Do you already hold Italian citizenship and wonder if this could open the door to a life in the United States?

The answer is: yes, and we're going to explore how that European passport can be a stepping stone to realizing your American dream.

The Power of Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship is valuable for many reasons, one of which is privileged access to different countries and international opportunities. When it comes to the United States, being an Italian citizen can offer significant advantages in the immigration process.

If you want to visit the United States before deciding whether or not to live in the country, the Italian passport already gives you an advantage: with it you don't need a visa to visit the US for up to 90 days.

E-2 Visas for Entrepreneurs

Italian citizenship allows you to access the E-2 visa category, intended for entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the United States. The E-2 visa category requires the applicant to be a citizen of a country with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation, and Italy is on this list. Other countries that are also on this list are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 

Eligibility requirements for the E-2 visa

To qualify for an E-2 visa, a person must:

• Be a national of a country with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation.

• Have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide American company.

• Be in American territory to manage and develop this business. This is proven by demonstrating at least 50% ownership of the company, or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.

Is the E-2 visa for permanent residence?

No. Although it is not a permanent residence visa, the E-2 visa gives owners and employers initial residence for two years. But this visa can be renewed indefinitely, and guarantees a long-term stay for the holder, if the business continues to operate in American territory.

What are the advantages of the E-2 visa?

The advantages of the E-2 visa over the EB-5 (investor visa) are mainly financial: while the EB-5 visa requires an investment of over 900,000 dollars, the E-2 visa allows an investment of at least 100,000 dollars on American territory. It's a substantial difference, which can drastically reduce the amount needed for someone to be able to live and work in the United States on an American visa.

Which type of visa is right for me?

Each person and their family has different characteristics and situations, which lead to different visions. 

This is why consulting an immigration specialist is crucial to understanding all the options available and ensuring that you follow the path that best suits your circumstances. 

We must also take into account the fiscal and tax situation of each family so that any transfer of assets to America is smooth and trouble-free. 

How do I know if I'm eligible for an E-2 visa?

Want to know if you're eligible for an E-2 visa, and which visa category is best for you and your family?

Fill in our form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.