Do I have to pay myself a salary under the E-2 visa?

The E-2 visa is an option for investors from treaty countries who wish to develop and manage a business in the United States. This visa requires the investor to make a substantial investment in the company, with the intention of generating profit and creating employment opportunities for U.S. citizens.

It is important to understand that the nature of your role within the company influences how your compensation is handled, but there is no fixed E-2 visa rule that requires you to pay yourself a ‘salary’.

In practice, if you are the owner and actively involved in managing the business, you may choose to structure your compensation in various ways, such as profit withdrawals or dividend distributions, instead of a formal salary. The essential aspect is to demonstrate that your investment and involvement are significantly contributing to the success and viability of the enterprise.

Additionally, the chosen structure must comply with U.S. tax and regulatory laws. It is worth emphasizing that maintaining compliance with immigration laws and business regulations is fundamental to avoiding future complications.

It is advisable to seek information from reliable sources and consult accounting and legal experts, as these professionals can assist you in structuring compensation appropriately both for the business and concerning the E-2 visa requirements. Beware of miraculous promises and schemes guaranteeing miracle results; the experience of qualified professionals and adherence to the law are the best paths to the success of your enterprise.

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.