---
title: What type of visa do I need to apply for if I want to start a business in the United States?
description: Looking to start a business in the United States? Legal Faqs has the answers! Learn about the different types of visas you'll need to apply for to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Read our blog now.
image: https://www.legalfaq.ai/hubfs/LegalFAQ/immigration-legalFAQs.jpg
---

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 March 30, 2023

# What type of visa do I need to apply for if I want to start a business in the United States?

![Picture of Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/battis-mug.jpg?width=50&name=battis-mug.jpg) By  [Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/author/chris-battis)  ·   1 minute read

As a lawyer, I can provide you with legal advice on the type of visa you need to apply for if you want to start a business in the United States.

If you are a foreign national who wishes to start a U.S. business, you may be eligible for an E-2 visa. This visa category is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to enter and work in the United States to oversee and direct the operations of a business that they have invested in or established.

To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must:

- be a citizen of a country that has a treaty with the United States that permits E-2 visa eligibility
- make a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. business that is a real operating enterprise with a specific economic purpose, sufficient to ensure the success and profitability of the business
- not establish the business solely for the purpose of providing an income to you and your family
- possess the requisite skill and experience necessary to manage and direct the business
- intend to depart the United States when your E-2 status expires or is terminated

It is important to note that the E-2 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency or U.S. citizenship. However, E-2 visa holders can renew their visa indefinitely provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

In conclusion, if you want to start a business in the United States as a foreign national, you should consider applying for an E-2 visa, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria discussed above. It is advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the intricate E-2 visa application process and help you with any additional legal requirements.

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