Book an appointment now and connect with our team to start your journey!

Book a Call with Julia Montenegro

Book a Call with Marcelo Gondim

Start or Buy a Business in the United States

If you are ready to invest, build, or acquire a business in the U.S., the E-2 Investor Visa allows you to live and operate your company legally in the United States.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who want control, flexibility, and speed — without immigration lotteries or employment sponsorship.

At Gondim Law, we structure E-2 visas designed not just for approval, but for long-term stability and business success.

What Is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to:

  • Invest in a U.S. business

  • Live legally in the United States

  • Direct and manage the company

  • Renew the visa indefinitely

  • Bring spouse and children

And you have worked for that company for at least one year in the last three years.

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say about us

Discover the experiences of our satisfied customers! Read their testimonials to learn 
how our services have made a positive impact on their businesses.

Octavio Tinoco

My wife and I had an outstanding experience with this immigration law firm.

Patrícia Macedo and Marcelo Gondim guided us through the entire process with remarkable professionalism, care, and attention to every detail. From the very first consultation, we felt truly supported. They explained everything clearly, responded promptly, and made sure we understood each step with confidence.

Highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals.

Hafdis Lind

Special thanks to Luisa, our paralegal angel — we wouldn’t have made it without you.

Thank you for always listening to our worries, reassuring us, and being endlessly patient and kind. The entire team worked so fast and efficiently, making the process smooth and stress-free. We felt cared for and supported every single step of the way.

I wholeheartedly recommend Gondim Law to anyone starting their green card journey — they don’t just handle your case, they truly care about you.

Josh Nisenson

Marcelo was extremely helpful, friendly, had a good sense of humor and helped us to feel comfortable with the legal decisions that we were making in regards to my wife's parents and their permanent residence scenario. He helped us feel at ease and a had a good perspective and could also speak in English and Portuguese to make things even easier. Overall we were very happy with his service!

Luísa Haack

I have a visa process through Gondin Law Corp and I've had a great experience so far. Aline is the paralegal connected to my case, and I absolutely love her! She is so knowledgeable and takes her time to answer all my questions. I definitely recommend them!

Paula G

I had a positive experience with this firm, they helped me through my change of status, explained everything clearly, and were always there when I had questions. Thanks to them, my case was approved smoothly. Special thanks to Luisa! Can’t recommend them enough!

Rogerio Lemos

The Gondim Law team possesses a remarkable ability to achieve expectations and give their clients what they really need. They have a great sense of responsibility and strong work ethic when it comes to immigration processes. I highly recommend this law firm. Thank you Marcelo, and the whole team for the great work and efforts to make my green card happen.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 is a U.S. visa for investors and entrepreneurs from treaty countries who invest in and actively manage a U.S. business. It allows you to live and work legally in the United States based on your investment.

Who qualifies for an E-2 Visa?

You may qualify if:

✔️ You are a citizen of a treaty country
✔️ You make a substantial investment
✔️ The business is real and operating
✔️ You will direct and manage the company
✔️ The business is not marginal

What is considered a “substantial investment"?

There is no fixed minimum but starts at $100.000. USCIS evaluates whether the investment is proportional to the business type and sufficient to ensure the enterprise’s success. Many successful cases range from moderate to high investment levels depending on the industry.

Do I need to start a new business?

No. You can:

✔️ Start a new company
✔️ Buy an existing business
✔️ Invest in a franchise
✔️ Acquire partial ownership (with control)

The key is proper legal and financial structuring.

Can I use borrowed funds?

Yes — but only if:

✔️ The loan is properly secured
✔️ You are personally at risk
✔️ Funds are fully traceable

Improper financing structures often lead to denials.

How long does the E-2 Visa last?

The visa can be issued for multiple years depending on your nationality and can be renewed indefinitely as long as:

✔️ The business remains active
✔️ The investment remains at risk
✔️ You meet visa conditions

What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?

An RFE is a request from USCIS for additional information. While RFEs are common, many can be avoided with proper case preparation. Our strategy focuses on anticipating and preventing RFEs whenever possible.

Can my family come with me?

Yes.

✔️ Spouse and children under 21 qualify for E-2 dependent visas
✔️ Spouses can apply for work authorization
✔️ Children can attend school

Does the E-2 lead directly to a Green Card?

The E-2 itself is a nonimmigrant visa. However, many investors later transition through:

• EB-1C (via L-1A strategy)
• EB-2 NIW
• Other employment or investment paths

A long-term immigration strategy is critical.

How do I know if my investment qualifies?

Through a private E-2 strategy consultation.

Gondim Law evaluates:

• Your investment
• Business model
• Ownership structure
• Immigration risks
• Long-term options

👉 Schedule Your E-2 Strategy Call

© 2026 Gondim Law - All rights reserved.