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 U.S. business and enter the U.S. to develop and direct the U.S. enterprise. 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. 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. To learn more, visit our E2 visa page.
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 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.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers