Investor Visas Available for Israel Citizens

On May 1, 2019 a treaty investor agreement between the United States and Israel became effective, giving Israeli citizens the ability to apply for an E-2 investor visa. The E-2 visa allows citizens of 81 countries to come to the U.S. if they are investing substantial capital to start-up or purchase a U.S. business. Israel has 1 start-up company for every 1,400 people—the most per capita in the world—making this development significant to both the U.S. and Israeli economies.

The amount of capital needed for an investor visa varies depending on the type of business. The key requirement is that it must be substantial in relation to the total value of the business. Israeli start-ups are mostly in the high-tech sector, where, for example, an investment of $75,000 may be enough if starting a computer security consulting firm. Employees of such start-ups can also receive visas, as well as their spouses and children.

An investor or one of their employees may apply for E-2 status while in the U.S. (for example, on a student visa), or get a visa while in Israel. In either case, a carefully prepared and fully documented application is needed to convince immigration authorities of the viability of the business.

Contact attorney Iosif Sorokin at 651-312-6500 or email him if you have any questions about the information above. This alert is for informational purposes only