USA Visa and Green Card for Entrepreneurs
- Application process and procedures
- Worldwide advice
- Advice from a U.S. attorney
Visa options for entrepreneurs
Are you an entrepreneur and would like to do business in the USA or even set up a company in the USA and emigrate? On this page we present the types of visas that are available for this purpose.
Business visa for the USA
If you do not wish to pursue paid or unpaid work in the USA, a B-1 visa (business visa) is sufficient.
With a business visa you can, for example, make investments, meet business partners, give lectures and attend scientific or business meetings and conferences. It is also suitable for traveling to the USA in connection with legal proceedings as well as for conducting independent research. A B-1 visa may also permit activities such as the installation and maintenance of equipment, machinery and systems purchased from a company outside the USA, as well as the training of U.S. employees to carry out such activities.
What you may not do under any circumstances, however, is work for a U.S. company! This applies regardless of whether you are paid for your work or not. The distinction can be difficult to make in individual cases.
Trade visa for the USA
For entrepreneurs who have maintained intensive trade relations with the USA for some time, the E-1 visa (trade visa) opens up many opportunities. Unlike most other visa types, E-1 visas can be extended indefinitely. An E-1 visa is only issued to self-employed persons or employees of U.S. companies who conduct the majority of their trade between the contracting country (e.g. Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and the USA to a certain or considerable extent (“substantial”).
Investor visa for the USA
- E-2 investor visa
For entrepreneurs who intend to invest in an existing company in the USA, buy one or set up a new company in order to work there themselves or send employees to the USA, the E-2 visa (investor visa) will often be the right choice. Depending on the circumstances, however, there are different points to consider.
More about the E-2 visa >
- EB-5 investor visa
The EB-5 visa is the ideal option for people who wish to obtain a U.S. green card through a passive investment in a so-called regional center. However, the number of EB-5 immigrant visas is limited.
More about the EB-5 visa >
IEPP as an alternative to the E-2 visa
The International Entrepreneur Parole Program (IEPP) also offers entrepreneurs the option of doing business in the USA for a limited period of time. However, entrepreneurs should be aware that the requirements for the IEPP are more complex and the application process more extensive than for the E-2 visa. Only if an E-2 visa is not an option do we recommend the IEPP as an alternative.
Branch, office or subsidiary in the USA
Entrepreneurs who want to gain a foothold in the U.S. market and would therefore like to set up a branch, a new office or a subsidiary of their company in the USA or send employees to an existing, group-affiliated company can qualify for an L-1 visa under certain conditions.
An L-1 visa is particularly suitable if the route to the USA via an e-visa is blocked because the relevant requirements cannot be met.
Visa through special skills of the applicant
For business representatives who are neither sent by a company that has invested in the USA, nor wish to invest in the USA or open a branch/subsidiary there, there is the possibility of working for a U.S. company with an O-1 visa if they can demonstrate exceptional ability in their field.
Our U.S. visa advice for entrepreneurs
It is not always easy to decide which visa is best suited to your project and it requires a closer look at your specific business goals. We can help you choose the right visa category and put everything you need in place so that you soon have your U.S. visa in your hands.
Contact us by e-mail (info@visum-usa.com) or by phone (+49 69 76 75 77 85 26).
Kari Foss-Persson
U.S. Attorney at Law (MN, USA) specialized in U.S. immigration and visa law
Over 10 years of experience in U.S. immigration law; Kari personally guides individuals and businesses through the entire visa process – in German and English.
More than visa:
Comprehensive counsel for your U.S. business activities
Obtaining the right visa is an essential prerequisite for a successful start in the United States. However, there are usually numerous other legal and tax matters that need to be addressed before you can move forward with your U.S. market entry.
For companies, these matters often include employment law issues (e.g., the assignment of employees to the United States), corporate law questions (Which type of U.S. legal entity is right for your business?), and tax planning. Our specialized attorneys and tax advisors will be happy to help you plan and implement your entire U.S. project from the outset in a legally sound and tax-efficient manner.
How we can help
Specialized in U.S. visas for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals – personalized guidance and professional handling
Our counsel
- U.S. visa advice from licensed U.S. attorneys at law
- Guidance throughout your application process – worldwide
- Employee assignments to the United States
- Specialized in advicing entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals
What you can expect
- Clear assessment of your chances of success
- Specific recommendations for your U.S. visa
- Efficient handling of your visa matter
- Prompt clarification of your individual situation
- Clarity on tax, corporate, and employment law
How we work
- Personalized consultations by phone or video conference
- Response within one business day to your inquiry
- Appointment with a U.S. attorney usually within 48 hours
- No obligation – no hidden fees
