Learn how much investment is required for an E-2 treaty investor visa in 2026. Covers the proportionality test, industry benchmarks, and how to prove your investment is substantial.
How Much Investment Do You Need for an E-2 Visa? Complete 2026 Guide
One of the most common questions about the E-2 treaty investor visa is: "How much do I need to invest?" The answer isn't a simple dollar amount — it depends on the proportionality test, your business type, and how you structure your investment.
Unlike the EB-5 immigrant investor visa (which requires $1,050,000 or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area), the E-2 visa has no statutory minimum investment amount. Instead, USCIS applies a proportionality test.
Your investment must be "substantial" in relation to the total cost of either:
Purchasing an existing business — The investment should be a significant percentage of the purchase price 2. Starting a new business — The investment should be sufficient to ensure the business can successfully operate