Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Anda Malescu
As of April 23, 2024, citizens of Portugal can now apply for E2 visa and E1 visa for USA. If you are a Portuguese citizen interested in E2 visa or E1 visa for the United States, contact us to apply.
Portugal was designated an E1/E2 treaty country in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and signed into law by President Biden on December 23, 2022.
The legislation strengthens U.S.-Portugal relations and aims to increase trade and job-creating investments in the United States and Portugal. To that end, Portuguese citizens are eligible to apply for E2 visa and E1 visa for the United States. Below we discuss the E2 visa and E1 visa for Portuguese citizens, but to learn more about the general requirements, visit our E1 visa page and E2 visa page.
On December 15, 2022, U.S. Congress passed the NDAA which included the AMIGOS Act – the Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing Our Success Act – which gives Portuguese citizens the opportunity to invest in a US business and move to the United States through E2 visa or expand trade between Portugal and U.S. through E1 visa. President Biden signed the NDAA into law on December 23, 2022. Effective immediately, Portugal will be added to the list of E1 and E2 treaty countries which currently consists of about 90 countries that qualify for E1 visa, E2 visa or both.
E1 visa for Portuguese
The E1 visa for Portuguese nationals is for treaty traders, individuals or companies, who are nationals of Portugal and carry on substantial trade involving numerous transactions over time and conduct principal trade between the United States and Portugal. Generally, individuals and companies from Portugal engaged in import/export of goods or services with the United States can qualify for E1 visa. To learn more, visit our E1 visa page.
E2 visa for Portuguese
The E2 visa for Portuguese nationals is for investors, individuals or companies who are nationals of Portugal and make a substantial investment in a US business.
To qualify for E2 visa, Portuguese investors can start a new business in the United States and invest in a startup, purchase an existing US business in whole or in part or invest in a franchise. They must also enter the United States to develop and direct the US enterprise.
There is no minimum investment amount required for E2 visa, but generally $100,000 investment can qualify for E2 visa. However, it is possible to obtain the E2 visa with lower investment amounts of around $50,000. You can also bring your employees on E2 employee visa. To learn more about the E2 visa requirements, visit our What are the E2 visa requirements.
Malescu Law can assist
Our experienced immigration lawyers in Miami, Florida USA can help you determine if the E1 visa or E2 visa is right for you.
Our best E1/E2 visa lawyers can advise Portuguese citizens on doing business in the United States, structuring the investment or trade, collecting and presenting the required documents, preparing the visa applications, forms and E1/E2 business plan and coaching applicants for the E1/E2 visa interview.
We serve clients worldwide and across the United States in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Contact us or schedule a consultation.
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