E2 & L1 Visa Businesses for Sale
The United States remains a land of opportunity and the world’s largest economy. People from around the globe aspire to immigrate to the US because of the limitless opportunities for individuals and families.
One of the most straightforward ways to move permanently to the US is by obtaining an investor visa. There are two main types of investor visas: E2 visas and L1 visas.
The E2 Visa
The E2 visa is the simplest and most popular of the two options. A minimum investment is required, which varies by country of origin but is no less than $100,000 US dollars for British and Canadian nationals. For some other countries, the required investment can reach $500,000 US.
The L1 Visa
The L1 visa is available to business owners in other countries who wish to also operate in the US. A designated representative of the business buyer can apply for an L1 visa through an inter-company transfer, leading to “permanent resident” status in the US, which can be upgraded to a green card within two to three years.
E2 and L1 visas are relatively easy to obtain if you follow the standard procedures and stay informed about the requirements. Denis Berger, a seasoned Miami Business Broker and professional intermediary, can guide you through all the steps and help you make critical decisions about where to live and what types of businesses thrive in specific areas.
Finding businesses that qualify for L1 visas can be challenging; a visa-qualifying business must have good tax returns and properly documented employees. These businesses are also in demand by resident Americans, so having a strategy for negotiating with local business sellers is essential.
Summary of US Business Visas
B1 Visa
- Short-term business visa.
- Length: Temporary, up to 6 months.
- Limitations: Can negotiate but cannot sign contracts or perform work for hire.
B2 Visa
- Short-term tourist visa.
- Length: Temporary, up to 6 months.
- Limitations: Can negotiate but cannot sign contracts.
E-1 Visa
- Treaty trader visa for setting up a business that trades with the visa-holder’s home country.
- Length: Temporary, renewable until the business is no longer in operation.
- Limitations: Valid only while the business operates. Children under 21 cannot work and lose their status at 21.
E-2 Visa
- Treaty investor visa for starting a business in the US.
- Length: Temporary, renewable until the business is no longer in operation.
- Limitations: Valid only while the business operates. Children under 21 cannot work and lose their status at 21.
EB-5 Visa
- Investor green card program requiring an investment of $500,000 to $1 million, creating at least 10 US jobs within 2 years.
- Length: Leads to permanent residence after a probation period.
L-1 Visa
- Intercompany transfer visa allowing transfers from a foreign company to a US company.
- Length: One year, extendable up to 3 years.
- Limitations: Employee must have worked for the foreign, related company for more than one year in the last 3 years.
H-1B Visa
- Specialized labor visa.
- Length: Three years, extendable.
- Limitations: Annual quota restricts the number of visas available. Cannot be used for self-employment.
O-1 Visa
- Extraordinary ability visa.
- Length: Up to three years, extendable.
- Limitations: Must document extraordinary ability.
TN Visa
- NAFTA temporary work visa.
- Length: Up to three years, extendable.
- Limitations: Cannot be used for self-employment.