E-2 Visa for Spanish Investors
E2 Visa Spain: Complete Guide for Spanish Investors Moving to America
Spanish citizens who want to start or grow a business in the United States can use the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Spain program. This visa allows Spanish nationals to live and work in the U.S. while managing a business they have invested in. The E2 visa is one of the most accessible Spain to USA visa options for business owners.
What Is the E2 Visa Spain Program?
This U.S. business visa for Spanish citizens lets entrepreneurs live and work in the United States. They can do this by investing in a business or commercial enterprise. Unlike the EB-5 visa program, there is no specific minimum investment for E-2 visa petitions. This makes it a flexible and strategic option for Spanish investors who want to start or manage a business in the U.S.
Spanish investors can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the United States. Unlimited E2 visa renewal for Spanish citizens is available as long as the business remains active.
E2 Visa Investment Amount Requirements
As an investment visa for Spanish entrepreneurs, the E2 program requires substantial capital placed at commercial risk.
Spanish investors must make a substantial investment in a real, active U.S. business. Qualifying investments typically start at around $100,000. The business must generate more than minimal income, and the investor must control and direct it. The capital must be at risk and not secured by business assets.
For more details on the E-2 investment requirements, visit our E-2 Investment Requirements Overview page.
Validity & Duration: How Long Does E2 Visa Spain Last?
Spanish citizens benefit from favorable terms under the E-2 Spain visa program:
- Visa Validity: 5-year multiple-entry visa
- Stay Duration: Up to 2 years per U.S. entry
- Renewal: Unlimited, as long as the business stays active and meets visa requirements
This visa provides Spanish investors with the flexibility to manage and grow their U.S.-based ventures long-term, without the need for additional filings.
E2 Visa Spain Application Process Explained: Step-by-Step Guide
The U.S. Consulate in Madrid handles all E2 visa applications from Spanish citizens. The consulate in Madrid recently updated the process with clearer procedures and timelines for Spanish investors. Understanding the E2 visa Madrid consulate requirements is essential for Spanish investors preparing their documentation.
New Processing Timeline at Madrid Consulate
The U.S. consulate in Spain visa process has recently been streamlined to support faster E2 visa decisions. The Madrid consulate aims to process E2 applications within 90 business days. This proposed timeline provides greater clarity for Spanish investors planning their business ventures.
How to Apply for the E2 Visa in Madrid
The U.S. Consulate in Madrid handles all new E2 visa applications and renewals. Steps for the E-2 visa application process are:
- Complete the DS-160 form online and upload a visa photo
- Complete a DS-156E form (Treaty Trader/Investor Application) online
- Pay the nonimmigrant visa (MRV) application fee
- Submit two separate PDFs including:
- DS-156E (maximum resolution of 300 DPI)
- Complete E-Visa application package (max 30 pages)
- Schedule and attend the visa interview at the US consulate in Madrid
Spain-Specific Requirements for Supporting Documents
The Madrid consulate has implemented strict formatting requirements for supporting documents. Supporting documentation must be organized into two separate PDFs. The first PDF should have the DS-156E form. The second PDF should include all supporting documents.
The supporting documents must show substantial investment, business ownership, source of funds, and non-marginality. The submission cannot exceed 30 pages, excluding Form G-28 and document tabs.
Understanding the complete E2 visa Spain application process is essential for success, particularly given recent procedural changes at the Madrid consulate. The process requires careful coordination between business planning, investment preparation, and precise document compilation to meet the requirements.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in E2 Visa Spain Applications
Understanding common mistakes in E2 visa applications can help Spanish investors avoid costly delays and denials that plague many applicants. Investors often make avoidable errors in their application:
- Failing to show substantial risk of capital
- Providing an incomplete business plan
- Not demonstrating economic impact or non-marginality
- Submitting unclear or excessive documentation over the 30-page limit
Working with an E2 visa attorney experienced in handling Spanish cases can prevent these issues. A detailed and strategic business plan for E2 visa approval can greatly increase your success at the Madrid consulate.
Frequent Questions about the E-2 Visa for Spanish Investors
What are the main benefits of the E-2 visa for Spanish entrepreneurs?
Among the available Spain-to-U.S. visa pathways, the E-2 visa is especially attractive due to its renewability and business-friendly structure. For Spanish investors aiming to expand operations, the E-2 offers strategic benefits:
- U.S. Market Entry: Launch or grow your business in a globally influential economy.
- Business Expansion Potential: Reach new customers, diversify revenue streams, and increase profitability.
- Growth-Focused Connections: Build relationships with American partners, clients, and industry networks that support long-term success.
How long is the E2 visa process at the Spanish consulate in Madrid?
The E2 visa Spain timeline typically involves several weeks to months from initial application submission to final approval. Processing times at the US consulate in Madrid can vary based on current caseloads and individual case complexity.
Spanish investors should plan for adequate preparation time before submitting their application to the Spain consulate. Rushing the process often leads to incomplete documentation or insufficient business planning, which can result in delays or denials.
Can family members join E2 visa investors in the United States?
Yes! Spanish investors can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the U.S. with an E-2 visa. Your spouse can work in the U.S., and your children under 21 can study.
Work with an E-2 Visa Attorney for Spanish Investors
The E-2 visa Spain process involves complex legal and business considerations that benefit significantly from professional guidance. Working with an experienced E2 visa lawyer for Spanish investors helps you avoid costly delays.
At Colombo & Hurd, our E2 visa attorneys have successfully represented many Spanish investors in their U.S. immigration journey. From customized business plans to legal guidance through consular interviews, we are committed to helping our clients succeed.
Case Highlight: How a Spanish Investor Successfully Secured an E-2 Visa
Spanish entrepreneurs are leveraging the E-2 treaty investor visa to successfully launch and grow their businesses in the United States. The following success story features one of our Spanish clients whose E-2 visa was approved, illustrating how our team supports investors in turning their U.S. business plans into reality through strategic investments and well-prepared applications:
Sanitation Business from Madrid
We are thrilled to share the inspiring journey of one of our clients, a determined and visionary entrepreneur who recently achieved a significant milestone in his pursuit of the American dream. Our client, a dual citizen of Spain and Venezuela, has successfully secured a Change of Status to E-2, allowing him to establish and operate a new sanitation and disinfection business in Texas. His story is not only a testament to the E-2 visa’s potential for Spanish investors but also a reflection of the importance of planning and entrepreneurial spirit.
With years of experience in the sanitation sector, our client observed the critical need for eco-friendly hygiene solutions. To this end, the investor set his sights on launching a company that would bring environmentally conscious disinfection services to communities across Texas. With 100% ownership of a Texas-based LLC, he laid the groundwork for a business that prioritizes public health and sustainability. Legally incorporated in 2020, the company also met all structural requirements for the E-2 visa, including obtaining its IRS-issued EIN.
The business, headquartered in Spring and The Woodlands, will offer cleaning services to a wide array of commercial clients, including restaurants, schools, offices, and notably, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. What sets this venture apart is its use of EPA-approved disinfectants and proprietary microbial solutions that break down fats, oils, and grease in drain systems. This demonstrates a commitment not just to sanitation, but also to environmental stewardship.
Beyond services, the company will also distribute cleaning and disinfection products to residential and commercial customers, expanding its reach and impact. The investor will lead the business as its General Manager, overseeing all aspects of operations and growth.
Congratulations to our client on this exciting chapter. His success exemplifies how Spanish investors can turn a vision into a thriving business on American soil through the E-2 visa.
