E-2 Visa Cost (2026): How Much to Invest and Total Fees

Reviewed by Talia Harari, Attorney · Updated June 2026 · About 9 min read

The cost of an E-2 visa comes down to two very different things: the money you invest in your business, which you own and control, and the fees you pay to actually get the visa. This guide breaks down both, with real numbers and current government fees, so you can budget with confidence. For the bigger picture, start with our complete E-2 visa guide, or see exactly who qualifies for the E-2.

How much do you need to invest?

There is no minimum dollar amount written into the law. Your investment simply has to be substantial in relation to the total cost of the business. Because of that proportionality test, a lower-cost business needs the investment to cover a higher share of its total cost.

In practice, most approved E-2 cases involve investments from around $50,000 to $200,000 or more. A small service business might qualify at the lower end, while buying an established business or a franchise often lands in the six figures. Whatever the amount, the funds must be committed and at risk in the business, not sitting in a bank account. See the substantial investment requirement for the full rules.

E-2 government and filing fees

Government fees are small compared to the investment, but they depend on where you apply.

E visa application fee (consular, per person)	$315
USCIS filing fees (if changing status inside the U.S.)	Varies; check current USCIS fees
Premium processing (optional, decision in 15 business days)	About $2,805

If you apply at a U.S. consulate in your home country, the main charge is the $315 E visa application fee per applicant (source: U.S. Department of State). If you are already in the U.S. and change status, you file Form I-129 with USCIS and pay USCIS filing fees instead, with premium processing available for a faster decision. Government fees change, so confirm current amounts before you file.

Attorney and legal fees

Most E-2 attorneys charge a flat fee of about $5,000 to $15,000. The range depends on how complex your case is: a straightforward startup with clean, well-documented funds costs less, while a business acquisition or a complicated source-of-funds history costs more. A good attorney earns this back by keeping your case out of the most common denial traps.

Business setup and other costs

Beyond fees, budget for the costs of actually building the business and preparing the application:

• Business plan with five-year projections: roughly $1,500 to $5,000.
• Company setup: incorporation, licenses, and accounting.
• Lease, equipment, inventory, and staffing: these are part of your investment and count toward it.
• Document translation and certification of foreign records.
• Travel to the consulate for your interview.

What does an E-2 visa cost in total?

Here is a realistic example for a small business applying through a consulate abroad. Your actual numbers will vary, but it shows how the pieces fit together.

Investment in the business (you own this)	$80,000
Attorney fee (flat)	$8,000
Business plan	$2,500
E visa application fee	$315
Approximate total	About $90,800

Notice that the great majority of the total is the investment itself, which is capital in a business you own, not money paid away. The true cost of getting the visa, the fees and supporting costs, is closer to $6,000 to $20,000.

Can your investment cover the immigration costs?

Not the fees. Attorney fees and government filing fees do not count toward your qualifying investment. However, the money you spend to set up and operate the business, such as equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, and initial payroll, generally does count as part of your investment. Keep these two buckets separate and well documented.

Ongoing and renewal costs

The E-2 renews in increments of up to two years, with no cap on renewals. Each renewal generally means another attorney fee and government fee, plus keeping your business records current to prove it still qualifies. Budget for a renewal cost every couple of years for as long as you hold the visa.

Is the E-2 worth the cost?

For most treaty-country entrepreneurs, yes. Compared with the EB-5 green card, which requires an $800,000+ investment, the E-2 has a far lower and more flexible entry cost, renews indefinitely, and lets your spouse work. The trade-off is that it is temporary rather than permanent. See our full E-2 vs EB-5 comparison to weigh the two.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an E-2 visa cost in total?

Beyond your business investment, expect roughly $6,000 to $20,000 in attorney fees, government fees, and supporting costs. The largest number is the investment itself, which has no legal minimum but is often $50,000 to $200,000 or more, and that money goes into a business you own.

What is the minimum investment for an E-2 visa?

There is no minimum set by law. The investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business. In practice most approved cases start around $50,000, and often $100,000 or more for an established business.

How much are the E-2 government fees?

If you apply at a U.S. consulate abroad, the E visa application fee is $315 per person. If you apply from inside the U.S. by changing status, you pay USCIS filing fees instead, and premium processing (about $2,805) is optional for a faster decision.

How much do E-2 attorney fees cost?

Most E-2 attorneys charge a flat fee of roughly $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of your case, your business, and your source of funds.

Can my legal and filing fees count as part of the investment?

No. Government filing fees and attorney fees do not count toward your qualifying investment. Money you spend to set up and run the business, such as equipment, inventory, and lease costs, generally does count.

IAVRS is an immigration attorney matching service, not a law firm. This guide is general information, not legal advice, and figures are approximate and subject to change. For advice on your specific case, we will match you with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.