E-2 visa for Russians: why it's refused and what to do
The E-2 investor visa goes only to nationals of US treaty countries, and Russia isn't one. Which countries are, how a second citizenship helps, what to invest.
- The E-2 goes only to nationals of countries with a treaty of commerce and investment. Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are not on the list.
- Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey are on the list.
- There is no minimum amount: the consul compares the investment with the cost of the business, and the cheaper the business, the larger the share you put in yourself.
- Pactors will find you an expert free of charge to check whether your second citizenship qualifies.
The E-2 investor visa is often called the easiest way to move to the US with a business. For a Russian national this route is closed: Russia is not on the list of countries whose nationals can get it.
Why Russians don't get the E-2
The E-2 is issued under treaties of commerce and investment. The State Department keeps the list in its Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.9-10), edition of 17 February 2026. A Russian passport cannot get an E-2, and neither can a Belarusian, Uzbek or Tajik one.
Which countries have a treaty
| Region | Countries on the list |
|---|---|
| CIS and neighbours | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Ukraine |
| Middle East | Turkey, Israel (since 2019) |
| Europe | Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Portugal (since 2024) and others |
| Caribbean and Latin America | Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and others |
If you hold a second citizenship of one of these countries, the E-2 is issued on it. You apply at an embassy in your country of citizenship or residence: the State Department has required this since 6 September 2025.
Dual citizenship
An E-2 company can have only one “nationality”. An owner with two qualifying citizenships chooses one, and every company employee on an E visa must hold that same nationality. Nationals of the treaty country must own at least 50% of the company.
How much you need to invest
There is no fixed amount. The consul applies a proportionality test, comparing the money invested with the cost of the business. The cheaper the business, the larger the share of its cost you have to pay yourself.
The money must be at risk, that is, invested in a business that could lose it. The business must not be “marginal”: within five years it must earn more than a minimal living for the family or make a significant economic contribution. For a new business the consul expects a five-year financial projection with a business plan.
What it costs
The consular fee for an E visa is $315. If you are already in the US and change status through USCIS, the I-129 petition for an E-2 costs $1,015 on paper or $965 online plus the $600 asylum programme fee. More on the requirements on the E-2 visa page.
Common questions
Can I get an E-2 through citizenship by investment?
How large must the treaty nationals' share be?
Sources
- 9 FAM 402.9 — E visas and the list of treaty countries
- 22 CFR 22.1 — consular fees
- USCIS — fee schedule G-1055 (edition of 09/09/2026)
- U.S. Embassy in Russia — nonimmigrant visas
Links checked on 27 September 2026
