Does the E-2 allow buying a company with an American partner?

The E-2 visa is intended for investors from countries that maintain trade treaties with the United States and offers an opportunity to invest in and manage a U.S. business. One of the important factors in the approval of this visa is that the investor must demonstrate control and active involvement in the company, which in many cases requires acquiring a majority stake in the business.

It is indeed possible to acquire a company that has American partners, provided that you, as an investor, obtain the necessary ownership stake to demonstrate effective control of the enterprise. Generally, it is expected that you hold at least 50% of the shares or have a structure that allows you to exercise strategic and operational decisions, even if the company has other partners.

If your ownership is below this threshold, it can be complicated to prove the active role and control that are fundamental requirements for E-2 approval. Moreover, the responsible agency will evaluate whether the investment is substantial relative to the nature of the business and if the company has a structure where the investor exercises real influence.

Therefore, when considering the purchase of a company that already has American partners, it is crucial to review the shareholding and governance structure to ensure that the visa criteria will be met. It is worth remembering that the E-2 visa application process must always strictly follow U.S. immigration laws.

For this reason, it is important to be cautious and seek information from reliable sources, such as immigration consulting firms, avoiding promises of quick or guaranteed results. Compliance with immigration regulations and a careful analysis of the investment can make all the difference in the success of this type of venture.

This answer is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalized legal advice. It is essential to thoroughly investigate the legal requirements and the ownership structure of the company before proceeding with any investment.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.