To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must be a citizen of a treaty country that has an investment agreement with the U.S. While India is currently ineligible, Indian investors can secure E-2 eligibility by obtaining citizenship in countries like Grenada, Turkey, or Montenegro, which offer fast-track second citizenship programs.

The E-2 visa requires an active business investment, meaning your funds must go into a profitable, operational U.S. business. Real estate investments that involve property management, development, or rental portfolios can qualify as active investments, while passive property ownership alone does not.

While there is no fixed minimum, most successful E-2 real estate investments start at $100,000+. Your investment must demonstrate business viability, revenue potential, and job creation, ensuring your business contributes to the U.S. economy and real estate market growth.

E-2 investors must own at least 50% of the business or hold a decision-making role with operational control. Owning rental properties, a real estate development firm, or a commercial leasing business qualifies, as long as you actively manage operations and finances.

Your business must positively impact the U.S. economy, typically by creating jobs for American workers. Investing in multi-unit rental properties, real estate development, or hospitality ventures can fulfill this requirement while generating high returns.

To maintain E-2 visa renewal eligibility, your business must show long-term growth and profitability beyond just supporting you and your family. A well-structured real estate investment strategy, with consistent revenue from rental income or property sales, strengthens your case for continuous E-2 status renewal.