For many Brazilian entrepreneurs and investors, the United States represents a land of opportunity, freedom, and business potential. While Brazil is not currently a treaty country under the E-2 visa program, there is still a strategic and legal pathway for Brazilians immigrating from Brazil to the U.S. to obtain an E-2 visa and live and work in the U.S. by investing in a business.
This webpage will explain how Brazilian nationals can qualify for the E-2 visa, why this visa is a powerful option for business-minded individuals and families, and how to plan your immigration journey successfully.
What Is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows individuals from certain countries to live in the United States for the purpose of owning, developing, and managing a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital.
Key features of the E-2 visa:
- Renewable indefinitely (as long as the business remains viable)
- Allows the investor, their spouse, and dependent children under 21 to live in the U.S.
- Spouses can apply for work authorization
- Children can attend school or university in the U.S. without a separate student visa
- Faster processing compared to other visa categories
The Brazil Challenge: No Treaty Status
The primary hurdle for Brazilian nationals is that Brazil is not on the list of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. As a result, Brazilians cannot apply directly for an E-2 visa using their Brazilian passport.
However, many Brazilian citizens pursue a strategic solution: acquiring dual citizenship with a country that does have a treaty with the U.S.
Step 1: Obtain Citizenship from a Treaty Country
Several countries that have treaties with the U.S. allow for citizenship by descent (ancestry) or citizenship by investment. Popular options for Brazilians include:
1. Italy (Citizenship by Descent)
Many Brazilians have Italian ancestry. Italy offers citizenship “jure sanguinis” (by bloodline), which means if you can trace your lineage to an Italian ancestor, you may be eligible. This is one of the most cost-effective and popular paths for Brazilians seeking E-2 eligibility.
2. Spain or Portugal
These countries also offer ancestral citizenship or paths to citizenship through residency, which may be attractive for Brazilians of Iberian descent.
3. Grenada or Turkey (Citizenship by Investment)
For those without European ancestry, countries like Grenada and Turkey offer a fast-track to citizenship through investment. Grenada, for example, has a direct path to citizenship in as little as 3–6 months. Once you obtain a passport from one of these countries, you become eligible to apply for an E-2 visa.
Step 2: Invest in a U.S. Business
To qualify for the E-2 visa, you must make a “substantial investment” in a bona fide U.S. business. There is no fixed minimum, but most successful E-2 applications involve investments of $100,000 or more. However, lower investments may be accepted for certain service-based businesses.
You can either:
- Start a new business in the U.S.
- Buy an existing business, such as a restaurant, franchise, retail store, or service company
The business must:
- Be real and operating (not a shell company)
- Have a clear path to profitability
- Employ or plan to employ U.S. workers (it cannot be a marginal business supporting only the investor)
Step 3: Apply for the E-2 Visa
Once you have dual citizenship and have made a qualifying investment in a U.S. business, you can file for the E-2 visa through a U.S. consulate in your new treaty country (not in Brazil). The application will include:
- Proof of citizenship in the treaty country
- Evidence of investment (bank statements, contracts, invoices)
- A detailed business plan
- Proof of business ownership
- Business licenses and incorporation documents
Many investors choose to work with experienced immigration attorneys and business brokers to streamline this process and maximize their chances of success.
Benefits of the E-2 Visa for Brazilians
- Live and work legally in the U.S. while running your business
- Fast processing times—in many cases, visas are approved in weeks, not years
- No quota system like H-1B or green card categories
- Spouses can work anywhere in the U.S. (not limited to the investor’s business)
- Children can attend U.S. schools, both public and private
- Renewable indefinitely, as long as the business remains operational
Many E-2 visa holders eventually adjust status and apply for a green card through other means (e.g., EB-5 investment, EB-2 with National Interest Waiver, or family-based sponsorship), although the E-2 itself does not directly lead to permanent residency.
Choosing the Right Business
Choosing the right business is essential to the success of your visa and your long-term goals. Common options for E-2 investors include:
- Franchises (fast food, fitness centers, retail chains)
- Professional services (IT, consulting, marketing)
- Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, cafes)
- Automotive (repair shops, detailing businesses)
- Home services (plumbing, cleaning, landscaping)
Partnering with a reputable business brokerage firm can help identify profitable and visa-compliant opportunities throughout the U.S.
Final Thoughts: Turning Vision into Reality
Immigrating from Brazil to the U.S. via the E-2 visa is not only possible—it’s a growing trend among entrepreneurial Brazilians seeking a better lifestyle, stable economy, and global opportunities. While the process involves additional steps due to Brazil’s non-treaty status, many investors find that the benefits of living and working in the United States far outweigh the initial complexities.
With smart planning, professional guidance, and a clear investment strategy, you can turn your dream of moving to the U.S. into reality.
Ready to take the next step? Contact an experienced immigration attorney or a licensed business broker to start your journey toward the E-2 visa today.