Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business in the United States? Or perhaps expanding your current trading business across the Atlantic? For many entrepreneurs around the world, the “American Dream” is built on the foundation of the E-series visas.
However, not everyone can apply. Before you start writing a business plan or transferring funds, there is one critical hurdle you must clear: Citizenship.
To qualify for an E-1 (Treaty Trader) or E-2 (Treaty Investor) visa, you must be a citizen of a country that maintains a specific commerce and navigation treaty with the United States. If your country isn’t on the list, you generally cannot apply.
In this guide, we will provide the full list of treaty countries, explain the difference between E-1 and E-2 visas, and break down the application process for 2026.
💡 Key Takeaways
💡 Key Takeaways:
- You must be a citizen (not just a resident) of a treaty country to apply.
- E-1 Visas are for those trading goods/services; E-2 Visas are for those investing capital.
- Not all countries qualify for both visas (e.g., Israel is E-1 and E-2, but Portugal was recently added).
- If you aren’t from a treaty country, you may need a different visa strategy or a spousal visa if married to a U.S. citizen.
What Is a “Treaty Investor” Visa?
Before diving into the full list of treaty countries, it helps to understand what you are actually applying for. The U.S. government offers two main visas for foreign entrepreneurs based on international treaties:
E-1 Treaty Trader
This visa is for individuals or employees of companies that conduct substantial trade between the United States and their home country. “Trade” can include goods, services, insurance, transportation, and technology.
- Key Requirement: More than 50% of the company’s international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country.
E-2 Treaty Investor
This is the most popular option for entrepreneurs. It allows an individual to enter the U.S. to direct and develop a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital.
- Key Requirement: You must place personal funds “at risk” and the business cannot be marginal (it must generate income for more than just you and your family).
The Full List of Treaty Countries (2026 Update)
Below is the comprehensive list of countries that have treaties with the United States. Please check specifically if your country is eligible for E-1, E-2, or both.
Note: This information is current as of early 2026. Treaties can change, so always verify with the Department of State or an immigration professional.
Countries in A-F
- Albania: E-2 only
- Argentina: E-1 and E-2
- Armenia: E-2 only
- Australia: E-1 and E-2
- Austria: E-1 and E-2
- Azerbaijan: E-2 only
- Bahrain: E-2 only
- Bangladesh: E-2 only
- Belgium: E-1 and E-2
- Bolivia: E-1 and E-2 (Note: Treaties with Bolivia have faced termination notices in the past; verify current status).
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: E-1 and E-2
- Brunei: E-1 only
- Bulgaria: E-2 only
- Cameroon: E-2 only
- Canada: E-1 and E-2
- Chile: E-1 and E-2
- China (Taiwan): E-1 and E-2
- Colombia: E-1 and E-2
- Congo (Brazzaville): E-2 only
- Congo (Kinshasa): E-2 only
- Costa Rica: E-1 and E-2
- Croatia: E-1 and E-2
- Czech Republic: E-2 only
- Denmark: E-1 and E-2
- Ecuador: E-2 only (E-1 treaty terminated)
- Egypt: E-2 only
- Estonia: E-1 and E-2
- Ethiopia: E-1 and E-2
- Finland: E-1 and E-2
- France: E-1 and E-2
Countries in G-M
- Georgia: E-2 only
- Germany: E-1 and E-2
- Greece: E-1 only
- Grenada: E-2 only
- Honduras: E-1 and E-2
- Ireland: E-1 and E-2
- Israel: E-1 and E-2 (E-2 implementation was finalized in recent years)
- Italy: E-1 and E-2
- Jamaica: E-2 only
- Japan: E-1 and E-2
- Jordan: E-1 and E-2
- Kazakhstan: E-2 only
- Korea (South): E-1 and E-2
- Kosovo: E-1 and E-2
- Kyrgyzstan: E-2 only
- Latvia: E-1 and E-2
- Liberia: E-1 and E-2
- Lithuania: E-2 only
- Luxembourg: E-1 and E-2
- Macedonia: E-1 and E-2
- Mexico: E-1 and E-2
- Moldova: E-2 only
- Mongolia: E-2 only
- Montenegro: E-2 only
- Morocco: E-2 only
Countries in N-Z
- Netherlands: E-1 and E-2
- New Zealand: E-1 and E-2 (The KIWI Act expanded this access)
- Norway: E-1 and E-2
- Oman: E-1 and E-2
- Pakistan: E-1 and E-2
- Panama: E-2 only
- Paraguay: E-1 and E-2
- Philippines: E-1 and E-2
- Poland: E-1 and E-2
- Portugal: E-1 and E-2 (Added via the AMIGOS Act)
- Romania: E-2 only
- Senegal: E-2 only
- Serbia: E-1 and E-2
- Singapore: E-1 and E-2
- Slovak Republic: E-2 only
- Slovenia: E-1 and E-2
- Spain: E-1 and E-2
- Sri Lanka: E-2 only
- Suriname: E-1 and E-2
- Sweden: E-1 and E-2
- Switzerland: E-1 and E-2
- Thailand: E-1 and E-2
- Togo: E-1 and E-2
- Trinidad & Tobago: E-2 only
- Tunisia: E-2 only
- Turkey: E-1 and E-2
- Ukraine: E-2 only
- United Kingdom: E-1 and E-2
- Yugoslavia: E-1 and E-2 (Current application applies to successor states)
Visa Bulletin Explained - How to Read It
Noticeable Absences
You may notice some major world economies are missing from the full list of treaty countries.
- China (Mainland): Not eligible.
- India: Not eligible.
- Brazil: Not eligible.
- Russia: Not eligible.
If you are a citizen of these countries, you cannot apply for an E-2 visa unless you obtain citizenship in a treaty country (like Grenada or Turkey) first.
Requirements Beyond the Country List
Simply holding a passport from a treaty country does not guarantee you a visa. The U.S. government has strict requirements to ensure the business is legitimate.
1. Substantial Investment
For E-2 visas, you must invest a “substantial” amount. While there is no fixed number, in 2026, immigration officers generally look for:
- $100,000+ for most standard businesses.
- $50,000 - $80,000 might be accepted for low-capital businesses (like a consulting firm) if the business plan is rock solid.
- The investment must be “irrevocably committed”—meaning the money is spent or held in escrow, contingent on visa approval.
2. Marginality
The business cannot be “marginal.” This means the business must have the capacity to generate significantly more income than is just enough to support you and your family. Essentially, you need to hire U.S. workers or show significant growth potential.
3. Direct Control
You must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise. You usually need to own at least 50% of the business or possess operational control through a managerial position.
Spouses and Families of Treaty Investors
One of the biggest benefits of the E-visa category is the ability to bring your family.
- Spouses: Your spouse can come with you and is eligible to work. In recent years, USCIS updated guidelines so that E-visa spouses are authorized to work “incident to status.” This means they often don’t need to wait months for a separate work permit card.
- Children: Unmarried children under 21 can come with you and attend school, but they generally cannot work.
A Note for Couples: Many people start on an E-2 visa and later decide to settle permanently. Since the E-2 is a “non-immigrant” visa (temporary), it does not directly lead to a Green Card. However, if you or your family members marry a U.S. citizen while in the U.S., your path changes completely.
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Step-by-Step Application Process (2026)
If you have confirmed your country is on the full list of treaty countries, here is the general application flow:
- Form the Company: Incorporate your U.S. business and obtain an EIN (Tax ID).
- Spend the Money: Purchase equipment, sign a lease, or transfer funds to an escrow account. The money must be “at risk” before you apply.
- Prepare Form DS-160: This is the standard online non-immigrant visa application.
- Prepare Form DS-156E: This form is specific to Treaty Traders and Investors.
- Submit to Consulate: You generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- The Interview: You will be interviewed by a consular officer who will scrutinize your business plan and intent.
Processing Times and Costs
In 2026, visa fees remain higher than in previous decades.
- Gov Filing Fee: Approximately $315 per applicant (subject to Department of State updates).
- Processing Time: This varies wildly by embassy. Some process in 3 weeks; others (like London or Toronto) may take 3 to 6 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you are a treaty investor with a great business, you can still get denied. Here are common pitfalls:
- Parking the Money: Leaving money in a bank account doesn’t count as an investment. You must spend it or commit it.
- No U.S. Worker Plan: If your business plan doesn’t show how you will hire Americans in years 1 through 5, officers may deny you for “marginality.”
- Expired Passports: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Common Immigration Mistakes That Cause Denials
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if my country is removed from the full list of treaty countries?
It is rare for a country to be removed, but it happens (e.g., Iran, Ecuador’s E-1). If the treaty is terminated, current visa holders usually have a grace period to leave or change status, but cannot renew.
2. Can I apply for a Green Card from an E-2 visa?
The E-2 is not a “dual intent” visa, meaning it is strictly temporary. However, you can transition to a Green Card through other means, such as an employer sponsorship (EB-2/EB-3), an EB-5 investment (requires much more money), or marriage to a U.S. citizen.
3. How long is the E-2 visa valid?
It depends on the “reciprocity schedule” of your specific country. For many countries (like the UK or Japan), the visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business is running. For others (like Egypt), it may be valid for only 1 year at a time.
4. Do I need a lawyer?
For complex business setups, a lawyer is recommended. However, for the document preparation and filing phases—especially for derivative family members or subsequent marriage-based adjustments—services like Greenbroad can save you thousands of dollars compared to attorney fees.
5. Can I travel in and out of the U.S.?
Yes, as long as your visa stamp in your passport is valid, you can travel freely.
For official definitions and updates, always refer to the USCIS E-2 Treaty Investors page.
Conclusion
The full list of treaty countries is your gateway to doing business in the United States. If your country is on the list, the E-1 or E-2 visa offers a fantastic opportunity to live in the U.S., run your own company, and bring your spouse and children along for the adventure.
However, immigration is a journey that often changes. You might start as an investor and later decide to make the U.S. your permanent home through marriage.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and treaty lists are subject to change. For complex legal matters, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.