop and direct it. The business must not be marginal (support family and more) and must create U.S. employment.
hough there’s no fixed minimum, immigration attorneys typically advise an investment of at least $100,000 U.S. dollars. This investment must be “substantial” and largely made before application.
Franchises offer a proven business model with established systems, seen as credible and stable by immigration officers. They provide extensive training, operational support, marketing assistance, and access to a network of fellow franchisees. Franchises also allow for scalable growth, strengthening visa renewals.
Yes, suitable industries for new E-2 franchises include Home Services, Senior Care, B2B Services, Property Management, Children’s Services, and Pet Services. It’s often best to avoid new “bricks & mortar” businesses due to lease requirements, unless purchasing an existing location.
Applicants should work with an experienced Immigration Attorney and consider a Franchise Attorney. Hiring a franchise consultant like Jeremy Bollington, who understands E-2 requirements, is also advised, as many franchisors may not engage with foreign nationals directly. It is crucial to read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
(Jeremy Bollington specializes in guiding international entrepreneurs through the E2 Visa process by helping them identify and acquire franchises that meet immigration requirements. With experience working across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, he understands the unique challenges faced by those seeking to establish their American business ventures. Jeremy’s expertise lies in matching clients with franchise opportunities that not only satisfy E2 Visa criteria but also align with their skills, interests, and long-term business goals in the United States.)
About the Author
The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, is a leading franchise expert, author of "Become a Franchise Owner!" and "The Definitive Guide to Franchise Research." Featured in outlets like The New York Times, CNBC, and Franchise Direct, Joel’s no-nonsense approach as a trusted Franchise Ownership Advisor helps aspiring franchisees make smart, informed decisions in their journey to franchise ownership. He owns and operates this franchise blog.
Note: When you buy through links on this website, we may earn an affiliate commission.
