Deciding to run and operate a business in the United States under the terms and conditions of an E-2 Investor Visa can be very challenging and rewarding. Whether you start one from the ground up “out of nothing”, or whether you partner up with someone in a joint venture, or whether you purchase an existing, already operating, business, the opportunities are there.
Here is the CURRENT 2024 list of the 25 most popular types of E-Visa businesses to consider. Find one you can relate to, or are even already familiar with, and make it your own:
- Franchises: Franchises in sectors like food, retail, and services remain popular. These provide operational support, brand recognition, and often offer turnkey solutions (e.g., McDonald’s, UPS, 7-Eleven) .
- Restaurants: A strong choice for investors due to the steady demand for dining options. Both casual and fast food restaurants can qualify .
- Home Healthcare Services: With an aging population, demand for in-home care for seniors is growing, making this sector attractive to investors .
- Consulting Firms: Businesses leveraging professional expertise in IT, business, marketing, or management consulting offer lower startup costs and high flexibility .
- Tech Startups: Innovative businesses in the tech sector, including software development and AI, offer great potential for growth. Investors with expertise in these fields can benefit from rapid market demand .
- Retail Stores: Specialty retail shops, such as clothing stores, gift shops, and convenience stores in high-traffic areas, continue to be viable options .
- Hotels and Motels: Franchised or independently run hotels and motels are strong contenders, especially in tourist-heavy areas .
- Import/Export Companies: Companies focusing on international trade, leveraging overseas networks to import/export goods, are natural fits for E-2 visas .
- Insurance Companies: The U.S. insurance industry is recession-proof, with consistent demand for health, auto, and home insurance. The sector is expected to grow with new risks like cyber threats .
- Real Estate Investment and Management: Residential and commercial property management businesses, especially in growing markets, are suitable for investors .
- Business Services (B2B): Offering services to other businesses, such as office cleaning, maintenance, and staffing, presents scalable opportunities .
- Childcare Centers: With increasing demand for daycare and early childhood education, this sector remains strong. Franchise childcare centers often perform well for E-2 investors .
- Fitness Studios and Gyms: The health and fitness industry continues to thrive, with boutique gyms, yoga, and pilates studios offering appealing business models .
- Beauty Salons and Spas: Businesses offering personal care services such as hairdressing, nail salons, and spas are in high demand across various locations .
- Auto Repair and Services: Franchised auto service centers (e.g., oil change or brake repair shops) remain essential services with steady customer bases .
- Specialty Food Stores: Organic groceries, ethnic foods, and gourmet food stores meet niche market demands, making them attractive to E-2 visa investors .
- Construction and Renovation: Small to mid-sized construction or home renovation companies, especially in growing real estate markets, can be lucrative investments .
- Pet Care Services: Pet grooming, boarding, and veterinary services continue to see demand, particularly in pet-friendly communities .
- Cleaning Services: Residential and commercial cleaning businesses are easy to scale and require minimal initial investment. They remain strong in urban and suburban areas .
- Education and Tutoring Centers: Offering supplemental education, test prep, and language tutoring can be a lucrative sector, particularly with increasing academic competition .
- Renewable Energy: Green energy businesses, such as solar panel installation and sustainable energy consulting, are rapidly growing industries .
- Digital Marketing Agencies: With the growth of online businesses, digital marketing services for small and medium businesses are in high demand .
- Healthcare Technology: The intersection of technology and healthcare (e.g., telemedicine platforms, health monitoring apps) offers significant growth potential .
- Landscaping and Gardening Services: Landscaping businesses offer steady income with potential for growth, especially in suburban and residential communities .
- Logistics and Delivery Services: With e-commerce booming, delivery and courier services have become critical, offering a great investment opportunity for those with a background in operations or logistics .
You can also view the previous 2023 Top 25 listing.
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and the suitability of a business for an E-2 visa depends on various factors. It’s always recommended to consult with a U.S. immigration attorney who specialises specifically on E-Visas, to assess the viability of your specific business plan and to stay updated on the latest visa requirements and regulations.
Last Revision: 2024-10-4