Can I have a partner from another country in an E-1 visa company?

Yes, it is possible to have partners from other countries in a business tied to the E-1 visa, but there is a central condition regarding the nationality of the company’s controlling interests.

The E-1 is designed to promote substantial trade between the United States and the country of which you are a citizen, which must have a trade treaty with the U.S. Therefore, even if you bring in partners or investors of other nationalities, the ownership and control of the business must remain predominantly in the hands of citizens of the treaty country. This is what keeps the trade strongly linked to that country.

The nature of the foreign partner’s involvement also matters. If the partner acts as a passive investor without influencing the day-to-day management of the business, the risk to eligibility is lower. If the partner has an active role, it may be necessary to demonstrate that command and administration remain primarily with eligible citizens.

Because these rules on ownership structure are detailed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis, it is worth confirming the current requirements through official sources or with a specialist before structuring the partnership.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.