Are you a French entrepreneur or investor looking to move to the U.S. from France to start or buy a business? The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers a powerful and flexible way for French citizens to immigrate from France to the U.S. while building a business. Whether your goal is to expand internationally, open a boutique, or invest in a thriving local company, the E-2 visa for French citizens could be your key to a new life in America.
France is one of many countries that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. That treaty makes French nationals eligible for the E-2 visa, allowing them to immigrate from France to the U.S. and manage a qualifying investment in an American business.
What Is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of treaty countries, including France, to invest in a U.S. business and live in the United States to manage and direct that business. Unlike some other U.S. visa options, the E-2 visa is relatively fast to obtain, does not require a set minimum investment, and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate successfully.
Many French citizens prefer the E-2 visa because it combines business opportunity with lifestyle flexibility. It’s ideal for those who want to immigrate from France to the U.S. without giving up control of their business or committing to permanent residency from day one.
Benefits of the E-2 Visa for French Citizens
The E-2 visa offers a range of benefits for French investors, including:
- ✅ Live and Work in the U.S. while running your own business
- ✅ Spouses Can Work in any job (after applying for work authorization)
- ✅ Children Under 21 Can Study in the U.S.
- ✅ Unlimited Visa Renewals, as long as business conditions are met
- ✅ No Set Investment Minimum, though typically $100,000+ is expected
- ✅ Quick Processing Times compared to other U.S. visa types
With these benefits, the E-2 visa is an excellent option for French entrepreneurs ready to start a business in the U.S. or buy a U.S. business for immigration purposes.
E-2 Visa Requirements for French Nationals
To qualify for an E-2 visa as a French citizen, you must meet specific requirements:
- Be a French Passport Holder
- Invest a Substantial Amount (typically $100,000 or more) in a real, operating business
- Own at least 50% of the U.S. business or hold operational control
- Prove the Business is Not Marginal (must generate enough income to support you and ideally create U.S. jobs)
- Demonstrate Risk – your investment must be committed and at risk
- Intend to Depart the U.S. when your E-2 visa ends (though renewals are allowed)
What Types of Businesses Qualify for the E-2 Visa?
Many French investors ask: What kind of business can I buy to get an E-2 visa? The good news is that the E-2 visa supports a wide range of business types, as long as they are active and can support the investor and local jobs.
Popular businesses among French E-2 visa holders:
- French bakeries, cafes, or restaurants
- Fashion boutiques or design studios
- Digital marketing or tech startups
- Real estate services and vacation rental companies
- Import-export businesses
- E-commerce ventures
- Franchise businesses
You can either start a new business or buy an existing business in the U.S.. Working with a professional business broker like Truforte Business Group helps ensure the business meets E-2 visa requirements and fits your budget and goals.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the E-2 Visa from France
1. Find or Establish a Business
Determine whether you will start a new business or buy an existing one. If you’re looking to buy a U.S. business for an E-2 visa for immigrating from France to the U.S., a business brokerage like Truforte can help.
2. Make the Investment
Invest the required funds into the business and document all expenses.
3. Prepare the E-2 Application
Work with an immigration attorney to gather the necessary documents:
- DS-160 and DS-156E forms
- Proof of investment (bank statements, contracts, invoices)
- Business plan (5-year projection, job creation strategy)
- Business registration, licenses, and legal documents
4. Schedule Your Interview
Apply through the U.S. Embassy in Paris, where most French E-2 visa applicants are processed.
5. Attend Your Interview
Demonstrate that your business is real, active, and meets E-2 visa qualifications.
6. Receive Your Visa and Move to the U.S.
Once approved, you and your family can live in the U.S. and operate your business.
Why French Entrepreneurs Choose Florida
Florida is one of the most popular destinations for French E-2 visa holders, and it’s easy to see why:
- No state income tax
- A large, growing population
- Tourism and hospitality-driven economy
- Vibrant multicultural communities
- Easy access to Latin American and European markets
- Favorable climate for business and lifestyle
Truforte Business Group, based in Florida, has helped many French citizens buy businesses for the E-2 visa and successfully immigrate from France to the U.S. to live and work.
Work with Truforte Business Group: E-2 Visa Business Experts
Truforte Business Group specializes in helping international buyers—especially French nationals—find and purchase Florida businesses that qualify for the E-2 visa. Our team provides:
- Pre-screened businesses that meet E-2 investment requirements
- Bilingual assistance for French speakers
- Confidential guidance through the buying and immigration process
- Support from first consultation to visa approval and beyond
With decades of experience and a vast portfolio of Florida businesses for sale, we make it easier for French citizens to immigrate to the U.S. with an E-2 visa.
Start Your American Dream Today
If you’re a French investor or entrepreneur ready to take the next step, the E-2 visa is your gateway for immigrating from France to the U.S.. Whether you want to start a new venture or purchase a successful company, the opportunity is here.
Contact Truforte Business Group today to begin your journey toward immigrating from France to the U.S. with an E-2 visa.